by Ranjit Desai
Niloji said, ‘I found out that you are here at the base of the fort, and I have come to invite you to the fort for Diwali. I request that you bless us with your presence at the fort.’
‘Why not? But I cannot come alone during these festival days. I have these men with me.’
‘Your men are my guests too. Please do not hesitate to invite them,’ Niloji said.
Shivaji accepted the invitation. He had a hundred and fifty soldiers along with him, all dependable and strong. Shivaji observed the terrain carefully as they climbed up the hill. The fort was strong and sturdy and the walls were thick and formidable. As they entered the gate, a magnificent palace came into view. The inner fort was surrounded by mountains on three sides and was an impressive structure. Shivaji noticed cannons placed at each gate but he also saw that the number of soldiers were proportionately lesser than expected.
During the feast in the night, Niloji asked Raje hesitatingly, ‘Raje, would you like a little wine? It is a festival day after all …’
‘Niloji, I don’t mean to insult you by refusing but I don’t have such habits. I am fine with a little sherbet.’
Niloji was enjoying his wine and Pilaji and Sankraji sat looking expectantly at Shivaji. A little drunk by then, Niloji said, ‘Raje, you have captured many forts but have you seen one like Purandar?’
‘I haven’t seen one so formidable and strong. But I can help you if you need me.’
‘No, Raje. Let us keep politics and friendship apart. I am a loyal servant of Adil Shah. I don’t want to spoil that relationship.’
Shivaji laughed. ‘I won’t insist but won’t you at least allow shelter to your own family members?’
‘Raje, there is no question of distribution of wealth. I am the eldest; and hence, I am the owner. My brothers can stay here if they want. Else, they can go to hell.’
‘Wait a moment!’ Shivaji intervened. ‘It is a festival day. Let us not get bitter today.’
The argument ended for the time being. Shivaji stayed back at the fort that night and met Pilaji as he was inspecting the fort the next day. Pilaji seemed disappointed and asked, ‘Raje, what next?’
‘You heard him. I don’t think Nilojirao will do anything for you.’
‘Raje, if you too believe …’
‘Pilaji, there is only one way out. If you are ready, then capture Niloji tonight. My men are there to support you. Think about it and then let me know.’
Pilaji agreed instantly.
That night, Nilojirao was totally drunk as he went to his quarters, his steps unsteady. Shivaji retired to his room while Pilaji and Sankraji, with Shivaji’s men in tow, captured the drunk and sleepy Niloji without any resistance. Shivaji woke up in the morning to find Niloji tied to a pole. He was fuming and shouted, ‘Raje, this is treachery. You have taken advantage of our friendship!’
‘You are mistaken, Niloji. I have not been disloyal. Had you been fair, your brothers would not have arrested you. Pilaji, please ensure that Niloji is kept under guard. We shall decide the next steps later.’
Pilaji and Sankraji were ecstatic. The next day, Shivaji called for Pilaji and Sankraji. ‘I would like you both to come to my palace for the auspicious day of Gudi Padwa, the New Year. We shall return tomorrow morning.’
‘As you wish.’
That evening, Shivaji returned to the Shivapur Palace with Pilaji and Sankraji. The advance party had already reached and Jijabai was waiting for Raje. They had a relaxed meal chatting away. Pilaji and Sankraji slept soundly and Raje returned to his quarters.
The next day Shivaji moved towards Purandar along with Pilaji and Sankraji. There was a nip in the air and the path shone with the morning dew on the grass reflecting the sun. Purandar could be seen through the fine mist which hung in the air, and a light fog covered parts of the mountains. Shivaji dismounted at the first post and walked along with Pilaji and Sankraji, chatting merrily. The main door came into view and Pilaji and Sankraji were astonished to find the Adil Shahi flag missing. Instead of the moon and stars flag, a huge saffron flag fluttered in the air. The brothers were dumbfounded. As Murarji saluted, Shivaji asked, ‘Is everything under control?’
‘Yes,’ said Murarji.
‘Shabbash! And where is Yesaji?’
‘He is guarding the explosives store.’
‘Let us go.’
‘Raje, what is happening?’ shouted Sankraji.
‘Why? Are you surprised? The main gate has my flag, the guards are mine. Hence, the fort too must be mine!’
‘This is treachery!’ screamed Pilaji.
‘No, Pilaji. The treachery was committed by you two towards Niloji. I am just playing politics. You are getting confused between friendship and politics.’
He clapped once and a few guards came running. Raje shouted, pointing at Pilaji and Sankraji, ‘Arrest them!’
Shivaji looked at them with pity as they were led away. He inspected the fort thoroughly and ensured that it was well protected. The explosive store was full and there were a lot of cannons, rifles and weapons. It had been a great gift on Gudi Padwa!
In the afternoon, Shivaji met the three brothers together. He told Niloji, ‘I hope you three will now live together in peace.’
‘That is not possible now,’ shouted Niloji.
Raje looked at Yesaji and said, ‘Throw them in a room together. If they don’t come to an agreement by evening, then the fort has already been lost and they will lose their incomes too.’
Balaji arrived within an hour and said, ‘They will agree to whatever you say.’
The three brothers were assembled again in front of Shivaji.
‘Niloji, don’t be afraid. I’m sure you have now realized the dangers of a family fight. Had it been a Muslim in place of me, he would already have beheaded all of you. We will ensure that you don’t lose your income and revenue shares—be happy with that. I shall keep the fort and you will manage your respective territories at the base of the fort. If you work with integrity, I shall ensure that you are protected.’
The three brothers took their oaths to Raje and he ensured that their revenue share was agreed upon and he departed to meet Maa saheb who had come to the fort with Saibai. Shivaji took Maa saheb on a tour of the fort. Saibai had not seen such a fort before and was impressed. Maa saheb walked around accompanied by Netaji and Tanaji. Saibai went a little closer to the edge and Shivaji came forward to warn her, ‘Don’t go so close to the edge.’
The wind blew hard, ruffling Sai’s hair. ‘I am so happy. I feel like …’
‘What?’
‘I feel like riding a horse and inspecting the fort. Riding with you …’
‘What would people say?’
‘What will they say? After all, you held my hand in front of everyone when you took your marriage vows. If we ride a horse together, is it that scandalous?’
‘That was a different matter.’
‘Why?’
‘I was young then.’
Saibai was silent and grumpy. Shivaji smiled and at that moment Maa saheb arrived. It was yet time for the sun to set. Maa saheb sat on the parapet and said, ‘Raje, my legs are feeling tired.’
‘Then shall I order a palanquin?’
‘No need for a palanquin … Yesaji, why don’t you get a horse? I too feel like riding a horse today.’
Shivaji’s face flushed with embarrassment and Saibai blushed. He realized that the wind had carried their conversation to Maa saheb. The horses arrived and the group went around the fort followed by Tanaji, Yesaji, Netaji and the others.
As they toured, Saibai said, ‘May I ask something? Why can’t we stay here at the fort instead of staying at Pune or Shivapur?’
‘Are you sure you would like it here? It is not easy in the rainy season.’
‘I am quite sure.’
‘Sai, our thoughts match so much. I too was thinking of the same thing when I came here,’ Jijabai said.
Everyone returned to the palace in the evening and Shivaji sat nea
r Maa saheb and asked, ‘Maa saheb, did you like the fort?’
‘It is very beautiful! Raje, likewise you should be taking some interest in your familial life too.’
‘Why, have I neglected something?’ Shivaji asked, a little surprised.
Jijabai glanced towards Saibai and smiled. ‘She is pregnant. Should you not enquire about her needs?’
Shivaji looked at Saibai in surprise and she blushed and ran from the room. Shivaji came to his senses hearing Jijabai laugh and his face was flushed. He changed the topic saying, ‘Will you step outside for a moment?’
Jijabai got up and stepped into the courtyard. Shivaji indicated to Yesaji, who brought a tray to Maa saheb. It had a shawl and a sword. Maa saheb looked questioningly when Shivaji said, ‘Maa saheb, I have captured Purandar, and with Chakan I will get the twelve Mavals under my control. If I did not have the support of men like Netaji, Yesaji, Tanaji and the others, I would never have been able to fulfil this dream. Netaji …’
Netaji came forward and bent in mujra.
‘Maa saheb, I would like to honour Netaji as the fort-keeper of this fort and I want you to bestow the honour on Netaji. I value his dedication and sincerity greatly.’
Maa saheb presented the traditional shawl and sword to Netaji, who was overwhelmed with emotions.
Maa saheb said, ‘Netaji, it is very difficult to win Raje’s trust, and I hope you safeguard it with your life.’
Shivaji said, ‘Netaji, make the fort strong. I feel we should all live in Purandar, so have a mini-palace built on the other side.’
‘Raje!’ Maa saheb exclaimed.
‘Maa saheb, we are everywhere—we now have Rohideshwar, Torna, Kondana and Purandar. Staying in the plains is not safe. I am not sure when Adil Shah may march on us. It is better and safer to stay at a place like this.’
Everyone agreed with Raje’s view and they all left the next day and moved towards Pune.
Now the only thing he had in mind was Chakan!
#
Shivaji sat in the royal hall at Purandar while Tanaji and his other sardars waited for instructions. He asked, ‘Tanaji, we have three thousand cavalry and five thousand foot soldiers. But to take care of the entire region and the forts, this is not sufficient. We need more cavalry.’
‘We are increasing the numbers slowly,’ Tanaji said.
‘Slowly is not good enough. The leader who does not have enough horsemen cannot defend his land.’ Changing the topic suddenly, he said, ‘Tanaji we shall depart tomorrow. Yesaji, Baji, Chimnaji, Balaji and the others will also accompany us.’
‘How many soldiers will you need with you?’ Yesaji asked.
‘Two or three hundred.’
‘Are we going to Rohideshwar?’ asked Chimnaji.
‘We shall go wherever Jagdamba asks us to go,’ Shivaji replied. The sardars knew by now that Raje would not share all the information till they reached the destination.
Shivaji took the road leading to Chakan the next morning. Yesaji and Tanaji were surprised and were unable to understand his mind but they dared not ask till they reached Chakan, galloping all the way. Nobody expected Shivaji to reach the fort with such a small number of men. The fort havaldar could not believe his eyes and was in a dilemma whether he should allow Shivaji to enter or not. The door was open but Shivaji did not enter. He dismounted at the gate and as the havaldar came running out, he said, ‘Send a message to Firangoji that I am here’.
‘Yes, sir,’ the havaldar said and returned with the message that Raje was invited inside.
Firangoji Narsala was confused on hearing that Shivaji had come to see him. Why has he come here? What if Adil Shah finds out about this meeting?
He heard the hood beats and looked out of the window to see Shivaji arriving on a beautiful white horse. The saddle, adorned with a red silk cloth, looked brilliant against the white horse. Shivaji was wearing an embroidered turban and a pearl necklace swayed gently on his chest. The soft beard added to his majesty. Firangoji adjusted his turban and went hurriedly down the steps.
Firangoji folded his hands in namaskar and Shivaij returned his greetings. Firangoji led them into the inner courtyard. He looked back to see the courtyard filling with Shivaji’s horsemen. He was restless and not sure what he should say. Shivaji said, ‘Balaji, it looks like Firangoji does not like our arrival here.’
Firangoji said, ‘No, it is just that …’
‘What?’
‘I wonder what made you grace our household today.’ He swallowed nervously and continued, ‘Raje, what is on your mind?’
Firangoji was middle-aged and powerfully built. The edges of his bushy moustaches were sharp and pointed and his face had a glow. He did not seem scared. Shivaji answered in a casual tone, ‘I came to meet you.’
‘That is not true. What is your real purpose, Raje? I may live in Chakan but I have my eyes and ears on the Maval and know that you have already taken charge of Torna and Purandar, and I also know how you managed to get them. Raje, let me make it clear—I will not tolerate any such things here.’
Shivaji whispered something to Tanaji and Yesaji and they left the room and Balaji and Chimnaji continued to sit. Firangoji looked outside and saw the horsemen moving out. He was surprised and looked at Raje askance. Shivaji smiled, stretching himself to relax.
Firangoji asked, ‘Where have your men gone?’
‘Outside. They had come in without your permission. I asked them to leave.’
There was a thud and Firangoji rushed to the window to see the door to the fort being closed. Firangoji asked, ‘Who ordered the door to be shut?’
‘I did. Now there are just three of us inside the fort. We cannot leave the fort without your permission, Firangoji.’
Firangoji was now completely at a loss. He knew he was safe; and yet, he was uncertain of Shivaji’s real motive. He asked, ‘Raje, tell me the truth. Tell me what you want.’
‘I want to create a Swaraj.’
‘What purpose will creating the Swaraj serve?’
‘To establish my kingdom here. It is the Lord’s wish as well.’
‘Is it true that you found a lot of treasure at the Purandar Fort?’
‘Yes. Firangoji, what is your religion?’
He was a little taken aback and said, ‘I am a Hindu!’
‘Are your temples safe? Is your god safe?’
‘Raje!’ Firangoji exclaimed, a little irritated now.
‘Why don’t you convert and become a Muslim instead? If you send one of your daughters to the royal palace, you may even be made a Subedar.’
‘Raje, be careful of what you speak. Did Shahaji Raje become Muslim?’
‘No,’ said Raje, unperturbed. ‘And that is why he had to suffer so much. He had no choice but to be arrested. Murar Jagdev’s legs and hands were broken, but not of the Mughal sardars. Do you know why Amin complains against you in the Mughal court? Do you want to know what your fault is? I will tell you—there is only one fault—that you are a Hindu but the emperor is a Muslim.’
‘Do you understand their strength, their might?’
‘Huh!’ exclaimed Shivaji, ‘Firangoji, where did these Mughals come from? Babar, thrown out of his own country, made himself an emperor here. On whose support did he become one? Was it not people like you and me? If foreigners can do this here, can we not do it for ourselves?’
‘Yes, but don’t you think elder Maharaj saheb would be punished in this process?’
‘He is aware of the consequences or he would not have asked me to go ahead.’
Firangoji was silent.
‘Firangoji, I can be quite content managing my jagir here. But I am not here to sit quiet. I want a kingdom where each religion can be happy; where women and children can roam freely without any fear; where the poor do not feel orphaned. I want to create one such kingdom or there is no point in living—I would rather be dead. Anyone who wishes to join me should be prepared to sacrifice his family for the sake of building the nation.’
‘Enough of this! Let us go.’
‘Where to?’
‘No point in breaking our heads over this. Let us go to Pune. If your mother gives her consent, I shall do whatever you say.’
Shivaji Raje could not contain his happiness. He got up and hugged Firangoji without saying a word. They prepared to return to Pune. The fort gate was opened and while leaving, Firangoji indicated to the guards by pointing at the havaldar, ‘Arrest him. I shall deal with him when I return.’
The order was executed immediately. Shivaji asked, ‘Why are you taking out your anger on that poor soul?’
‘Raje, this fort is under my command. How can I tolerate a fellow who falls prey to guile and allows people to come in?’
Raje smiled and kept quiet.
On reaching Pune, Firangoji met Jijabai. She said, ‘We have been waiting a long time for you to come. Without you, this kingdom is incomplete.’
Firangoji was taken aback at her direct speech and asked, ‘Rani saheb, does that mean you are in agreement with Raje?’
‘Do you think a child can go ahead without his mother’s permission?’
‘My doubts are cleared. Raje, Chakan is yours. You may hand it over to whomever you think fit. I have no objection.’
‘Firangoji, we didn’t want the fort. We wanted you. It is only a man like you who can manage a fort like Chakan. Take our royal insignia and a few soldiers when you return. You are now the fort-keeper entitled to the pride of Swaraj. The fort shall remain under your command as before.’
Firangoji returned to Chakan after taking Jijabai’s blessings. Soon, the saffron flag fluttered over Chakan as well.
#
A few days later, as Shivaji was busy looking at a report on the status of the repairs at the Purandar Fort, Shamrao Nilkanth came to say, ‘Baji Pasalkar has come.’
‘Baji?’ Raje got up wondering why Baji had come in suddenly. He came at the door to see Baji standing there. ‘Baji, please sit,’ Raje said.
Baji kept standing, his face creased with anxiety and he did not wear his usual smile. He said, ‘I wanted to pay my regards to Maa saheb.’
As soon they entered her chamber, Jijabai asked, ‘Baji, what is the matter?’
