Malojiraje died. The splendour of Bhosale family seemed to die out. Nobody is indeed big or small in front of Yamaraj.
Around seventeen-and-half Ruk (probably an old unit of measurement of area) land was granted for the upkeep of Malojiraje’s Samadhi at Indapur.
The next challenge troubling Vithojiraje was of the Pune district Jagir belonging to Malojiraje. He was afraid that the Sultan and Malik Ambar would work together to take the Jagir away from Bhosale family. Because Shahajiraje was just five years old.
Father dead. Son too young. So, it was clear that the Jagir would be taken back by the Sultan. But Vazir Malik Ambar was too foresighted for that. He calculated that, ‘Vithoji Bhosale was a brave man. He would take care of the Jagir. Malojiraje’s Jagir should continue in Shahajiraje’s name as is. Bhosale family was immensely efficient and courageous. They needed to be nurtured. They would come handy in wars. If Shahajiraje grows up to be a brave man then fine. Else the Jagir would continue until Vithoji was alive, and then we would take it back.’ Thus, he decided to keep the Jagir intact.
Sultan Nizamshah himself ordered Vithoji for a personal audience. Accordingly, Vithoji along with his two nephews went to the court. Sultan Nizamshah personally consoled them. ‘Raje Maloji Bhosale’s death had reduced the splendour of the Royal Throne itself. Malojiraje was excellent with the sword. But no words could stand before fate.’ Sultan completed the consolation ceremony perfunctorily. And he completed the ritual of being a part of the family’s grief.
Shahenshah Badshah was immensely compassionate. He conferred upon Shahajiraje the grants of the Jagir and bade them farewell. Shahajiraje became Nizamshahi’s Jagirdar at the age of five years.
Vithojiraje started taking care of the Pune and Supe Jagirs. He was also attentive towards the upbringing of all the children of the household. The boys started growing up. Infancy finished. Childhood came. Childhood also started fading. Teenage arrived. Shahajiraje with his broad chest, meaty shoulders, glittering eyes, strong arms and hooked nose also started growing a fuzzy moustache. Thirteen years’ milestone went past. Raje was slowly becoming an expert in all kinds of arms.
Vithojiraje and Umabai started thinking of getting both the sons married off. Malojiraje had a great desire to establish relations with Sindakhed’s Lakhuji Jadhavrao. He had spotted a very smart and witty star in Jadhavrao’s household. He was very intent on getting this girl as his daughter-in-law. But that desire remained unfulfilled. The boat sank midway. Malojiraje went to heaven in the middle of the married life.
Lakhujiraje Jadhavrao of Sindakhed was a very big name in Nizamshahi. He owned the Jagir of twenty-seven mahals (old unit of measurement of area). Besides Sindakhed, Mehkar, Sakharkherda etc. private mahals were also part of his own watan-grant. Jadhavrao had established the grandeur of his Jagir by building big stately mansions at Sindakhed and Deulgaon. His presiding deity was Balaji. He had maintained Balaji’s temple quite well. He also owned a tough fortress in Deulgaon. Lakhuji was the commander of twelve-thousand men in the army. Sindakhed was a bustling town. Jadhavrao had wealth. Rights to keep cavalry. He commanded respect. He even owned a few elephants. But God had also blessed him with a very important treasure. This treasure was his daughter Jijau.
This daughter of Jadhavrao was indeed beautiful and virtuous. As if a golden flame fluttering in a traditional golden lamp. Agile, delicate, beautiful, serene, and equally bright flame. She was the darling daughter of Lakhuji Jadhavrao. Jijau! How would Jijau look beside a smiling Shahajiraje? Like Uttara basides Abhimanyu. Jijau was a daughter born of Goddess Laxmi herself!
Vithojiraje broached the subject of this relation with Jadhavrao. The lilt of Shehnai (Clarinet) filled the air. Lakhuji Jadhavrao was on seventh heaven. He was very happy seeing that he was getting a pure-gold son-in-law in Shahajiraje. Everybody got busy in the marriage arrangements. So many things to do. Jadhavrao invited his astrologer. Astrologer came. The family Purohit was also consulted. Bhosale and Jadhav family elders sat together for discussion. Both asked for an opportune auspicious date. Astrologers put down the calculations of nine planets, stars and dates. He carried on some calculations in his mind. Considering opportune angles, he provided a good auspicious date. Everybody’s forehead was glowing with the tilaks. Auspicious Kumkum was everywhere. Thresholds of houses were adorned with Ganapati idols.
To be continued…
NDHistories 