Shahu caused many of his benefactors to rise to high positions including Bajirao and Parsoji Bhosale, Ambaji Trimbak and Lakshman Gomaji Purandare, Mahadaji Yamaji and Yashwant Gangadhar Bokil, Khargone’s Jagirdar Gulabrao, Gadadhar Prahlad, Bapuji Sonaji Dighe, Khando Ballal, Naro Ram, Sheikh Mira, Visaji Narayan Jakhi, Anandrao Sumant, Baramati’s Joshis, etc. Hundreds of similar examples exist like the above. Shahu also arranged for appropriate provisions for maintenance of the memorials of his varios ancestors and family members including Shahajiraje’s memorial in the Carnatic, Sambhajiraje’s memorial at Wadhu, and many other similar locations. He assigned various fixed income arrangements for Chinchwad’s Morayadev, Eknath Maharaj, Tukaram Maharaj, Kalyan Gosavi, Siddheshwar Baba, Thakurdas Baba, Brahmendra Swami, Nasik’s Poornanand Swami, Mansaram Udasi, memorials of various saints belonging to Nanak sect (Sikh) and Muslim saints too.
The typical matter contained within the grant-notifications for such income assignments is a good example. He wrote, “We were blessed with the kingdom only through your blessings,” to Kacheshwar Baba, brought him to Satara and kept him around.
The affectionate language used in letters like, “You have striven hard for us. You have taken care of us by giving loans in critical situations, have served loyally, and are continuing to do so. The Swami must continue your benefices,” for all his creditors like Vitthal Vishwanath Ghaisas, Purandare, Mahadaji Krishna Joshi, Bokil etc. could have only originated from his own mind. One can feel his own heart poured out in them.
Many such stories and legends are prevalent even now. Then they must have overflowed when he was alive or right after his death. Even though some of the legends are not actually true stories, there might be some grain of truth in them. And therefore, the legends about any of the historic personalities are considered to be useful in understanding their nature.
One does not hear any incidents of iniquity or carelessness with respect to Shahu. He is glorified everywhere. A grocer by caste, Baswantrao Kasurde, used to serve Birubai. Birubai also belonged to the same caste. These two were proud of their identity and used to call each other brother and sister. Since he did not pose any threat to the Zenana and lived there, he used to be called Baswantrao Khoje. He had taken Birubai to the ritual bath on the seas. Zenana would be called Daruni Mahal in Marathi. Baswantrao would ensure strict security within it. Due to many incidents of his alertness, Shahu had rewarded him with abundant money. He used to say, “The King is highly virtuous, holy, sacred, generous, has achieved fame all over this world by indulging all big and small with his donations. He has caused a restoration of everyone in the kingdom. He is an incarnation of Lord Shiva Himself.”
Baswantrao collected a huge amount of wealth this way, and wished to deposit it into the government treasury. But Maharaj refused and asked him to spend it in charitable donations. So, he decided to reconstruct the Shambhu-Mahadev temple, an erstwhile Hemadpanti construction from the time of Singhan kings, by bringing stone from Baramati and completed the renovation. Near the standard turtle ornamentation at the initial step, letters, “Promptly at the feet, ceaselessly here, Baswantrao,” have been inscribed as a dedication.
Places like Baswantpura, Basappa’s Peth, and Basappa’s Wadi in Satara have been named after him. Birubai got a garden and well constructed at Kasba Nimb. Basappa built a mansion near it. Birubai also constructed a memorial in her own name in front of the memorial of Samarth Ramdas Swami atop the Parali (Sajjangad) fort, and also built a Deepmal (pillar with niches for lamps) in the Shambhu-Mahadev temple premises. Shambhu-Mahadev’s priest Shivrambhat enjoyed special grace from Baswantrao. He built a house in the temple premises for the priest.
A lackey named Mayaji Fadtare was a clever and intelligent man, and grew up to great stature through Shahu’s grace. Similarly, Maharaj favoured Shrinivasrao Pratinidhi very much. He used to call him only ‘Rao’. He would regularly visit the royal mansion to meet Maharaj. One day, he was delayed somewhat while coming to meet Maharaj, so Maharaj himself went to his house to meet him. Maharaj was especially interested in hunting. Many times, he would roam around alone somewhere pursuing a prey. At such occasions, whoever helped him, Maharaj would take good care of them.
Like an imperial Mughal custom, one person named Mengoji Hukebardar, would always accompany Maharaj on his journeys. This Mengoji was a great favourite of Shahu. Khandya was Maharaj’s favourite dog. There was a watering hole built near the Mahuli confluence at a place called Poi’s Mal (watering hole plateau). Similarly, Maharaj had a pet rhinoceros who used to be tethered on a plateau named Genda’s Mal (rhino’s plateau). Later, Damaji Gaikwad’s forces were defeated by the Peshwa at this place.
To be continued…
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