Jijabai II tried engaging with Sadashivrao Bhau, displaying affection towards him, tried get the throne at Satara for Sambhaji II to after Shahu, or at least getting Sadashivrao Bhau to accept the office of the Pradhan at Kolhapur so that a unified command and control structure prevailed all over the kingdom. In 1748, she wrote to Sadashivrao, “In reference to the previous context, we have sent Dadambhat Shrotri to you. To ensure that your prowess is visible without delay, your fame is displayed excellently, and you become the recipient of deserved success, we have prepared the ground since last year. In relation to the duties of Swarajya, our discussions have taken place before. We have provided lists of agreements. According to that, you should urgently inform Rajashree Balaji Pandit Pradhan to come for a meeting with Saheb, and act on the plan for the benefit of the kingdom. Saheb is just a mediator, he is fully confident that your loyalty is unwavering. What agreement has Saheb entered into with you; how he has made use of the above-mentioned Pandit’s lap as his pillows; think well about all these things, and urgently act upon the planned task.”
Later, when Raghuji left and went to Bengal, Shahu urgently called Raghuji back to Satara in the month of October 1749, which occurred two months before his death. His letter said, “You secure your region and come here. We only trust you.”
But Raghuji was unwavering in his resolve, “I have already entered into a friendship with the Peshwa on oath. I will not betray that word. I will act as per the Peshwa’s orders.”
After that, in the month of November 1749, the animus between the Pradhanpant and Sakwarbai went on increasing. Sakwarbai urgently called Sambhaji II to Satara. To that Sambhaji II replied, “If we thought about taking Sakwarbai’s side after going to Satara, the friendship with Pantapradhan goes sour. He is the most influential in the kingdom. So, I won’t go for now. If it comes to worst, we will gather ten to twenty thousand force and join the Pantapradhan.”
Raghuji returned to Satara only after Shahu’s death, when Ramraja called him in the month of April 1750, and acted within the Peshwa’s orders. One of the erstwhile letters has described Raghuji, “Raghuji’s pride was like mercury, a water droplet over a lotus leaf.”
Shahu’s nature had become extremely delicate and irritable. Nagorao Meghashyam and his elder brother Devrao used to stay near him. On 25 October 1747, Nagorao wrote, “Devrao took leave from the master and went to Indapur. The master satisfied him by pledging over his head. Maharaj appreciated him saying that he had toiled hard at his doorstep day and night, and covered his (Devrao’s) shoulders in his own shawl. The court’s heart is in a very delicate state. He cannot bear too many meetings. However, Bai remains around him a lot. It is not like anybody tries to speak with him in private. Sukhanand was going to meet him. To him too, master spoke with sarcasm. Due to that, he quit going there to meet him. Yesterday, I and Raya were invited to the senior mansion (Sakwarbai) seven to eight times. All three of us went there. Bai engaged in a huge drama. She kept asking for a minimum of twenty-five lakh rupees of her debt from Maharaj. She asked for cash, saying what she would do with chits of paper. All three of us came and requested Rajashree. He just blew it all away. He desires about getting marriages completed. At least two, he would finish off decidedly. He has ordered to begin Birubai’s memorial at Mahuli. He is saying he would go to visit Pratapgad. He might also go to Jejuri if possible. Babuji Naik was going to visit for a meeting, but he was refused.”
In 1748, Purandare wrote to the Peshwa, “Younger queen was down with fever caused by headache for one or two days. Presently fever remains, and head also aches. She cannot speak. She has become extremely dismayed. The Vaidya says that this illness does not seem to be abating quickly. She gets extremely frightened. If the illness does not recover, the Swami will have to come. We keep visiting every day. She has become very weak.”
A report on 23 June 1748 read, “Rajashree Swami was planning to return after completing the Medha campaign. But the illness of Ramoji Shirke posed a huge challenge. So, he arrived at Old Kalamb along with the forces. He stayed for ten to fifteen days there. After that, the monsoon began its business in the extreme. Maharaj entered the village. We too were with him. He (Ramoji Shirke) displayed immense detachment. Maharaj finished the protocol ceremony, feast, inquiries of the ill Ramojibaba, and returned to the army camp. The river began flowing to the brim. Both took leave of each other one day. Thereafter, it was decided to stay at Godoli. There, a special room was appointed for privacy. A common thatched roof hut has been appointed for himself. Accordingly, as per everybody’s position and out of respect for him, all have built their own places of stay made of thatched roof only. However, Devraoji keeps him constant company. While the diagnostic treatment was on, Ramojibaba proceeded to his creator on the sixth night. He was carried to Mahuli like that. The four auspicious months are to be spent at Godoli. The Swami desires to install proper roofs. Hunting is second nature. The queen is at home in her mansion for the past ten days. She keeps visiting twice. Whatever political and religious discussions take place, are anyways conveyed regularly to the Swami. The son has the plan of the Carnatic in his heart.” After this, on 25 August 1748, Sagunabai died.
To be continued…
NDHistories 