by Ranjit Desai
Each one of Jijabai’s words pierced Shivaji’s heart. He felt suffocated and was teary-eyed.
Jijabai continued, ‘Raje, how will I go and face that poor lady? What will I say when she asks me why you killed her son? Raje, it will be a great kindness if you killed her too. At least she will not have to bear the daily anguish of her son’s death.’
Shivaji could hear no more. He exclaimed, ‘Enough, Maa saheb! No more! I am already dying of shame.’
He fell down and hugged her legs saying, ‘Maa saheb, I made a terrible mistake. Please pardon me. I forgot myself and was swayed by my power. I have committed a crime—I promise you, I will never behave like this in the future.’
Jijabai hugged him affectionately and both of them wept together.
#
Six months had now passed since the capture of Jawali and Shivaji and Jijabai had shifted to Purandar. Ever since Shivaji had merged Jawali into his expanding kingdom, its boundaries stretched to the Arabian Sea and it was important that the region was protected both from internal and external threats. He was busy appointing new officials and increasing the cavalry. He minted a few coins and appointed important officials including the Peshwa, Mazumdar, Dabir, Sabnis, Surnis among others. The construction work at Raigad was in full swing and the office was shifted to Rajgad while Shivaji camped at Purandar.
A week later, when he had gone for darshan at the centuries-old Narayan temple at the base of Purandar Fort, he was informed that Timaji Kulkarni from Supe had come to meet him. Timaji was a revenue official and a landlord but his privileges had been taken away by Sambhaji Mohite, Shahaji’s brother-in-law and Shivaji’s foster uncle. Sambhaji had been bribed a horse and a hundred and fifty rupees by Timaji’s enemies. Timaji appealed to Shahaji who had directed him to Shivaji. The Supe pargana was under Shahaji and he had handed it over to his younger queen, Tukabai’s brother Sambhaji. He was, however, corrupt and misusing his powers. Shivaji had kept quiet knowing that Sambhaji was his father’s brother-in-law. He assured Kulkarni that he would look into the matter.
The next day Shivaji was in his office when he heard a melodious voice singing bhajans. He looked out of the window to see a saffron-clad young fakir singing in a clear voice.
‘Wah!’ Shivaji exclaimed, listening to the lovely voice. ‘Who is that sanyasi?’
One of the office clerks answered, ‘He is a Ramdasi. Many such beggars and bhikshus come to our doorstep each day.’
‘No, there is a difference between a Ramdasi and a beggar or even a sanyasi. A Ramdasi is a follower and disciple of our great Ramdas Maharaj. They go about spreading Ramdas Maharaj’s message in society. They try to influence society towards the greater good and do great social work.’
‘These Ramdasis are spread all over our kingdom.’
‘I am aware of that. A lot of people have joined our cause after hearing the great man. I would like to meet him.’
‘I will order him to come over right away,’ Sonopant said, getting up.
‘No, no. I will go and meet him. A Ramdasi is, after all, a representative of the Maharaj himself. I have no right to summon him.’
The Ramdasi was a little surprised to see Raje come out to meet him. Shivaji folded his hands and asked, ‘Swami, do I know you?’
‘I am a Ramdasi and people call me Kalyan. I came here for some alms.’
‘Which abhang were you singing?’
‘Raje, it was not an abhang. These are Gurudev’s shlokas. He is at Shivthar–Khalit and is writing a book. He has decided not to move from there till he finishes the task.’
‘I would love to hear some more of his shlokas if you would oblige me by singing,’ Shivaji requested.
The Ramdasi sang a few more shlokas in his clear, mellifluous voice.
Shivaji was in tears listening to him and said, ‘See, Sonopant! Look at the beauty and clarity of Ramdas Samarth Maharaj’s thoughts.’
‘I feel like running to him and falling at his feet. Kalyan, how is Samarth?’
‘He is well, thanks to the Lord’s blessings. He says often times …’
‘What does he say?’ Shivaji asked eagerly, interrupting him.
Ramdasi Kalyan smiled and said, ‘Samarth says that your worries are over now. The Mughal kingdom is about to end and the Swaraj will begin soon. Peace and justice will reign supreme in Shivba’s kingdom.’
Shivaji was thrilled to bits. He said, ‘Pant! Samarth has put such huge responsibility on my shoulders. Kalyan, please give my regards to him. Tell him that the dream of our Swaraj is yet to be fulfilled and we need his blessings. I am eager to see him and when I visit Raigad, I shall meet him. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask. I shall ensure that we fulfil your wishes.’
Shivaji came into the palace to find Vichare and Gaikwad there. Saibai was in the royal quarters and she said, ‘I was looking for you.’
‘Why?’
‘Maa saheb wants to talk to you.’
‘Is it urgent?’
Hiding a smile, Saibai said, ‘I am not sure.’
Shivaji followed Saibai into Jijabai’s palace and asked, ‘Maa saheb, you called for me?’
‘I will tell you if you promise not to get angry.’
‘I never get angry by your command, Maa saheb. Please tell me.’
‘Vichare and Gaikwad have come with proposals for you to marry their daughters.’
‘Maa saheb, I have married thrice, isn’t that enough?’ A few months after Sakhu’s birth, Shivaji had married Putlabai in a political alliance.
‘Raje, this is a part of politics and running a kingdom. A marriage is an alliance with a family and not a person. Royals never marry one person. It is custom to have many wives.’
Shivaji smiled sarcastically and said, ‘I don’t believe in royal customs. I would rather follow the footsteps of Lord Ram. Maa saheb, it is a Mughal tradition to have many wives.’
‘Raje, I have given my word to them.’
‘What can I say then? Better go ahead,’ Shivaji said, with a deep sigh.
Within a span of three to four months, Raje had alliances with Gaikwad, Jadhav and Ingle. Thus, Sakwarbai, Kashibai and Gunwantabai joined the rest of Shivaji’s retinue of Saibai, Soyarabai and Putlabai.
#
A fortnight before Diwali, Shivaji left Purandar with a select team of horsemen. His destination was the Karhe plateau. He reached the Supe pargana and climbed up to the fort. Seeing Shivaji Raje, the guards saluted him and allowed him to enter. After all, the area was Shahaji’s jagir and the Jagirdar’s son had come on a personal visit to the fort. There was no one to stop him and his troops. Shivaji instructed his men to surround the fort and then entered with a few guards.
Assuming his role of a foster uncle, Sambhaji Mohite came to meet Shivaji. Raje bent in mujra as Sambhaji asked, ‘Raje, what brings you here without any prior intimation?’
‘Mama saheb, Diwali is fast approaching. I came to take the blessings of my elders.’
‘Better late than never! At least you have remembered some of your elders now,’ Sambhaji said, laughing sarcastically. ‘It seems like someone from Bengaluru has pulled your ears.’
Sambhaji Mohite was being his usual arrogant self. Raje stifled a smile and said, ‘You are right about that but it is your ears which are being pulled.’
‘Raje, don’t forget protocol! What kind of language is this?’
‘Timaji Kulkarni has complained to Maharaj saheb and he came to meet me too. I have come to request that you return his privileges—which you took away forcibly.’
‘You have come here on his request? I have been nominated here by Maharaj saheb. Who are you to question me? The Supe pargana is under Maharaj’s jagir.’
‘I agree, but you are forgetting that I am Maharaj’s younger son. It is my responsibility to ensure that his jagir is well-maintained and that there are no complaints. I would prefer to solve this issue amicably.’
‘Who are you and why should I heed your wish? You have come her
e to take my blessings. Take them and get going.’
‘Then I have a right to ask for my reward.’
‘Ask!’
‘I want you to hand over the Supe and Thane parganas and join me.’
Sambhaji Mohite laughed out loud and said, his voice taking on a hard note, ‘Raje, you are younger than me and also my nephew, which is why I am pardoning you. Someone else in your place would have lost his life for showing such temerity.’
Shivaji said, trying to control his rising anger, ‘Mama saheb, it is not possible for you to do that. But I can do that to you easily.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Mama saheb, at this moment, your fort has been surrounded by my men. You are under arrest.’
‘Raje!’ Mohite exclaimed, his eyes wide with anger and surprise. He rushed to pull out a sword hanging on the wall. Shivaji’s men, quick to react, arrested him. Sambhaji shouted, ‘Raje, you will not be pardoned so easily. I will tell Maharaj saheb.’
‘You may try telling him. I know him well enough and your atrocities are known to him. You still have a chance to mend your ways and join me.’
‘Huh! You expect me to serve under my nephew?’
‘Then you are free to go to Bengaluru.’
‘What about my things here?’
‘They are in my custody now. Be happy that I have spared your life. You may leave now.’
Shivaji returned victoriously, having taken control of Supe Fort, to celebrate Diwali.
#
The Purandar Fort was enveloped in deep sorrow by the news from Bengaluru that Sambhaji, Shivaji’s elder brother, had died in battle. He was seven years elder to Shivaji; thirty-five years of age. Sambhaji and Afzal Khan were attacking Kanakagiri when Afzal Khan asked Sambhaji to lead the charge. Assuming that he had the support of Afzal Khan, Sambhaji went ahead and Afzal Khan finally had his chance to take his revenge on the Bhosale family. He did not extend any support to Sambhaji and he died when he was hit by a cannon ball.
Shivaji rushed to Jijabai’s quarters. He could not hold back his tears and mother and son did not know whom to console and both wept, sobbing bitterly at the loss. Jijabai could not forget the image of Sambhaji seeing them off when they had left Bengaluru. Maharaj saheb had challenged her then saying, ‘You take care of Shivaji and I will bring up Sambhaji. Let us see who wins!’
Dear Sambhaji! She had been able to enjoy his company only for a brief while. He was a lad of six or seven years when she had left for Pune. She remembered his blurred face as he followed his father when they had taken leave from Junnar. She could not forget her darling Shambhu bal as he waited for them when they reached Bengaluru. Or Sambhaji Raje who had seen them off a little distance from Bengaluru with tears in his eyes! That was her last memory of him.
Two years ago, they had received news of Sambhaji having been blessed with a son. Had she insisted on going to Bengaluru to see her grandchild, she would have been able to meet Sambhaji. But that was not to be! Sambhaji was a dream which was near yet untouchable. He grew up in her dreams and before she could touch him, he vanished in the early morning mist!
Shivaji Raje was aware that his mother’s health was delicate following Sambhaji’s death. He kept an eye on her as he continued focusing on the administration from the fort. Time would heal them, albeit superficially. The anguish of her loss was something Jijabai would always have to live with. Jijabai displayed the courage to take charge of her life, giving Shivaji the confidence to get back to his work wholeheartedly.
#
Shivaji was inspecting the construction work at the highest point of Purandar when Netaji Palkar came in and said, ‘Maharaj, we have completed the work for housing the cannons.’
‘Come, let us have a look.’
Yesaji, Tanaji, Shiva and Jiva Mahala were also present. The room housing the artillery was in one corner of the fort. Shivaji had employed three cannon experts, Ambaji More and two brothers. He had given them a mansab amounting to three thousand rupees in return for their work.
Shivaji said, ‘Ambajirao, the real test is when the cannon balls destroy the enemy to pieces. Yesaji, provide all the support Ambaji needs. I am eager to see the cannons when they are ready.’
At that moment, Firangoji came and saluted.
‘Firangoji, when did you arrive? I was missing you. Come, we have a lot to discuss.’
Firangoji moved ahead to assemble the men. He knew Shivaji had something important to discuss.
The men assembled in the main office as per Shivaji’s instructions and included Tanaji, Yesaji, Firangoji, Raghunath Ballal, Atre, Dadaji Ranjekar and some others. Sonopant Dabir and Shamrao Nilkanth too were present. However, no one was aware about the reason for the meeting.
Shivaji said, ‘I called you all here with a purpose. Ever since we captured the Karhe plateau, we have managed to secure a significant part of our kingdom. The capture of Jawali has allowed us to reach the ocean shores. Bijapur is in a shambles now that Adil Shah is dead and Shahzada Aurangzeb is stuck up in the Deccan due to his father’s illness. This is a rare opportunity for us—we should take advantage of the situation when both our prime enemies are weak and occupied elsewhere.’
At that moment, an attendant entered the room and said, ‘Maharaj, a sanyasi has come asking for you.’
‘What is his name?’
‘He calls himself Niranjan.’
Raje got up and went out hurriedly to escort the sanyasi inside. The other sardars were a little surprised when Tanaji said, ‘Raje has great regard for sadhus and saints. If someone like that comes to his door, he will leave everything else and attend to him.’
Raje did not return for a long time. A little while later, he called Sonopant Dabir his side. When Sonopant went in to meet Raje, he was asked to provide five hundred coins to the sanyasi.
Sonopant was taken aback at the amount and exclaimed, ‘Five hundred, Maharaj?’
‘Yes. He is going on a yatra. He may return anytime. Please ensure that, whenever he does, I have his darshan, even if it means disturbing my sleep.’
The sanyasi left along with Sonopant.
Shivaji returned to the assembly and continued as if there had been no break, ‘And so we need to take advantage of the situation when our enemy is weak. We need to move fast.’
Atre said, ‘Raje, your wish is our command. Tell us and it shall be done.’
‘Atre, do you remember you had gone to the Dabhol province?’
‘Yes, Maharaj.’
‘I suggest that you take charge of capturing the Mustafabad Port and the area around it.’
Atre got up excitedly and the others looked at Shivaji Raje expectantly. He told Firangoji, ‘Stand ready at Chakan because I might come that side. Yesaji, Tanaji, keep your horsemen ready and be prepared to march whenever you get the message.’
Everyone now knew that a big move was being planned and was ready to swing into action.
Firangoji said, ‘Raje, I would like permission to leave right away.’
‘Firangoji, you are a part of the family. Why don’t you stay for a few more days?’
‘No, Raje. It is not good to stay away from the fort for long.’
‘I too cannot move from here. But now that you are going, I am giving you the responsibility of Sakhubai’s safety. She will accompany you.’
‘As you command.’
Sakhubai and Mahadji were ready to leave after the meal. Sakhubai touched Raje’s feet and he hugged her affectionately and blessed her. He was unable to say anything as he was overwhelmed by seeing her leave. He came down to see them off. He kept looking for a long time after they had left. The dust of the horsemen blurred the path they had taken.
#
As per Shivaji’s orders, Atre marched to Dabhol and captured the port of Mustafabad and the saffron flags fluttered on the forts nearby. Shivaji dispatched Sonopant towards Aurangabad, aware that Shahzada Aurangzeb was in Bidar. Raje’s plan was to take back the Junnar–Ahmadnagar area which he ha
d had to return when Shahaji Raje was captured. But while Aurangzeb agreed to acknowledge the capture of Dabhol, he did not mention Junnar–Ahmadnagar. Shivaji was upset and decided to carry out the bold step of teaching the Mughal emperor a lesson.
The messages from his spies had been coming in regularly and Shivaji was getting news from Kalyan–Bhiwandi area as they roamed around in disguise. The sanyasis and fakirs were Shivaji’s men too and they roamed freely in the Junnar–Ahmadnagar area. It was Shivaji’s brilliant idea to take the help of sanyasis and other fakirs, whom no one would suspect, to get information from across the regions.
It was a summer morning when Shivaji left Purandar with Maa saheb’s blessings. He rode to Chakan and the troops assembled there under Firangoji’s command. Their target was the marketplace of Junnar, which was now under the control of the Mughals. It was protected by strong walls and no one ever dreamt that Shivaji would besiege it one day. It was Shivaji’s birthplace and dear to him! The fort of Junnar, as informed by the spies, was unguarded for such an attack and, within no time at all, they had captured the fort. The loot included three lakh coins, expensive jewellery, clothes and other valuables including a stable of famously well-bred horses. Within no time, the troops had looted the fort and Shivaji marched back to Chakan. The Bijapur sultanate had never dared to look at Junnar but Shivaji had dared to challenge the Mughal emperor.
Shivaji marched to Ahmadnagar within a few days of his attack on Junnar. Ahmadnagar was a key post for the Mughals, but it was not as ill-defended as Junnar. The moment they heard of Shivaji’s troops marching towards the fort, the commander Nasir Khan decided to counter the offensive but the Maratha troops defeated him. The loot in Ahmadnagar was much lower in comparison to Junnar but the fact that they had defeated a key post of the Mughal empire was a lesson in itself for the Mughals.
