by Ranjit Desai
It was a late summer day, humid and stuffy. The sky was filled with lightning and soon, the rains began. The Adil Shahi forces scattered, trying to protect themselves from the downpour. This was the moment the Marathas were waiting for and soon the shouts of ‘Har Har Mahadev!’ rent the air as Raje’s troops poured out from all over from the mountains. Bahlol Khan and Ekoji Raje tried to repulse the attack in vain, and the Muslim troops ran for their lives.
Bahlol Khan and Ekoji Raje decided to withdraw rather than lose more men. Raje had managed to save his fort, and he soon returned to Rajgad after having strengthened the security arrangements at Rangana.
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Raje’s triumphant return from Rangana infused a new energy into the troops. They had regained some of their lost pride. Raje was now determined to protect his kingdom with renewed vigour. New recruits were being added, the cavalry increased and weapons were being produced. The rains did not stop their activities.
It had been two weeks since the return from Rangana. One evening, Shivaji returned from a visit to find Moropant, Niraji, Annaji and others waiting for him. He said, ‘Moropant, the rains have now receded. I suggest we visit Konkan.’
He continued, ‘Konkan is not yet stabilized. I received a letter from Pilajirao yesterday. We will need to break the stranglehold of the Desais of Konkan to proceed. Prataprao, what is your view?’
‘You need not bother yourself, Raje. Just give us the orders and we will take care.’
‘Don’t be so impatient, Prataprao. We need to plan our campaigns keeping other things in mind. Aurangzeb’s son Muazzam has taken charge as the Subedar in Aurangabad. Mirza Raja may have gone back but he has been replaced by Raja Jaswant Singh and other sardars. We are yet to finalize our treaty with the Mughals. We must wait till then.’
Jijabai came in unannounced. Everyone got up. She took her seat and said, ‘I have bad news.’
‘Why? What happened?’
‘Mirza Raja is dead. I am told he died while he was camping at Burhanpur.’
Raje was stunned. Mirza Raja dead! All his memories came flooding back and he was in tears.
Moropant said, ‘Maharaj, it was not due to natural causes.’
‘Then?’ Raje asked, surprised.
‘Jai Singh was deeply disturbed by the way Aurangzeb had treated Ram Singh. The appointment of Muazzam as Subedar was another blow. He was already ill when he reached Burhanpur, and I am told Aurangzeb’s men poisoned him.’
Raje listened without saying a word. No one knew how to respond.
Jijabai said, ‘This is more treachery from Aurangzeb.’
‘Maa saheb, don’t blame Aurangzeb.’
Everyone was surprised at Raje’s words.
He wiped his tears and said, ‘Aurangzeb is a true politician. He cares for results and not emotions while Mirza Raja was just the opposite. He cared for people, loyalty and the honour of the throne. Jai Singh saved Aurangzeb in the battle against Shuja. While Mirza Raja went about protecting the honour of Delhi, it was still Mirza Raja who captured Dara Shikoh’s son, Sulaiman. Had it not been for Mirza Raja, Aurangzeb would not have ascended the throne in Delhi.’
‘And this is what he got in return?’ Jijabai asked.
‘Aurangzeb is a shrewd man. He didn’t hesitate to kill his brothers and father. Mirza Raja should have recognized his true nature. He did not judge Aurangzeb well. It was owing to his defeat in the south and my escape from Agra that Aurangzeb had lost his mind. He, in a fit of emotion, ordered putting Mirza Raja to death.’
‘Why?’ Moropant asked.
‘Because Mirza Raja is a loyal soldier; an emotional person. It would not have been long before he revolted against Aurangzeb. He could not afford Mirza Raja’s enmity. Hence, he found an opportune moment to eliminate him. Mirza Raja, whose commitment to the emperor was unquestionable, lost his life to politics. It will be difficult to meet such a great soul again!’
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It was a great relief to Aurangzeb that Mirza Raja had died. However, in the Deccan, Muazzam and his commander Jaswant Singh were uncomfortable. The fact that they did not have the capability to fight Shivaji made them restless. Muazzam sent a letter of recommendation for Shivaji to Delhi and Aurangzeb promptly sent his blessings as well. Muazzam was relieved and dispatched a messenger to Rajgad immediately.
Raje accepted the request and decided to send Sambhaji Raje to accept the mansab. The preparations for the journey began and Raje selected the sardars who would accompany Sambhaji Raje.
Raje went to meet Jijabai in the evening. Soyarabai, Putlabai and Kashibai stood in attendance there. Raje said, ‘Maa saheb, our Sambhaji Raje is going to be a Mansabdar finally!’
‘Aba saheb, won’t you be coming along?’ Bal Raje asked.
Raje said, ‘Bal Raje, don’t worry. You are not going alone. Our Senapati Prataprao Gujar will be there with his troops. If things don’t turn out right, don’t hesitate to capture Aurangabad!’
Bal Raje laughed, a little relieved.
Jijabai asked, ‘Is Prataprao really going with him?’
‘Maa saheb, our Yuvraj cannot be sent alone. It seems that Shahzada Muazzam is keen to extend his friendship. The Mughals should know that our prestige is not restricted to the panch-hazari mansab they are bestowing on him.’
Jijabai felt relieved after listening to Raje.
The festival of Navratri was celebrated with a lot of gaiety. Bhai Dooj was selected as the day for Sambhaji’s departure. The moment Sambhaji left for Aurangabad, Raje sent his spies to Konkan and Goa. Adil Shah was worried ever since he had been defeated at Rangana. He extended a hand of friendship and Raje finally agreed to sign the treaty. Apart from other conditions, he agreed to pay Raje three lakhs annually.
After receiving the mansab, Sambhaji returned to Rajgad with great honour. He was now officially a member of the Mughal durbar with the title of a panch-hazari Mansabdar. Shahzada Muazzam had welcomed Sambhaji with honour and respect.
Prataprao recounted, ‘The Shahzada gifted us horses, elephants, jewellery and expensive clothes.’
‘Well, that is quite nice!’ Raje exclaimed, satisfied with the turn of events.
Niraji said, ‘We surveyed the mansab in detail. He has a territory in the region of Waradh as his jagir and has a potential of more than fifteen lakh hons of revenue.’
Raje was satisfied and relieved. He said, ‘Niraji, you have managed a huge task. We will have some respite with the treaties with the Mughals and Adil Shah. We can now take care of the expenses for the troops, and our plans can be executed.’
Raje laid out his plans in the next few days. The Desais in Konkan were creating a lot of trouble, Lakham Sawant, Keshav Prabhu and Keshav Naik being foremost among them. Shivaji decided to resolve the issue of the Desais once and for all.
Prataprao raised a doubt and said, ‘What if they decide to take refuge in Goa?’
‘I hope they do! These firangis have been pampered a lot. They have converted more than eight thousand Hindus. We will use the excuse of the Desais taking refuge there to teach the firangis a long-overdue lesson.’
Raje marched to Konkan and, as expected, the Desais took shelter in Goa. Shivaji marched onwards, not sparing anyone. Four priests were hanged, and he captured nearly thirteen hundred soldiers and destroyed Portuguese ships.
It was while Raje was camped in Dicholi that Padre Gomalu Martis and Ramoji Kothari came to negotiate a treaty. Raje could not afford to spend much time in this territory and agreed to the terms and conditions as he had gotten what he wanted. He released the captive soldiers, and the conversions were stopped by the priests.
The defeat of the Portuguese sent a message to the English too. They knew that it was dangerous to cross Shivaji, and they were aware he had a treaty with both the Mughals and Adil Shah. They soon sent their emissaries to Rajgad to win Shivaji over.
Within a month of returning from Konkan, one afternoon, Raje got the message of the arrival of a few Mughal soldiers. He came into th
e courtyard and they bowed in mujra.
Moropant said, ‘Maharaj, the soldiers have come from Aurangabad to inform us that the royal farman will reach in two days.’
‘Is there another farman for Bal Raje?’ Raje asked.
‘It is for you,’ Moropant clarified.
Raje was lost in thought for a moment. He said, ‘All right, take good care of the messengers. I will write a letter to Shahzada Muazzam.’
Raje sent out orders to receive the farman. A farman badi was erected at the base of the fort.
Shivaji told Bal Raje, ‘Shambhu, you should receive the farman on my behalf. You know the routine, don’t you? The moment the camel arrives carrying the farman, you have to move forward, rest on your knees and receive it with both your hands while your head remains bent low. Then you have to touch the farman to your forehead and keeping the farman on your head, return to the fort accompanied by trumpets and drums.’
The Rajgad fort was decorated to receive the farman. There were flowers and rangoli everywhere. The doors were strung with mango leaves to announce a welcome in the traditional manner. Raje ensured that each and every thing was in order.
Jijabai was unable to tolerate his indulgence and said, ‘Raje, should you welcome the farman with such pomp and gaiety?’
Raje sighed and said, ‘Maa saheb, this is part of politics. The news of our wholehearted welcome will reach the Badshah, and he will be convinced that we do not bear any ill will. I have lots of plans, Maa saheb, and I have to tolerate these things for the sake of those plans.’
Sambhaji Raje left to receive the royal farman. He was accompanied by the sardars, the Senapati, and other important officials. Raje waited at the fort.
The farman was kept on a low stool covered with embroidered silk. Raje asked Moropant to read it aloud. The farman praised the high office of the royal durbar and Raje understood its contents, even though they were in Farsi: ‘We are pleased with you; and hence, we are bestowing upon you the title of Raja. You are advised to work more than your duty. This will enable us to bestow further largesse upon you in times to come.’
The Mughal sardars accompanying the farman hugged Raje. He then asked that the letter from Shahzada Muazzam be read out. The letter stated, ‘Shivaji Raje! I trust you and have communicated the same to our Badshah. He has, thus, been large-hearted and has bestowed upon you the title of Raja. I am pleased with the same and am sure that you will do the title justice.’
Raje expressed his happiness and praised the Shahzada. He then bid the sardars farewell after giving them appropriate gifts.
Raje went to meet Jijabai that evening. The farman, the jewel-encrusted sword and other items were placed in front of Jijabai.
Niraji said, ‘Maharaj, please pardon my impertinence, but I fail to understand your happiness at this farman from a man who wanted to kill you.’
‘Niraji, a person of your stature should not make such comments. In fact, I admire Aurangzeb’s wisdom. Despite my escape, he is going out of his way to please me, forgetting his own ego. We need to learn from him.’
‘Well, it is only because you survived …’
Raje smiled ruefully and said, ‘Moropant, we cannot afford to think of ifs and buts in politics. We need to take decisions as the situation demands. Often, one may have to regret a decision not taken or taken for their entire life. Aurangzeb has got this chance to insult me only because I escaped. He will have to pay for it dearly. He will regret it for the rest of his life.’
The farman had taken on a new meaning now. Everyone looked at Raje eager to know what he would do next. There was a mixture of pride and curiosity in their eyes.
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Shivaji appointed Prataprao as the administrator for Sambhaji Raje’s mansab. He left with five thousand for his men for Aurangabad. Muazzam had agreed to take care of the expenses of managing the troops. The mansab too was generating income. Shivaji was happy that his monetary situation was under control.
Having taken care of the troops, Shivaji turned his attention to the citizens. He expressed his views in a meeting when Annaji said, ‘Raje, if you abolish the vatandari system that has existed for generations, the landlords will be displeased.’
‘Not the common people though!’
‘How do we run the administration without their support?’
‘I understand,’ Raje said. ‘Lazy rulers are happy to impose the vatandari system and collect whatever they get from the ryots. They do not bother to find out how the ryots are being treated. We need to abolish this system which is eating into the very foundation of good administration.’
‘Raje, we can do this in steps.’
‘Annaji, step by step is not what I want. This way, we will never meet our objectives. These Patils, Khots, Kulkarnis, Desais, Deshmukhs, Deshpandes, Mirasdar, Jagirdars—they are holders of the estates, and the poor ryots are in their grip. There is no one to help them. After all, am I not supposed to be their king? Or am I Raje for only the vatandars? Annaji, this kingdom is the Lord’s kingdom.’
‘But what crime have the vatandars committed …’ Annaji was interrupted mid-sentence by Raje.
He continued, ‘Ask what crime they have not committed. I have been seeing this since my childhood. I will not tolerate the ryots being exploited. The estate holders have become insolent. They have their huge mansions, fortresses and weapons. They are ready to side with the enemy anytime. We need to stop all their bonuses and give them a fixed income. Destroy all their mansions. Issue orders that they cannot build such luxurious havelis anymore.’
‘But what about the temples?’
‘The rule applies to everyone. The shrines are no exceptions. Henceforth, all the expenses for the shrines—oils, oblations, holy baths, etc.—will be taken from the royal treasury. The same rule applies to the pirs and the mosques. The Brahmins, pandits, Vedic scholars and others will get food, clothing and money for expenses from the government. Their job is to accept this and spend their time in prayers for the welfare of the state.’
Annaji looked incredulous but dared not ask questions. He could not believe that Raje had thought through the whole situation. He asked, out of curiosity, ‘And what about the ryots?’
‘Annaji, I have grown under the guidance of Dadoji. What does a simple ryot want? A good meal, a place to sleep, implements to till his land, a few animals and some clothes to protect his modesty. He is content if he gets that. He tills the soil and harvests the crops but what does he get in return except debt? They borrow to survive and then live the rest of their lives repaying their debts. I have witnessed these complaints since childhood. We need to do something for them. Henceforth, the harvest will be split into five parts—two for the treasury and three for the ryots. Map all the land and allocate it to the villages appropriately. If new ryots come in, give them the necessary implements and animals to till the soil. Give them good seeds. If required, help them out for a few seasons till they are able to reap a good harvest. After all, I am no Raje without them. Collect revenues only after you inspect the harvest. If you do this, you will get their blessings, and we all will be happy.’
There was no stopping Raje now. The ryots were happy though the landlords resented the relentless supervision by Shivaji. There was dissent in some places like Chinchwad, which was an important religious centre. They resented Raje’s interference despite his assurances that they would get the funds required to maintain the temple. On seeing their reluctance, Raje said, ‘I assumed you were mendicants and that you had no interest in the estates. In case you are not keen to run the temples, give the task to me.’ That shut them up finally. Raje’s dream of a Hindavi Swaraj was now finally taking shape.
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It had been three months since Sambhaji’s acceptance of the royal farman. Pilaji Shirke visited Raje along with Yesubai, bringing excitement and happiness to Shivaji’s life. After having settled her there, Pilaji left after getting necessary instructions from Shivaji about keeping an eye on the movements in Konkan region. Wi
thin a month of her arrival, Yesu had endeared herself to everyone in the household. She was learning the scriptures well under the same priest who had taught Sambhaji earlier. Raje would take her out for evening rides once a while.
One evening, Sambhaji came in to meet Jijabai and said, touching her feet, ‘Maa saheb, I came to say goodbye.’
‘Where are you off to?’ Yesu asked.
Jijabai said, looking at her indulgently, ‘Yesu, one should not ask when someone is leaving. He is going for his riding sessions, by the way.’
‘I too would like to go.’
‘You think riding is fun? But if you like, ask your father-in-law.’
Before Sambhaji could react, Yesu had left Jijabai’s quarters and walked towards Raje’s quarters. Jijabai watched her, smiling to herself. ‘She does not fear anyone, have you noticed?’
Sambhaji continued to look at the carpet, not knowing how to react.
Raje was talking to Soyarabai when Yesu appeared at the door. Seeing her, he said, ‘Come in! What brings you here?’
‘I came to ask for your permission to go for a horse ride with Sambhaji Raje.’
‘Oh, is that so?’ Raje asked, smiling at Soyarabai. ‘You may, if you give me a hug.’
Yesu rushed in without hesitation. Soyarabai was taken aback at the boldness of the young girl. She said, after Yesu had left, ‘Now, don’t you think that’s a bit brash?’
‘I am happy she is so, Soyara. Don’t you see how she has adjusted to the household so well? It is a great relief. I hope she does not lose her innocence very soon,’ Raje said, holding her hand.
Soyarabai blushed. She gently extricated her hand from Raje’s grip and left the room.
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That evening, Raje stood at the ramparts observing the region at the foothills of the fort. Spirals of smoke from the villages indicated the activity below, and it was a pleasant sight. Raje remarked, ‘It tells me the land is fertile and our men are busy tilling it.’
That evening, Bahirji came in to report on the activities from Goa. ‘The death of the Portuguese viceroy is an important development. He was personally responsible for many converting to Christianity.’
