The reports filed by British factors at Rajapur deserve special attention in this regard. Because these reports help us understand the contemporary reality from an independent perspective. The first bulletin that is available after Shivaji Maharaj’s death is dated 11 April 1680. This is just fifteen days after Shivaji Maharaj’s death. In it, they write,
“… Besides Shivaji’s death, there is no other news that needs to be brought to your attention. Due to Shivaji’s death, there is a possibility that there could be some chaos in these regions. Many of the traders have prepared to leave the country. The moment they see any huge army approaching, they will leave. Sambhajiraje is still at Panhalgad. Army and sardars have made a beeline to Panhalgad. They have held food-grains in the Rajapur harbour, and all of that has been ordered to be dispatched to him at Panhalgad. We anticipate, that the people in Sambhajiraje’s army will soon take this region under their control…”
After this, these same British, report one more news on 27 April,
“Sambhaji has assumed the administration himself, and has assumed the epithet Raja. He has called everybody serving under him including Subedar, Havildar etc. servants, assistants, clerks etc. to come and meet him. Some of them have been arrested, and some have been suspended. He has sent a new Subedar even to us. We met him. He treated us with due respect and friendly behaviour.”
In a letter of the British at Mumbai, dated 28 April 1680, the first appearance of this news occurs:
“… We have received confirmed news, that Shivaji died. 23 days have passed since his death. He was ill for twelve days due to blood-sickness. Everything seems to be quiet everywhere, and Sambhaji is at Panhalgad.”
Another letter dated 3 June gives much new information:
“All of Shivaji’s kingdom has now passed to Sambhaji. He is still at Panhalgad. He has gathered 5000 soldiers there and has paid them two months’ salary in advance. He has appointed his own Subedars and officials everywhere. Rajaram is at Raigad, and he has not assumed any special epithet or post. It seems Sambhaji will treat him with utmost love. Annaji Pandit has been beheaded. Moro Pandit, even while he is trusted by Sambhaji, is not party to secret discussions. The country is returning to normal everywhere…”
After this, in the letter dated 12 July, the previously given news about Annaji Datto’s killing has been confirmed to be false. Similarly, Jedhe Shakavali has a mention that Sambhajiraje began ruling on 18 June. That probably would have been the date when Sambhajiraje returned to Raigad and held first court assembly. This is also clarified by the letter of Mumbai’s British. They write on 18 June:
“Sambhajiraje has reached Raigad. He has treated his younger brother as his own and continues to do so. In the previous letter, we had written that Annaji Pandit has been beheaded, but that was an incorrect news that we had received. Recently, we received a messenger from the Chaul Subedar here. He informed us, that Annaji Pandit is alive, but is in fetters and in big trouble. The kingdom everywhere is peaceful indeed. It has been declared everywhere, that Sambhaji is the new king. He has amassed 20,000 strong army at this point in time, and it could not be judged what would be his next plans. But everyone says, that Sambhaji is extremely shrewd and wise.”
While writing about Sambhajiraje, Surat’s British write on 18 October:
“Shivaji’s death has been confirmed… Sambhaji has replaced his father without anything untoward taking place. From Sambhaji’s present behaviour, it seems that he is different from his father’s nature and tendency. His style of work is much more cultured and humane.”
To be continued…
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