Aurangzeb’s army primarily had Rajputs from the north and Marathas from the Deccan. It meant he was protecting the Mughal Sultanate taking help from Hindus after all. The happy dreams of aligning them all to the cause of our own religion (Swadharma), capturing Delhi itself, and establishing Hindupadpadshahi (Sovereign Hindu Kingdom) from Shivaji’s times were still being indulged in by the Marathas. It seems convincing, that if this initial unity of the Marathas had stayed unbroken, the above programme was eminently possible.
It is worth remembering how many and which all efforts were taken by Rajaram at Jinji, and Ramchandrapant at Vishalgad to defeat the Mughals. They established a policy of abundantly rewarding their people with Inams, Jagirs, prizes etc. to encourage them further. Most of the regions mentioned in such Inams were under Mughal control. Due to which, to take the Jagir mentioned in the notification under their own control, everybody began entering the Mughal realms. Due to such acts, Rajaram became famous everywhere. People started feeling proud about his capability. People everywhere got eager to perform his bidding and a huge number gathered at Jinji as well. “To ensure people also received something, as per the age-old policy, they were given the feudal possessions. He turned to be the good fortune for all his ministers, head-clerks, and sardars. Whoever went to him, were granted their old offices and were established in them assuring them hereditary continuance. Whoever had the ability, they were given increased responsibilities. This way Rajaram began blessing people, even more than the first Maharaj (Shivaji). He would never do anything without discussing with renowned sardars and stewards first. He would not keep the company of people with bad habits, or of lowly ambitions. He would hate people with bad habits very much. This way, his reign became lovable for everyone, and it began to be administered as per the rules set down by the previous Maharaj.”
It will be further expressed later, how Ramchandrapant, who would complain not to grant the land as prizes, and holding a grudge against the Watan-rights holders previously, would himself begin to not only grant such rights, but also create new Watans.
Which all Maratha activities were on in Maharashtra and the Carnatic, and such a huge enthusiasm had filled up the people so as to think of defeating the Badshah himself, is excellently expressed by a letter dated 22 March 1690, as follows. It is memorable to understand the way Keso Trimal Pingle had returned to Maharashtra with a treasury of one lakh and his forces.
“To honourable Baji Sarjerao Jedhe Deshmukh, per the king’s own order. You have been granted pardon. You have sent honourable Ratnoji Shinde and Shankaraji Dhage to relate numerous instances of your loyalty, they have been listened to. This is Maharashtra’s own kingdom. You nurse heartfelt wishes towards betterment of this kingdom. Whatever political situation exists in that province, destroy all of them, maintain your forces, stay alert, whatever task of the Swami you see, carry it out, accomplish it, and write to us about the same. It will be dealt with appropriately by us. Presently in this province, Rajashree Chhatrapati Swami embarked on a campaign to the Carnatic, and has gathered an army consisting of forty thousand cavalry, and one lakh twenty-five thousand infantry. The numbers keep increasing further. All the powerful Palegars of this province have joined forces with us. The army has now become strong. Further, for now Rajashree Keso Trimal has been sent there. Fifteen thousand cavalry and twenty-five thousand infantrymen have also been sent accompanying him. They have reached the Koppal province on the banks of the Tungabhadra river. They have also been given a war-chest of one lakh hon. To receive them, Rajashree Dhanaji Jadhav, Rajashree Santaji Ghorpade, and the Panch-Hazari commanders have been sent ahead. They will reach in eight-to-fifteen days. Still, you are advised to stay alert, remain loyal at the Swami’s feet, and engage in tasks that accomplish the Swami’s cause. What does the enemy amount to? If you resolve about something, what is the enemy then? The enemy has been taught a lesson by you all. When you all feel wholeheartedly about this kingdom, Aurangzeb does not count. Taking this into consideration, act as per what has been relayed in writing. Aurangzeb has converted numerous Maratha men. Accordingly, he has converted Netoji Palkar, Sabaji Ghatge, Janojiraje etc. in the past, and also numerous Brahmins of this province have been converted as well. He has continued it further. Whatever Marathas had gone to the Mughals, have now started coming to us along with their forces. Recently, Hanmantrao Nimbalkar, Satwaji Nimbalkar, Mane, and other sardars have joined. Many others also continue to join. Thus, the enemy’s army is reducing and our army has been increasing. God ensures we are victorious. Stay strong as written.” This letter is written by Khando Ballal.
To be continued…
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