by Ranjit Desai
The news reached Bidar where Aurangzeb was camped and he was wild with anger. It was a challenge to Mughal supremacy and he sent instructions to Multaf Khan, Nasir Khan and Mir Jumla to take care of the Maratha rat. The message was clear: Destroy Shivaji’s province and kill whoever opposed the Mughal rule. By the time Aurangzeb’s message had been sent out, Shivaji was back in Pune.
Shivaji was aware of Aurangzeb’s might and his anger—he knew that Aurangzeb had capable generals like Kartalab Khan, Hoshdar Khan, Raikiran Singh, Shaista Khan, among others. However, Shivaji had another plan in place. He sent his messenger to meet Aurangzeb at Burhanpur. The diplomat conveyed the message that Raje was deeply regretful of his capture of Junnar–Ahmadnagar but did not say a word about returning either. Aurangzeb pretended that he too would forget the episode as his energies were focused on Agra where his father, Emperor Shah Jahan, was ill. After all, Allah had given him a rare opportunity to fulfil his desire to grab the throne and he had no option but to act as if he had forgiven Shivaji.
#
There was much to celebrate when Shivaji reached Purandar. The sound of cannons announced that Saibai had delivered a baby boy. Shivaji Raje had been blessed with his first son, the heir to the throne!
The invitations for the naming ceremony were sent out. They asked Jijabai to suggest a suitable name and after hesitating a moment, her eyes filled with tears and she said, ‘Shivaji, let us name him after your Dada Maharaj.’
And so, the boy was named Sambhaji. Jijabai picked up the young Sambhaji and hugged him affectionately. She felt that her lost Sambhaji had been returned to her. Sambhaji’s birth heralded good fortune and by the time the rains had ended, Shivaji was able to recapture Kondana. He had surrendered Kondana to secure the release of Shahaji and was relieved to have it back into the Swaraj fold.
Sambhaji was growing fast and Shivaji was busy expanding the Swaraj. Atre had captured Danda–Rajpuri and was on the way to Janjira. The expansion, however, came at a heavy cost to the exchequer. Raigad and Pratapgad were being fortified and that took huge amounts of cash. Moropant Pingle came to meet Shivaji at Purandar.
Shivaji said, with a deep sigh, ‘Moropant, it looks like we may have to stop work for some time. We bring in a lot of treasure but I don’t know how it gets over so fast.’
‘Maharaj, our ambition is not small. We are, after all, building such huge forts.’
‘I understand, Moropant. Anyway, I will ensure that the work is done under your supervision even though you may have to go slow for some time.’
Shivaji was not happy giving such instructions and he stepped out of the palace to find a sanyasi waiting for him in the courtyard. He asked, ‘Is that Ram Sharan?’
‘Yes, Maharaj.’
Shivaji indicated to him to follow and they walked along the courtyard for a while. When Shivaji came back, he was smiling. He told Moropant, ‘I told you to go slow with the work, but you need not worry. I will take care of the finances.’
Moropant went back happily.
The next day Shivaji went to meet Jijabai and said, ‘Maa saheb, I have received news that the royal treasury from Kalyan will be moved to another place soon. It is a golden opportunity for us to attack and take the treasure.’
He left the next day.
#
The sardar of Kalyan, Subedar Ahmad, was unaware of the impending attack. He was relaxing after having dispatched the royal treasure belonging to the Adil Shahi durbar. It was being escorted by soldiers all the way to Bijapur. His son Mullah Yayha along with his wife had also accompanied the caravan.
The caravan moved slowly through the dense jungle and the rumbling of the wheels pierced the silence of the forest. Mullah led the caravan on a horse and he would turn back once a while to see the caravan following him. His young bride would peep through the curtains of her palanquin to enjoy the beauty of the forest. They had no idea that they were being watched by hundreds of eyes from both sides of the forest.
The road was uphill and the caravan struggled with the heavy load, moving slowly. The bullocks were being pushed hard by the drivers and the noise of the whips echoed in the silence. The slopes were steep and the horsemen dismounted and walked slowly along the path. The soldiers had to give a helping hand to push the carts, and they were sweating even though the weather was cold. They were eager to cross the ghat as soon as possible. Suddenly, shouts of ‘Har Har Mahadev!’ rang across from all sides as the Maratha soldiers attacked. The fight which ensued was brief and within no time, the Kalyan treasure was captured.
The town of Kalyan was silent in the afternoon. The bazaars were empty and at that moment, a few Maratha horsemen landed at the gates taking the guards by surprise. Within minutes, the town was surrounded and Subedar Mullah Ahmad arrested. Shortly, a saffron flag fluttered from the top of the town hall. Bhiwandi was being captured at the same time the soldiers had captured Kalyan. Shivaji got the news of both the captures while he was en route to Kalyan.
In Kalyan, a lovely shamiana had been set up for Shivaji Raje. He looked at the saffron flag fluttering in Kalyan and smiled. Everyone bent low in mujra and Abaji, the sardar who had led the attack, ran to hold the reins for Shivaji’s horse. Shivaji dismounted and said, patting Abaji’s back, ‘Abaji, it isn’t appropriate that you hold the reins!’
‘Why, Maharaj?’
‘The Subedar of Kalyan does not perform such tasks!’
‘I am honoured, Maharaj. But even if you grant me ten such subas, I would still consider it my privilege to help you dismount.’
‘Abaji! You and your men have done a commendable job. I am pleased. Did we lose any of our men?’
‘Only fifteen, Maharaj.’
Shivaji smiled dejectedly and said, ‘Abaji, even the loss of one person is a lot for me. Can we not win any battle without losing a single drop of blood? Anyway, let us not go against what Jagdamba may have decreed.’
Shivaji took a tour of Kalyan after a brief rest. The town looked pleasant against the backdrop of the ocean nearby. He came back to the shamiana which was decorated as a temporary durbar and the floor was covered with a soft carpet. Incense sticks burning in one corner spread a lovely fragrance all around. Shivaji said, ‘Abaji, you have given me a royal welcome! If I stay in such a shamiana for a long time, I too will develop royal tastes!’
He sat on the high platform while the royal treasure was displayed and the inventory was carefully noted. Shivaji ordered compensation for families of all those who had suffered in the clash. Those who had shown valour were felicitated. Abaji Mahadev was officially made the Subedar of Kalyan. Dadaji Krishna and Sakho Krishna, the two other sardars who had done a commendable job, were given the task of managing Bhiwandi and Kalyan. The Muslim Subedar and his son were asked to march forward. Shivaji was impressed seeing the father and son. They were of Arab descent and were fair-complexioned, tall and handsome men. They looked at Shivaji with a mixture of pride and anger in their eyes. Shivaji ordered them to be released and asked them to leave for Bijapur. The duo was astonished as they had not expected anything other than a death sentence.
Abaji Mahadev stepped forward and bent down in mujra and Shivaji asked, ‘What is it, Abaji?’
‘I have one more prisoner to be presented.’
‘Who is it?’
‘The daughter-in-law of the Subedar.’
‘Abaji!’ Raje exclaimed in anger.
Abaji hesitated for a moment and said, ‘Maharaj, please don’t misunderstand me. She was travelling with her husband when we looted the caravan and was arrested along with the others. How could we decide her fate without informing you?’
Shivaji said, ‘Abaji, you could have taken the decision yourself. I would not have blamed you. But it seems this daughter-in-law is someone special.’
‘Yes, Maharaj. You would not find such a beauty easily—she is lovelier than the flowers you see. Her radiance spreads a divine fragrance everywhere.’
‘Wah, Abaji! You have become a poet now. Please
present her before me—I am curious to see such a beauty.’
The durbar was rapt with attention. Abaji clapped twice and the curtain of the palanquin was moved. The Subedar’s daughter-in-law stepped out along with two maids. She wore a thin veil and her hands, with lovely mehendi on them, shivered in fear. The toes of her lovely fair feet dug deep into the soft carpet.
Shivaji let out a deep sigh and closed his eyes for a moment. He came close to her, walking slowly. She could see his feet as she kept looking down. Shivaji glanced at the crowd to see the father and son glaring at him, their eyes burning with anger. Shivaji lifted her veil and placed it on her head. Everyone present in the durbar gasped at seeing her radiant beauty. Shivaji looked at her face while she continued looking at the floor, tears flowing down her cheeks. Shivaji was disturbed seeing her tears and went back to sit on his chair.
The Subedar’s daughter-in-law was surprised to see Shivaji turn back. She looked up to meet his gaze. He was wearing a saffron cap while his forehead had the traditional tilak. Most people were unable to look into his eyes but she continued to return his stare. Shivaji turned his eyes to Abaji and said, ‘Abaji, this girl is really beautiful. I do not know what to do with her. What do you suggest?’
‘Maharaj …’ Abaji hesitated.
‘Please speak your mind without hesitation.’
‘Maharaj, as per tradition, she can join the dancing girls troupe. That itself would be a reward for her. This is the way the enemy treats our women. No one showed Rani Padmini any mercy. In fact, such ladies fill up the harem of the Badshah. She is the daughter of an enemy—even if you make her the mistress of an ordinary soldier, you cannot be blamed. It will not be against protocol.’
‘Enough, Abaji! One sin cannot be eliminated by another. I believe in recognizing the law of humanity rather than what society and protocols say. Our flag carries the saffron colour of the Lord. It is representative of the Lord Himself. I was stunned seeing the beauty of this girl. I had never seen such pristine beauty.’ Pointing a finger at her, he said, ‘Seeing her, I wondered …’ Shivaji could not continue as his voice was choked with emotions.
‘What is it, Maharaj?’ Abaji asked.
‘How do I put it? I wondered had Maa saheb been so beautiful, I too would have had the fortune of being handsome. Abaji, she reminds me of my Maa saheb. Please treat her with the utmost respect and dignity—treat her the same way as you would treat Maa saheb. Please send her back with that respect and care.’
The Subedar and his son looked at each other, astonished at Shivaji’s compassion while the daughter-in-law had tears of joy in her eyes. She bent in an elaborate, respectful salaam and Raje folded his hands in response. He got up and the entire durbar saluted, and the Subedar and his son followed suit.
#
Shivaji returned to Purandar after finishing his tasks at Kalyan and was surprised to be received by Jijabai at the main door. She waited with a traditional thali in her hands to welcome him. He touched her feet and said, ‘Maa saheb, I did not know that you would be waiting for me here. I wondered …’
‘I know you are surprised. Raje, without caring for social protocols, you have conducted yourself in a praiseworthy manner. I heard of your conduct at Kalyan and you are a real raja now. I had to come here to welcome such a raja.’
She could not speak further, engulfed by emotions, and hugged Shivaji. It was an emotional moment for everyone present. By the time Shivaji came to his quarters, it was late. Shambhu had slept while Saibai seemed tired. Shivaji said, ‘Sai, you don’t seem well. Please go to sleep.’
‘How could I sleep? I have heard of the way you treated the daughter-in-law of the Kalyan Subedar. I am curious—is she really that beautiful?’
‘Yes, truly beautiful.’
‘Then?’
‘She may be incredibly lovely but not as beautiful as you are,’ said Shivaji.
‘You are just trying to humour me.’
Shivaji turned her face towards him and said, ‘I am not joking. Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder but true beauty is the one where the hearts meet. She may have been beautiful but she cannot capture my heart. Without love, beauty is not complete.’
Sai could not hold his gaze, full of emotions. She put her head on his shoulders and before she could realize what was happening, she dissolved in his embrace.
#
Shivaji returned to Purandar after ensuring that the capture of Kalyan–Bhiwandi was complete. A few days later Abaji Mahadev came to report.
‘Raje, you had asked me to find you experts who could build ships.’
‘Why, have you found them?’
‘Yes, they are waiting downstairs—four hundred of them!’
‘Make arrangements for their stay. I shall see them tomorrow.’
The arrival of the shipbuilders was a topic of discussion for everyone. They had not seen so many Europeans in one place.
Jijabai asked, ‘Why have you gathered so many firangis?’
‘Maa saheb, our borders have reached the ocean now. We need to build strong ships and these men are experts at building ships.’
The next day, the Europeans were brought into the court. They removed their huge hats and bent low to salute. Abaji introduced the leader saying, ‘Raje, this is Louis Vartav. He is an expert ship builder.’
Shivaji asked him a few questions through an interpreter and he appointed them to the task promptly. It was decided they would be based in Kalyan, and as they were leaving, Shivaji said, ‘Take good care of them. And ensure that you get your best men to work under their guidance.’
The firangis had hardly begun their work when Shivaji received an urgent message to come to Kalyan.
Abaji said, once Shivaji arrived, ‘Maharaj, we treated as best as possible but one day, as misfortune would have it, one of their friends came from Goa to meet them. God knows what happened but they all vanished overnight. I am told that they have all gone to Mumbai.’
Shivaji asked, unperturbed, ‘What about the work?’
‘It is halted completely. That is why I called you so urgently.’
‘Will you be able to complete the task? You will be rewarded well if you do,’ Shivaji asked the supervisor.
‘Don’t worry, Maharaj. We can do this better than the firangis. I will not let you down,’ the supervisor replied.
‘Abaji, I had a premonition that this may happen, and that’s why I asked you to put your best men under them. These firangis are loyal to their king alone. They don’t care whether they are paid well or not by someone else. When the call comes, they are willing to stake everything for the sake of their king—unlike our own men who are happy to serve under the Mughals. They must have realized that we are their enemy and that they may have to fight us one day. They are not foolish enough to help the enemy to build ships. But let us get on with our job.’
Shivaji returned to Purandar and within a few weeks captured Mahuli, one of the last forts that Shahaji had captured from the Nizam. The boundaries of the Maratha empire were spreading now and it was necessary to ensure that the Swaraj was well protected. Shivaji made a few changes in key posts; he appointed Moropant Pingle as the Peshwa in place of Shamrao Nilkanth. Nilo Sondev was made Mazumdar; Netaji Palkar was appointed as the Sarnobat, or the chief of artillery, while Abaji Mahadev was named Surnis, or the general record-keeper and superintendent of correspondence. Law and order and other general affairs were managed by Jijabai. The main office was shifted to Rajgad and Jijabai managed her duties from there.
Shivaji’s cavalry had increased to ten thousand and his foot soldiers to a similar number. Yesaji Kank was made the commander of the troops. He controlled forty forts now and was constantly busy with some campaign or the other. When Shivaji returned from a campaign in Karnatak he received the news that the Bijapur and Mughal durbars had been getting increasingly restless about his progress.
Aurangzeb was eager to go back north and was camped at Burhanpur. He had not forgotten the looting of Junnar b
y the Maratha forces. Bijapur had changed a lot since the death of Mohammad Adil Shah. His eldest queen Badi Saheba now managed the state. In a reckless attempt to victimize her counsellors and ministers, she had had all the key aides murdered and even managed a plot to kill. Khan Muhammad and Bahlol Khan. Fateh Khan, who had attacked Purandar, was poisoned to death. Bijapur had thus lost one of its main commanders and was now weak. Shivaji was keen to take advantage of this and planned an attack. The Bijapur durbar had warned Shahaji Raje to check Shivaji but Shahaji Raje feigned an inability to have any influence on the behaviour of his wife and his wayward son. In fact, he went to the extent of suggesting that they nominate an able commander to counter Shivaji’s advances. Badi Saheba named Khan Afzal Subedar and nominated Rustam Zaman, son of Ranadullah Khan, to annihilate the powerful Sawant Kudal.
Kudalkar Lakham Sawant was a Desai in the Adil Shah regime but had a mind of his own. The others like the Surves of Shringarpur, Gowalekars and the Sawants of the Kudal pargana were also independent and managed their own affairs. When Kudalkar Lakham Sawant learnt of Rustam Zaman marching on him, he decided to counter his attack. At the same time, they sent a messenger to Shivaji Raje for help. Shivaji answered the call and his troops repelled Rustam Zaman’s attack. The Sawants decided to join forces with the Swaraj and gave the fort of Phonda to Raje. The province of Kudal, as dear to the Bijapurkars as Jawali, came under Shivaji and this was a strategically important acquisition.
Shivaji then captured Tale Ghosale and found Gowalekars waiting to join the Swaraj. Gowalekar presented to Shivaji a long, broad-bladed sword made by the Europeans. Shivaji was impressed seeing the lovely weapon and said, ‘Sawant, I am happy that you are presenting me this sword but I believe that one should earn and not take these as gifts. How do I redeem this gift?’
In return, Shivaji presented Gowalekar with three hundred coins and some royal gifts. The sword was then named Bhawani.
