by Ranjit Desai
As Shivaji and Maa saheb walked towards the camp, Jijabai said, ‘I understand now—this trip was all about meeting Bajaji, wasn’t it?’
Raje merely smiled in response.
#
That evening, a meeting was held in Shivaji’s tent. Those assembled were the key sardars and some important Brahmins. Shivaji said, ‘My brother-in-law Bajaji Nimbalkar has been forcibly converted to Islam. I want us to take him back into the Hindu fold. Please suggest how we can do that and we shall meet tomorrow morning to decide the next steps.’
The Brahmins murmured among themselves while the sardars were dumbstruck. They did not know of a single case where a convert had been reconverted back to Hinduism.
The next morning, Shivaji finished his morning rituals and puja and took his seat on a high platform in his tent. The whole assembly had gathered and the Brahmins stood on the right and the sardars on the left. He saw Maa saheb entering the tent and got up. Everyone followed suit and bent in mujra. The assembly was silent as they waited for Raje to speak.
‘I am eager to hear the recourse the learned men have thought of based on our discussion last evening.’
The main pandit stepped forward. He said, ‘While it is not impossible to take him back into the Hindu fold, to do so would be against tradition. We are not in favour of doing things against tradition and this is our unanimous opinion.’
Everyone was visibly disturbed with the clear opinion placed forth by the Brahmins. Jijabai’s face fell but Shivaji seemed unperturbed. He continued to wear his usual smile and said, ‘I expected this answer from you.’
The pandits were happy because they felt that Raje had accepted their decision. But to their surprise, Shivaji said, realizing that they had not got his sarcasm, ‘I am not against religious decisions but the time has come to give up your unreligious thoughts—this is my request.’
A senior pandit asked, ‘Unreligious thoughts? Ours? What are you hinting at, Maharaj?’
‘I am not saying you are not religious but your thoughts are. I do not like to meddle in religious matters but I understand that with changing times, religion needs to adapt. Today, thousands are being converted to the Muslim religion by force. All the Muslims have to do is throw a piece of meat in a village well for the entire village to be polluted, forcing them to turn Muslims. Our country is slowly being swallowed by these Muslims while the Hindu religion has a one-way policy. One can leave easily but can never come back. I don’t understand the logic. If we continue this way, soon there will only be a few Hindus left.’
A senior pandit got up and said, ‘Maharaj, this is not politics that you can change sides at whim.’
‘Then you better learn to change sides,’ Shivaji’s voice, tinged with anger, cut across the crowd. ‘Religion has been made rigid by people like you. Even Gyaneshwar said, “Let the ignorant lose their ignorance and become learned. Let one take whatever path he or she chooses as long as it leads to the Lord.” But Gyaneshwar was a sanyasi and did not have a place among religious leaders. When Eknath spoke of universal brotherhood, he was shunned by all and tortured all his life. But when he died, people built temples in his name. If a religion creates discord and takes people away from it, what kind of religion is it?’
‘Raje, we have given you our unanimous opinion. Please remember that the king is not above religion and we believe that you are insulting the religion here.’
Shivaji said, ‘Shastribua, I am forced to speak up. Knowledge is not wisdom and our religion is like a blind elephant. Rather than allowing people to flourish, it is crushing people under foot. I want you to consider this carefully. When our Hindu religion was being challenged and temples were being broken down, why didn’t any one of you come forward to protect the temples? Where were you then?’
‘It is not wise to fight against the might of the enemy,’ one of the pandits replied.
‘Isn’t it shameful for you to admit this so candidly? When pandits from Kashi sat down with Emperor Akbar and created the Din-i Ilahi, was there any uproar? You can happily take a coin from a Muslim, wash it and use it. But you cannot take a person back? Isn’t it ironical that the Ganga, which is supposed to wash away sins of your past, cannot wash away the crime of a convert? What kind of religion are we talking about? Shastribua, are we not going wrong somewhere?’
‘What if we are not in agreement with you?’
‘Then I would have recourse to humanity. If religion fails, the king has to look to humanity to take care of his people.’
‘Are you suggesting that you would force this matter?’
‘Yes, if need be. I believe that a religion which has forgotten basic humanity is not worth being considered a religion at all. I am bound by my dharma, which is far bigger than religious dharma. I cannot desert my subjects.’
The pandits looked at each other in astonishment.
Jijabai was wondering how to intervene when one of the pandits stepped forward and said, ‘Raje, if Bajaji is willing to perform prayaschitta, an atonement for his sins, he can be taken back into the Hindu fold.’
‘I am sure he will be willing to atone for his sins. He has never denied that,’ Shivaji said with a deep sigh. ‘You are all learned pandits and it is your right to suggest the appropriate way forward. Religion should be like a flowing stream. It should be capable of washing away the sins of society. It does not take time for people to forget religion. Our flag was apparently created by Lord Indra himself and the same saffron flag was carried forward by Gyandev and Eknath. It represents humanity and we need to ensure that we live up to its meaning. You need to confront this dilemma!’
Shivaji had won the argument. The pandits were busy discussing among themselves. The sardars were clearly happy while Jijabai could not hold back her tears. The main pandit stepped forward and said, ‘Maharaj, we are ready to convert Bajaji back to Hinduism.’
Everyone sighed with relief. Shivaji said, ‘Shastribua, I will always be grateful to you for your support in this endeavour. There will be many unfortunate souls like Bajaji who may come to you for your help. Please show them the right path. There is no religion without compassion. In fact, without compassion there is no humanity.’
The process of purifying Bajaji started in earnest. Pandits and religious scholars from nearby villages were invited and Bajaji completed his prayaschitta. He was finally relieved of his sins. After the traditional yagna, havan and other rituals, Bajaji was welcomed back into the fold.
Jijabai returned to Pune with eager steps. Shivaji entered Pune along with Bajaji Nimbalkar. The royal palanquin followed them.
As he entered his quarters, Shivaji, on seeing Saibai, said, ‘Did I not tell you that I would bring you a precious gift? Come and see!’ Looking towards the door, he shouted, ‘Bajaji, come inside.’
Bajaji stepped into the room. Saibai could not believe her eyes and rushed to hug her brother. Both of them had tears of joy in their eyes.
Shivaji said, ‘Bajaji, now don’t go about wandering in the forest, forgetting your own people. And Sai, this Bajaji is not going to be satisfied with just love. He has been tortured for the past four days with all kinds of penance. Now go and feed him properly.’
The feast that evening had a different flavour altogether. The seating arrangement was as per protocol and Raje, Bajaji, Mahadji and Netaji sat in one line while on the other side sat the Brahmins including Balaji, Chimnaji and others. The food served was similar yet different to suit particular Brahminical customs. Jijabai supervised the entire proceedings and ensured that everyone was well fed.
Raje returned late in the night to his quarters to find Saibai sitting on the carpet, waiting for him.
‘Why haven’t you slept yet?’ he asked.
She did not say a word but came and sat next to him. She suddenly bent down and put her head at his feet. Raje moved back and asked, confused, ‘What is this, Saibai?’
She looked at him with tear-filled eyes and said, ‘No one has ever given me such a precious gift. I
am truly blessed.’
Raje could not reply but just hugged her affectionately while Saibai continued to cry unabashedly. He patted her back gently and then pushing her away to look at her face said, ‘I cannot understand you women at all. You cry when you are sad and also when you are happy. It is beyond my understanding!’
Saibai could not hide her smile despite her tears. Raje looked at her while a contented smile played on his lips.
#
It was one winter morning when Shivaji, having just returned from Purandar, was informed about the arrival of Kanhoji and Dadaji Naras Prabhu.
As soon as he met Shivaji, Kanhoji said, ‘Raje, we have received orders from Afzal Khan to ask the chief of the Jawali region to surrender or else I have been ordered to capture it.’
‘Why this sudden rush?’
‘Raje, you nominated the young Yeshwantrao More to manage the region. Quite obviously, Adil Ahah does not like that because it undermines his role in what is principally his territory.’
‘So what are you supposed to do?’
‘Afzal Khan was given the job by Adil Shah and that Afzal Khan is a clever fox! He is scared of entering the dense jungles. I am, after all, in his employment and an easy target for this responsibility.’
‘So you have been asked to march over and capture the region?’
‘Those are the orders, and one cannot take chances with Khan.’
‘Yes, I am aware. I have not forgotten his audacity at putting Maharaj behind bars.’
‘Raje, I will buy time with Khan. But you need to find a way to take charge before Chandrarao takes Khan’s side.’
‘Jawali is not an easy target. It is situated in labyrinthine wilderness and Adil Shah’s army has suffered badly there at our hands.’
‘My troops know the region very well. Raje, you nominated that Yeshwant More as Chandrarao but now he has become too big for his shoes.’
‘Let us first try to use reconciliatory means. If that does not work, we will march on him.’
After Kanhoji left, Shivaji sent his spies to Jawali and they sent back news of the atrocities being committed by More’s sardars. Shivaji, in the meanwhile, focused on the work at Purandar.
#
Six months had passed since Bajaji had been taken back into the Hindu fold, when he came visiting Shivaji. He had been, in the meanwhile, busy arranging a suitable match for his son Mahadji. Bajaji had been to Junnar to meet a prospective bride and had decided to pay a visit to Raje on his return.
‘Come in, Bajaji,’ Shivaji said. ‘I believe you went to meet a prospective bride?’
‘Yes.’
‘So have you fixed the marriage?
‘No.’
‘Why, did you not like the girl?’
‘We did, but the girl’s family has refused.’
Shivaji turned serious. ‘And what is the reason for their refusal?’
Bajaji kept looking at the floor and tears flowed down his cheeks. Shivaji got up and placing his hand on Bajaji’s shoulders said, ‘Bajaji, are you upset over someone refusing his daughter for your son? Wipe your tears now. I am sure we will find better brides for your Mahadji.’
Bajaji said, wiping his tears, ‘Raje, it is not as easy as you think. You may have taken me back into the Hindu fold but no one else is willing to take the risk.’
Shivaji was quiet, not knowing how to react. At that moment, Sakhubai came running in shouting ‘Aba saheb!’ She was wearing a green skirt and a matching green blouse. She stopped abruptly on seeing Bajaji inside. Shivaji smiled and said, ‘Oh, is our Sakhu feeling shy? Come and touch Nimbalkar mama’s feet.’
Sakhu came in and touched his feet. She hugged Raje and said, ‘Aba saheb! I want a doll.’
‘You are not going to get a doll now.’
Sakhu hid her face in her palms. Looking into her eyes, Raje lifted her chin and said, ‘You now need a partner and not a doll. Bajaji, would you take her as your daughter-in-law?’
Bajaji was astonished at the sudden proposal and exclaimed, wide-eyed, ‘Maharaj!’
‘I am asking you in all seriousness. Would she suit you as your daughter-in-law?’
Bajaji trembled and could not hold back his tears. He rushed forward and fell at Shivaji’s feet.
Shivaji hugged him saying, ‘Bajaji, you are my daughter’s father-in-law. You cannot touch my feet!’
Sakhubai ran away, her face flushed with embarrassment.
Bajaji said, wiping his tears, ‘Raje, you are truly large-hearted.’
‘Bajaji, while going down, ask your sister to come up here.’
Saibai came in a little later and asked, ‘You called for me?’
‘I needed your opinion on something important.’
‘Which campaign are you planning to go on now?’
‘What more important work can be there for a father of a daughter than her marriage?’
‘Whose marriage?’
‘Our Sakhu’s. I have found a suitable match; very rarely does one get such.’
‘Oh, is that so? Then let us go ahead and fix up the marriage.’
‘Are you sure? I don’t want you complaining later.’
‘I won’t. Who is the groom, by the way?’
‘The groom is Bajaji’s son, Mahadji.’
Saibai kept staring at Raje. She did not utter a word. Raje asked, ‘Why? Do you not like the match?’
‘May I ask you something?’
‘Please.’
‘Are you doing this for my sake?’
‘I am not doing this for your sake, but I have the strength to do so because of you. Shall I go ahead?’
‘If you have decided to go ahead, I am more than happy. I am sure Sakhu will be happy there.’
‘Sai, I am quite sure of this.’
Sai saw Shivaji coming near her. She said, ‘I will leave now. Maa saheb has given me some important work in the kitchen and the younger queen is all alone there.’
Raje smiled in response.
Bajaji’s joy knew no bounds. He shared the news with whomever he met, and within a few hours the entire palace was abuzz with the news of Sakhu’s marriage.
Jijabai was sleeping in her quarters in the afternoon as the younger Soyarabai sat near her bedside. When she woke, Soyarabai gave the news to Jijabai and she could not believe her ears. She asked, ‘Who told you this?’
‘The news is all over the palace!’
Jijabai got up and sent a message of her arrival to Shivaji’s quarters. Shivaji waited for her while Saibai stood in one corner. The moment Jijabai came in Shivaji said, ‘Maa saheb, had you called for me, I would have come to meet you.’
Jijabai looked at him and said, ‘Raje, I was under the impression that my opinion is considered before deciding anything in this household?’
‘That is true.’
‘Then how is it that you have gone ahead and finalized Sakhu’s marriage?’
‘Maa saheb, it is with your wish and blessing that we were able to get Bajaji back into our family. I assumed that you would not object to this proposal and rather, you would appreciate it.’
Jijabai did not know how to respond and said, ‘Mahadji’s marriage could have got fixed anywhere. There are enough good families around.’
‘Then why not with Sakhu, Maa saheb?’ Shivaji asked.
She turned to Saibai and asked, ‘Are you in favour of this proposal?’
Saibai looked down at her feet and did not answer and Jijabai understood that she was in agreement. She looked at Shivaji. He would normally not dare return her gaze but he stood there, looking at her with a new confidence in his eyes. He said, ‘Maa saheb, don’t tell me that you don’t like the idea because Bajaji has been reconverted to the Hindu fold and that it is below our dignity to give our daughter’s hand to his son?’
‘And so you went ahead and finalized the marriage? You know that no one would object to your decision!’
‘This isn’t because no one will object but because Sakhu is my favourite. I ha
ve chosen a house where she will be loved and treated with respect. I am not sure if we would have found such a household elsewhere.’
‘Shivaji!’
Shivaji continued, his voice getting emotional, ‘Maa saheb, people do not become truly ours just because we take them back into our religion. We need to welcome them into the house as well. We need to win their confidence. Bajaji is one of us, he was made a Muslim by force. You felt hurt and got him back, but that alone did not help. He was unable to find a proper bride for his son, and I wanted to show what I meant by the true spirit of humanity.’
Jijabai let out a deep sigh and said, smiling, ‘Raje, I must admit that I got carried away for a moment. You are, of course, right.’
‘Maa saheb, I knew you would agree,’ Shivaji said, beaming happily. ‘A narrow mud path walked on by kings becomes a regular road within no time. There will be a little bit of gossip and debate but, eventually, people will accept the path we have chosen—I am quite sure of it!’
‘Shivaji, may the evil eye never touch you. You have cleared away all the doubts I had in my mind.’
‘Then let there be no delay, Maa saheb. Let us begin the preparations at once.’
The preparations started the next day itself. The guest list was prepared and Sakhubai’s marriage in Pune was conducted with great fanfare.
#
Bajaji Nimbalkar took Raje’s leave and went back to Phaltan. Since Sakhu had not yet come of age, she stayed back in Pune.
Shivaji was inspecting the branding of the newly bought horses when Tanaji came in and saluted saying, ‘Maharaj, Kanhoji Jedhe has come along with other sardars.’
Shivaji knew it had to be something important. He mounted his horse and rode towards the palace.
Those assembled included Kanhoji Jedhe, Yesaji Kank, Baji Jedhe, Dadaji Naras Prabhu, Bajaji, Chimnaji and others. Shivaji commented, ‘Well, this seems like a special meeting indeed!’
