OTHER IMPORTANT COLLEAGUES

The founder of the Pratinidhi family, Parashuram Trimbak became famous around this time. He was a native of a village named Kinhai near Nandgiri. He was a devotee of Goddess Yamai of the original Moolpeeth at Aundh. The two brothers, Madhavrao and Parashurampant, were Kulkarnis of the Kinhai village. Parashurampant came to Vishalgad and began performing the job of a clerk under Ramchandrapant Amatya at a young age. Seeing his skill, Pant appointed him as his Mutalik (representative) on a salary of eight hon per month. After this, he began participating in battles, and began proving his prowess there too. For this, he was given epithets like ‘Suba-Lashkar’ and ‘Samsherjung’, and in due course of time, he kept getting offices like Pratinidhi, Pradhan, Amatya. When Aurangzeb was striving to capture the whole Maharashtra, Parashurampant ensured security at all the forts, generated pride about Swarajya in people’s hearts, and recaptured the region from Miraj up to Rangna from the Mughals. After Rajaram, Tarabai used to primarily trust Parashurampant.

The first mighty feat Parashurampant displayed was in recapturing the Panhala fort. Maval forts were recaptured by Shankaraji Narayan, but almost the second capital after Raigad, and its pair Pawangad was captured by the Badshah, the moment Rajaram had left for Jinji towards the end of 1689. Of these, Panhala was recaptured by Parashurampant through a constant struggle of two years in the month of June 1692. Due to this, the Badshah was incensed, and kept struggling constantly to capture Panhala back for the next three years. His grandsons and many of his renowned sardars had besieged Panhala. But Pant fought hard against all of those, and did not lose the fort. If the details of whatever struggles took place for five long years for this fort become available, it would be a huge accretion to our historical knowledge. For now, just some scanty references of Islamic writers are available. The Badshah became convinced about how difficult it was to capture these forts, when even after three years of hard work, he had not been able to capture Panhala.

Parashuram Trimbak was thoughtful and virtuous in his own way, and courageous man in terms of both diplomatic and warrior spirit. He had a mixture of qualities of both Ramchandrapant and Shankaraji Narayan in him. His loyalty remained immovable in his Chhatrapati.

Both Bhosale and Ghorpade families had been born of a single Sisodia clan from Udaipur. Ghorpade family at Mudhol was the elder, while Bhosales at Satara were younger. The elder son Karn Singh of Ugrasen was the ancestor of Ghorpades, and his younger son Shubhakrishna was the ancestor of the Bhosales. Baji Ghorpade, the ninth born in Karn Singh’s line, was killed by Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji Maharaj himself was the tenth born in Shubhakrishna’s line. Baji’s cousin was Mhaloji Ghorpade, who had three sons, Santaji, Bahirji, and Maloji. When Shivaji Maharaj went on the Carnatic campaign, Santaji and Bahirji had accompanied him. Later when the Ghorpades captured most of the Carnatic regions to river Krishna’s south, their family grew other branches at Sondur, Gajendragad, Dattawad, Kapshi etc. Santaji got the office of Commander-in-Chief from Rajaram in 1691, which he took away from Santaji in 1696, and it was given to Dhanaji Jadhav. Due to this, he later became upset. Bahirji, his son Sidhoji and grandson Murarrao primarily participated in later Maratha kingdom efforts. This proves the importance of this family.

Dhanaji Jadhav’s family had originated from the Jadhavraos of Sindakhed. After Jijabai’s father Lakhuji and brother Achaloji were murdered at Daulatabad, Jijabai took care of Achaloji’s minor son Santaji and brought him up. Lakhuji’s brother Jagdevrao sought refuge from the Mughal Badshah at Delhi, from where he got awarded an epithet ‘Rustamrao’. Jijabai’s elder son Sambhaji and her nephew Santaji were of same age, and used to live together. Both of them were killed in the battle of Kanakgiri together. Santaji’s son Shambhusingh used to accompany Shivaji Maharaj. His son Dhanaji was born around 1650, and after growing up, he began working under Prataprao Gujar. Dhanaji’s spark was noticed by Shivaji Maharaj in the battles at Umbarani and Nesri. However, Dhanaji is not heard of during Sambhajiraje’s career. However, his prowess again started shining brightly after Sambhajiraje’s death. After Rajaram’s departure to Jinji, Dhanaji displayed wonderful might in Maharashtra and achieved huge success against the Badshah’s forces. For this, Rajaram gave him an epithet of Jaisinghrao.

One must count Khando Ballal Chitnis as one of the chief leaders and loyal servants at this time. He was with Sambhajiraje when he was captured. After Sambhajiraje’s assassination, he went to Jinji with Rajaram. He had to face numerous calamities and fatal struggles for Rajaram. His brother Nilo Ballal was given the office of the Dewan of Raja Karn (Rajaram’s son with a concubine). When Khando Ballal’s wife died in Jinji, Rajaram himself ordered two more wives, Kami and Kakai, to be brought from homeland to Jinji and got him married to them. Achieving complete grace of Rajaram, upon his request, he was given Sardeshmukhi office of the Dabhol province. Later, he gave away this watan to Ganoji Shirke and through him got Rajaram freed from Jinji.

To be continued…

SHAHAJIRAJE’S REBELLION

Jijabai’s mother and sisters-in-law were rendered widows in an instant! In fact, Jadhavrao family was a descendant of Devagiri’s Yadav Emperors. They were the rightful owners of the Devagiri throne. And the dead-bodies of these rightful owners of Devagiri throne, were now lying unclaimed in a pool of blood in front of the same throne, while bowing down humbly to the insolent Sultan sitting on the same throne! Lakhuji was killed by Safdar Khan, while the three sons were killed by others. They tried to serve the Sultan in all sincerity. This was their reward for the sincerity!

Lakhuji’s family was in the camp near the Tughlaq’s tank. They got this terrible news from the fort. Girijabai learnt that her husband and three sons were killed. But there was no time to even grieve. Because it was certain that the Sultanate raid would have definitely descended on them. To save lives and dignity, Girijabai, Bahadurji, Jagdevrao etc. company ran away hiding on the way, but continuously travelling, and finally reached Sindakhed. This was the treatment given to a mighty, respectful, brave Maratha warrior!

Jijabai’s own father and three brothers were killed, especially under Sultan’s own supervision. The doors of her maternal homes had already been closed to her (because of the previous feud). But today that home itself was destroyed completely. She was overcome with grief and anger. The fire of vengeance in her mind flared up all the more. That fire was now making its way from her mind to her womb. To the life which was growing there. The foetus had started clenching its fists with vengeance even before its birth!

Jijabai’s family ladies performed Sati (self-immolation) after reaching Sindakhed. Jagdevrao Jadhav and Bahadurji got extremely angry with Nizamshahi due to the whole affair. They left Nizamshahi and started serving Mughals! This was the only change!

Shahajiraje and Lakhuji had the old feud. Their relation had already been cut to pieces under the swords. But still Shahajiraje had little bit of love left for his father-in-law. He also got very angry about the betrayal of his father-in-law and brothers-in-law. He was aggrieved. He was sick of Nizamshahi and decided to quit it again. But where to go? That was the question. Where else to go? Again, under another Sultan only, right? But wherever one went, all the Sultans were the same. These Sultans didn’t care about anybody. Didn’t Shahajiraje remember the killing of clever Sabaji Anant, a well-meaning Brahmin Sardar who had been killed by Nizamshah without reason? He was such a great, sacred, and loyal pandit, that he had served the Sultan humbly till his last. He had such good character, that once even a prostitute sent to him to ensnare him, had surrendered and paid tributes to him. But this same Sabaji Anant was accused of adultery, and the Sultan had him crushed under an elephant’s feet.

Shahajiraje remembered all this. He started thinking. If this was the treatment given to the elite, then what must have happened with the poor? There was no limit to their grief. Nobody could hear that litany of woes. Shahajiraje could see that thousands of such Jijaus across Maharashtra were crying for their brothers, fathers, mothers, and sisters-in-law.

Shahajiraje was suddenly disturbed because of the Jadhavrao assassination. Even if he quit Nizamshahi, the competitors Mughals, Adilshah or Qutubshah were also the same! Slavery was at the root of all this misery. So, Shahajiraje who was fed up with this whole slavery, started to plan something really brave. Revolt! He didn’t want to be a part of this yes-men clan; he didn’t want this slavery! No Sultans needed, no Jagir needed! A courageous thought of raising a rebellion arose in Shahajiraje’s mind, with the help of his own land, his own people, his own might, and his own swords! Revolt! Such courageous idea! Revolt against Sultanates! And Shahajiraje put these thoughts of rebellion in action! That time he was near Parinda fort. From there he travelled to Sangamner. From there on to Pune. He had held the Jagir of Pune since the time of Malojiraje. He had an old mansion there. He declared this whole region as ‘Independent’! This was the day ‘Independence’ dawned on Pune after three hundred years! Shahajiraje quickly established his control over the region surrounding Pune. This region belonged to Bijapur’s Adilshah.

To be continued…

JADHAVRAO ASSASSINATION

Jijabai’s household had been filled with joy. The rituals and lent were going on. The family deities were being worshipped as appropriate. Every morning and evening the house used to get filled with the beats of auspicious drums. It was the month of Shravan. Shravan is the month of rains, serene green carpets of grass, showers of flowers, festivals, lent, joy, and swings. Each day was opening up as the petals of a flower. The shower of Parijatak flowers was covering the whole courtyard like a blanket. It was the new moon fortnight of romantic aspirations. The moon was waxing day-by-day. Jijabai’s swing of joy was rising with it. The full-moon of Shravan arrived, and…! The rope of the swing of joy suddenly snapped! A terrible thing happened!

Like a lightning that terrible news flew from the Daulatabad fort, and crashed on Jijabai’s mansion. A wail of grief suddenly arose. The auspicious drums stopped. Jijabai was drowned in grief! On the auspicious festive day of Shravan Pournima (full-moon) saka 1551, Jijabai’s maternal home was destroyed completely!

Lakhuji Jadhavrao had camped at the foothills of the Daulatabad fort along with his whole family. This camp was near the Tughlaq tank. Lakhujiraje himself was there. Besides all his sons, his brother Jagdevrao and wife Girijabai alias Mhalasabai was also there. Girijabai was Jijabai’s mother. Sultan Nizamshah was in the Daulatabad fort. Some poisonous tongues were whispering something terrible in the Sultan’s ears. But extremely secretly! Without giving anyone any kind of indication!

On the day of the full-moon (Dt 25 July 1629), Lakhujiraje started from his camp for the Sultan’s court on the fort with his three sons Achloji, Raghoji and Yashwantrao. To pay humble homage at the feet of Zille-Ilahi Sultan Nizamshah (Kadambosi). Lakhuji’s only remaining son Bahadurji had stayed back in the camp with his mother. His uncle Jagdevrao Jadhav had also stayed behind in the camp. Lakhuji started up with his three sons. Nobody had the slightest inkling of the terrible things that had been laid in front of them. Not a single eyelid had batted in an ominous indication.

Lakhujiraje reached the fort. Sultan was sitting in his special court assembly. Many Sardars were standing around in humility, but absolutely motionless like a picture. Nobody was saying anything. Nobody was moving a muscle. Raje humbly entered the royal court with his sons. Heart of the future started beating loudly! All four Jadhavraos approached the Sultan politely. Sultan was sitting on his seat looking at them spitefully. Jadhavraos bowed down in respect. At that moment, the Sultan got up and suddenly left the court. He had insulted a mighty Sardar like Jadhavrao on purpose. Lakhuji felt really bad about this insult. But he turned around with his sons without a word, and at that instant…!

All the swords were drawn out of their scabbards with terrifying noises! Hameed Khan, Muqarrab Khan, Safdar Khan, Farrad Khan, Moti Khan etc. Sardars standing around in the court attacked Jadhavrao family suddenly. They pounced on Jadhavraos! But even the passionate Jadhavrao blood erupted. All four Jadhavraos drew their daggers. Hameed Khan, Farrad Khan etc. Sardars started attacking them. The shouts of deceit resounded in the court. The fight started in earnest in the court itself. The killers crowded together. Blood started pouring down. Sultan was waiting inside for the ‘result’. Suddenly the heady noise reached a crescendo! The outcome had been achieved! The bodies of Lakhuji, Achloji, Raghoji and Yashwantrao were lying in a pool of blood and in pieces! Jadhavrao family had met their decided outcome! Jijabai’s maternal family had been finished!

Sultan Nizamshah was overjoyed. His pre-planned attack had succeeded. This Nizamshah was extremely addicted to all sorts of vices. He was always drowned in his Harem and alcohol. He didn’t have even one bit of wisdom. He was always surrounded in his coterie of bad advisors. Hameed Khan was the supreme leader of such bad advisors. This Hameed Khan was extremely unworthy person. His wife used to run a special brothel for the Sultan. Hameed Khan’s wife used to supply new women and dirtiest vices to the Sultan every day, and on her special recommendation, Hameed Khan had become a big Sardar in the court. He used to impart perfect bad advice to the Sultan. Now also, it was him who had secretly advised the Nizam, that this Maratha Lakhuji Jadhav was the biggest scoundrel. Kill him! Sultan nodded in agreement. Immediately preparations were done. Assassins appointed. And…

To be continued…

JIJABAI’S WISH

Jijabai had also realised that, some mighty hero like Ram was needed to bring all these brave Marathas together and revolt against these Sultans, what if some mighty powerful man was born…? Would he be born?

She was really fond of Ramayana, Mahabharata. Her mind was deeply touched while listening to the stories of Ram, Hanuman, Sita, Krishna, Draupadi, Kunti, Vidula etc. She felt, whether she would be able to be listed alongside Kunti ever? Kunti’s Bheem and Arjun were mighty and powerful. They had killed the demons and the Kauravas. They had established a happy, prosperous, and righteous kingdom. Kunti became renowned as the mother of bravehearts, the mother of Kings. Jijabai wanted to be like her! Would it be possible?

Her dissatisfaction started increasing. Her devotion towards Jagadamba started increasing. She started feeling confident, that she would be instrumental in changing the situation, and Mother Bhavani would help her in it. But she had grown to be extremely impatient. One could fight to one’s last breath for tomorrow’s cow getting dragged away by the butcher, but what she couldn’t bear seeing was today’s cow dying at their hands.

However, even in this explosive mental state, she never forgot that she was a married woman. She was the wife of a very courageous man. She knew that Shahajiraje was serving Nizamshah out of sheer helplessness. Sometimes unknowingly she used to get a feeling that Shahajiraje himself should throw away all these Sultanate bonds of slavery, and should start the enterprise of an independent kingdom himself. But she was aware of the difficulty and caustic nature of the ordeal it was. She was ambitious, but not indiscreet. She knew that she would have to bide her time patiently for the favourable opportunity. She was looking out for the ray of hope with discretion, so that she could pounce at the opportune moment. Jijabai was truly the Goddess Durga in Bhosale’s sanctum sanctorum. But her real form lay dormant. Her thousand hands were invisible so far. So far, this Ambika hadn’t stepped out of the sanctum into the battlefield.

Jijabai was learning the many intricacies of politics in the company of old experienced stewards in the Bhosale household like Sonopant Dabir, Naropant Mujumdar, Balkrishnapant Hanmante etc. She used to continuously hear the various happenings from the four Sultanates. She used to understand the situation of the country and her people. She was directly witnessing Shahajiraje’s political moves. She had perfectly gauged the silent minds of her people. If you left out selfish Sardars and big Watandars, the common poor Maratha public was fed up of the Sultanate power; but it did not have the courage. If someone gave these hardworking, honest and brave Marathas some support, this Sahyadri with hundreds of its forts and this Maharashtra with its tough Marathas wouldn’t remain a slave even for one more second. The devotees of Tuljapur’s Bhavani were brave like their deity. They just needed a leader. She (Jijabai) understood.

Jijabai understood and internalised politics. She started feeling all the more impatient. She started requesting Jagadamba to satisfy her deepest wish!

The Mughal menace was continuing. Daryakhan Rohilla was routing Khandesh into desolation. Shahajiraje who was back with Nizamshahi, was fighting him at the instance of the Sultan. Erstwhile Mughal Sardar Khanjahan Lodi had also joined Nizamshahi after revolting against Shahjahan. Nizamshah had awarded him the Jagir of Beed Pargana, but due to that Beed had been rendered chaotic with incessant battles. Shahajiraje was fighting with Daryakhan. At this time Shahjahan himself was getting ready for a Deccan campaign at Agra (June 1629 AD). The Mughal Sardar Iradatkhan was attacking Lodi in the Beed Pargana. However, Lakhuji Jadhavrao (Jijabai’s father) had quit the Mughal service and had joined back Nizamshahi.

And in the Vaishakh month of Saka 1551 (Apri-May 1629 AD), Shahajiraje got some amount of respite, and he came home. Jijabai was overjoyed. He was scarcely home. His whole life was being spent on the battlefield. Family life was getting ignored in all this running around. Jijabai had to be content in her devotion towards him only in her mind. Raje came home. Jijabai busied herself in serving Shahajiraje to satisfaction. Forgetting all her travails, she became one with Lord Shiva, Goddess Bhavani and Shahajiraje, asking all three of them her only wish! It was the Jyeshtha month. Lord Shiva was content! Mother Goddess was content! And Shahajiraje was content with Jijabai’s care!

To be continued…

THE WHOLE EARTH SHOOK!

The elephants struggled with each other and died. Bhosale and Jadhavrao families became sworn enemies of each other. Jijau’s maternal connection was broken!

Jijabai’s life, however, went on. Bhosales and Jadhavraos were permanently estranged after the fight involving the elephant. Blood relations snapped quickly. But neither Jijau nor Shahajiraje allowed to let this fight between the two families impact their day-to-day life. Shahajiraje did not turn his anger with his father-in-law towards his wife. Instead, he used to respect Jijabai a lot in family matters. He used to love her a lot. Around the same time Jijau was pregnant. Soon she gave birth to a son. He was named ‘Sambhajiraje’ (around 1623 AD). Even before Sambhajiraje and after, Jijabai had given birth to four sons. But all four of them were snatched away by death. Sambhajiraje however lived and was growing up slowly but surely.

Lakhuji Jadhavrao one day got hints about a conspiracy to kill him being cooked directly in Daulatabad’s royal reaches. Lakhuji understood that Nizamshah himself wanted to kill him. He stood up and straightaway went and joined the Mughals. He left Nizamshahi. Lakhuji became a Mughal Sardar.

Around the same time, the Shehzada Shahjahan had rebelled against his father. And that new hurricane had begun (July 1623 AD).

The new year was literally called Raktakshi (meaning bloody-eyed). Clouds of a terrible Sultanate war started gathering over Maharashtra. Malik Ambar requested Bijapur’s Adilshah to help protect Nizamshahi. But Adilshah, instead of helping Nizamshahi, went and befriended the Mughals. Mughal and Adilshahi forces joined up and attacked Nizamshahi. This was an eighty-thousand strong army. Vazir Malik Ambar prepared the Nizamshahi army against them. In this army, Shahajiraje, Sharifjiraje, all sons of Vithojiraje, Hambirrao Chavan, Mudhoji Naik Nimbalkar, Vithoji Kate, Nrusinhapant Pingle etc. Maratha Sardars were more in number. There were others also like Mansoor Khan, Yakut Khan, Fateh Khan. But as compared to the Marathas, they were less in number. This meant, Marathas would die to save Nizamshahi.

Finally, there was a terrible battle (October 1624 AD). It was fought at Bhatwadi near Ahmednagar. Thousands of men died. Shahajiraje, along with all other Marathas fought with great valour. Especially Shahajiraje’s prowess knew no bounds. The enemy side had his own father-in-law Lakhuji Jadhavrao himself! Actually, whose enmity, and who were fighting! What relation did the Marathas have with this human sacrifice? The sacrifice definitely had the Marathas dying! Thousands were being sacrificed. Father-in-law and son-in-law were fighting each other passionately.

Finally, Bhosales also ended up offering their own blood! Sharifjiraje died fighting. Shahajiraje’s own younger brother was killed. Jijau’s sister-in-law was widowed! For whom? This sacrifice was to sustain another Sultanate! Finally, Shahajiraje and other Marathas completely routed the combined Mughal and Bijapur forces, and made Nizamshah and Vazir Malik Ambar victorious. They won the war (October 1624 AD).

Nizam and Malik Ambar were both very happy. They both knew that this victory was only due to Shahaji Bhosale. The awe of Raje’s valour began to increase surprisingly in the Nizamshahi, and this somehow became a thorn in the flesh for Malik Ambar! Malik started fearing Shahajiraje’s prowess. This Maratha had been brought by him, but now he was becoming a potential challenger! He must be removed! And Malik Ambar started hating Shahajiraje. The unity amongst Shahajiraje and his cousins Khelojiraje, Parsojiraje was disturbed. The cousins also started hating Shahajiraje. There were disagreements with Malik Ambar also. Raje started getting insulted constantly. Shahajiraje didn’t understand all this. People whom he served loyally, for whom he fought over his own life, did they value him so meagrely? His father and younger brother had given their life for the throne. Still they didn’t care about him. Shahajiraje’s thoughts started spinning. Why was he being subjected to all this?

To be continued…

ESTRANGEMENT

Lakhujiraje Jadhavrao had already left the court and was on his way to his camp. He was far away by this time. Suddenly, the news of his son’s death reached him with the speed of the wind. And then it was like eruption of a volcano! Hearing the news Lakhujiraje was beside himself with anger. His whole body was on fire. Even the surroundings felt his fury. He turned back! For killing Sambhaji Bhosale! To avenge! He started running back crying out loud for revenge.

And he reached! He entered the battle that was on. He himself had gone berserk which was visible in his eyes, brow, lips, and teeth. Lakhujiraje found himself face to face with Shahajiraje Bhosale himself! His son-in-law! The husband of his own lovable daughter! But everything was finished, all relations had been broken! No love left! No more affection! Lakhuji suddenly attacked Shahajiraje! The swipe slashed Shahajiraje’s arm and due to the terrible wound, he fell down to the ground! He lost consciousness in that instant… Only because of which he was saved! Otherwise he could have lost his head for sure!

Immediately Lakhujiraje attacked Sambhaji Bhosale. He also started fighting. The battle scared everyone around. Both of their bodies were covered in wounds. Suddenly Lakhujiraje slashed his sword. And it fatally wounded Sambhaji. Sambhaji was killed! Lakhuji finally achieved the vengeance for his son’s death. A life was avenged with another! All this happened in Devagiri in 1622 AD.

Dattaji Jadhavrao and Sambhaji Bhosale were lying dead in a pool of their own blood in front of Nizamshah’s palace. Shahajiraje was lying unconscious due to his wounds. Many others had died. Heads were rolling around. Jadhavrao’s sword was dripping with blood from the vengeance and the green standard fluttering atop Nizamshah’s palace was laughing at all this!

After such a terrible battle Hazrat Zille-Ilahi Nizamshah Badahah came out of his palace! He consoled both sides and advised them against fighting each other!

Jadhavrao family took hold of Dattaji’s, and Bhosale family picked up Sambhaji’s dead bodies and left for their own camps, grieving.

What would one call this incident? What could one name it! An hour before, nobody would have expected, that such a terrible incident would occur there. But the whole tempest rose in an hour, and the Maratha swords were drawn suddenly to kill each other. Was this infighting amongst the Marathas even more powerful than God? Yes! The destiny written by God himself was easily being wiped off by this infighting. This bad influence was making an entrance in Maharashtra’s horoscope, and disturbing all the friendly arraignments, to ensure Marathas killed other Marathas from time to time. The shields and swords of Bhosalerao and Jadhavrao had come together because of the marriage between Shahaji and Jijau. It was coming together of two mighty Maratha families. The two families had almost become one. The moment some hopefuls started hoping that at least now luck would smile upon them, that bad influence made its entrance! Luck was left aside. Good luck farther away. Widowhood made a grand entrance. Dattaji Jadhavrao and Sambhaji Bhosale’s wives lost their Kumkum (husbands)!

Blood had already flown. Now tears were flowing. Bhosales were grieving for Sambhaji. Jadhavrao family was grieving for Dattaji.

Whom should Jijau grieve for? Brother or Brother-in-law?

She was crying for this whole immature Maharashtra!

To be continued…

AN ELEPHANT GONE BERSERK

And one day a terrible thing happened. It brought tears to Jijau’s eyes.

One day after Sultan Nizamshah’s court was dismissed, all the courtiers started getting out of the court premises. Everybody started rushing to go home. The servants and cavalrymen of these Sardars were standing outside with their vehicles. Some had brought horses, some had elephants and some were in palanquins. These servants of the Amir-Umrao’s getting out of the royal palace, started competing with each other in their effort to impress their masters, and this created a big crowd. The standards of these Sardars were fluttering in the crowd. The court announcers and guards were trying to control the crowd, and making way for everybody to get out, due to which some of the Sardars had already left the premises. Lakhuji Jadhavrao also had already left the place and on his way. But back in the courtyard, complete bedlam and confusion still reigned supreme.

Suddenly on one side some shouts and screams were heard! Hundreds of eyes turned towards the spot. One big elephant belonging to Sardar Khandagale had gone berserk, and was attacking the crowd waving its trunk and head side-to-side and trumpeting loudly! It was lifting anyone who came in the way by its trunk and throwing them back to the ground. Peoples’ heads and ribs were being crushed beneath its feet. People were screaming terribly. Many were dying. The elephant had started running haywire lifting its trunk straight up. In that moment, a terrible stampede and commotion began. Khandagale’s elephant has gone berserk! Elephant gone berserk!

The elephant had a mahout. He was trying to control the elephant by continuously hitting the goading tool on its head. But the berserk elephant was still running here and there, trumpeting loudly and crushing people all the way. It had acquired such a terrible aura, that nobody would dare try and stop it!

But, like an elephant from a different herd cannot bear the trumpeting of the elephant from one herd, a brave warrior equally powerful couldn’t bear this mad fury. His name was Dattaji Jadhavrao. He was Jijau’s brother. Lakhuji Jadhavrao’s son. Shahajiraje’s brother-in-law. Dattaji ordered his cavalrymen to try and control the elephant using their spears and swords! Immediately Dattaji, along with his men, attacked the elephant. But the elephant was seeming like a dark cloud during heavy monsoons! Its menace was going on increasing even after getting wounded. It killed many of the cavalrymen from Jadhavrao’s group by pulling them with its trunk off their horses, striking them to the ground, and crushing them under its feet! Dattaji’s soldiers lost their courage in front of the elephant! They started running away to avoid certain death! Dattaji couldn’t stand this insulting defeat! He was mad with fury, even more than the elephant! Staring down the elephant like a lion, he attacked the elephant himself. At that moment Shahajiraje’s cousin, Vithojiraje’s son Sambhajiraje Bhosale called out to Dattaji,

“Raje, there’s no need to kill the elephant! There’s no need to kill the elephant!”

And the Bhosale brothers, Sambhajiraje and Khelojiraje ran to protect the elephant! Khandagale too started trying to protect the elephant from Jadhavrao’s attack. The bloodied elephant was looking like a red hill. It was running around waving his head side-to-side. Bhosales and Khandagale ran to protect the elephant from Dattaji’s attack. But here Dattaji had already started attacking the elephant with his sword. Sambhajiraje was calling out to him, ‘Don’t hurt the elephant, we don’t need to kill him’, and was trying to fend off Dattaji’s strikes. But Dattaji was so mad with fury that he didn’t listen, and with one fine stroke he completely cut off the elephant’s trunk. A bucketload of blood started flowing out of its trunk! The elephant’s power and grandeur vanished! It started screaming in pain.

But this did not end here. After wounding the elephant, Dattaji turned on Sambhajiraje himself! Wouldn’t listen! His sword started playing havoc. A right battle started between the two in earnest! Stroke after stroke. Looking at Dattaji and Sambhaji fight each other, their supporters ran in to aid. It became a dogfight and a terrible struggle ensued between the two parties.

When he saw his brother-in-law attacking his cousin, Shahajiraje himself got really angry. Ignoring the family relations, Shahajiraje ran to help Sambhajiraje. Dattaji was fighting using a sword and shield. He was wielding his sword so passionately, that he seemed to have built a bright impenetrable ring around him. All directions stood a stunned witness to this crazy and sudden battle that was being fought by these bravehearts. Many heads started rolling. Dust settled due to raining blood.

And finally, it was done! Dattaji Jadhavrao was killed at the hands of Sambhaji Bhosale! Lakhuji’s son died at the hands of a Bhosale!

To be continued…

SHAHAJI-JIJAU’S MARRIAGE

A decorative tent was erected for Jijau’s marriage. The marriage area within it had special decorations. Drums started beating. The marriage bustle began in the tent. Pylons were hung on the doorways. Jadhavrao’s Jijau was decorated in the full marriage attire. Her dainty feet were decorated with the swastika symbols drawn with Kumkum. Haldi ritual was done. There was a tinkle of her green bangles in the air. Her forehead was decorated with Kumkum. Auspicious rice was stuck over it. Decorative headgear adorned both the foreheads. Shahajiraje was also attired in his marriage clothes. There was a streak of becoming a groom in his eyes.

Gods were invoked. Lamps were lit. The princess of Krishna’s dynasty stood up to garland the prince of Rama’s descendants. The auspicious appointed moment arrived. There was a deafening sound of cannons, guns, and applause. The intervening piece of cloth separating the bride and groom was taken away. Auspicious rice rained on them. Shahajiraje bowed his head before his Laxmi. Jijau garlanded Raje. It was a union of the dynasties of the sun and the moon. Jijau became the blessed daughter-in-law of the Bhosales.

Only Malojiraje was not present to witness this. That was the only sad bit. Probably he would have rained his auspicious tears on both of them from the window in heaven and would have said, ‘Bless you my children! Have a long, happy life! Bring Ram-Rajya in your married life!’

Lakhujiraje gave the couple a grand wedding. He gave the newly-weds ample wealth in dowry. He was a father-in-law from Varhad (Berar) region. Gave away his daughter to the Bhosales of Pune. Then this kind of opulence was only expected, right! And why wouldn’t he? He was also the king of Sindakhed, right! There is no dearth! Don’t you know? Lakhujirao was the owner of a small hill-size wealth. His daughter was blessed! She got married into a Pune family! Sindakhed on one side and Pune on the other. The varhadi water from Painaganga (river) was going to Pune! The name of Sindakhed had really become famous today!

In the clamour of auspicious instruments, bound by the marriage knot with Shahajiraje, in the soft tinkle of the toe-rings and anklets, walking down slowly like a swan, Jijau entered her own house – Bhosale house. Jijau came to Shahajiraje’s home. The couple was looking absolutely beautiful like Goddess Laxmi and Narayana himself. Other adult ladies in attendance appreciatingly did her aarti.

Jijau was looking really beautiful at this time. Any girl looks beautiful in marriage. It’s the brightness of marriage! But Jijau was originally beautiful. Bedecked in marriage attire on top of that. She was completely the Goddess Laxmi herself. Deep black hair, large forehead, chiselled eyebrows, amazingly glittering eyes, straight sharp nose, beautiful white teeth, pink lips, milky white neck, absolutely sculpted physique, sweet voice, loving speech, modest behaviour and serene smile. This was what she looked like.

She had been adorned with various types of ornaments. It was as if the ritual worship of Goddess Laxmi happened in reality. Her headdress was decorated with beautiful flowers. Jewellery had been used for decorating her hair too. The forehead was sporting a bejewelled star. Pearly ear-pieces were adorning the ears. Milky white neck was adorned with pearl-diamond necklaces. Beautiful amulets were adorning her arms. Bejewelled bangles were on her wrists. Fingers had rings encasing precious stones. Absolute Goddes Laxmi herself! No other likeness. And our Shahajiraje? Full manhood was his beauty.

The couple bowed down to Umabai after entering the house. The mother-in-law was happy. She was touched. Hugging her daughter-in-law in a tight embrace she blessed them profusely. She showered her appreciation on the couple. Vithojiraje also felt satisfied. He felt like this was the turn of Bhosale family’s destiny for the better.

Bhosale family was blessed. There was a new happiness in the air. Varhad’s (Berar) Rukmini had walked into Pune district with her golden feet.

Sharifjiraje was also married off soon afterwards. His spouse was the daughter of a genteel Maratha Sardar Vishwasrao. Her name was Durgabai. These two sisters-in-law made their husbands happy. Allayed their mother-in-law’s misery. And Umabai forgot her grief in the company of sons and daughters-in-law.

Vithojiraje had continuously and lovingly toiled for these children. He had maintained his own family as well. His wife was called Aaubai. He had a total of eight sons. They were named Sambhajiraje, Khelojiraje, Malojiraje, Mambajiraje, Nagojiraje, Parsojiraje, Tryambakjiraje and Kakkajiraje. All these Bhosale brothers were living amicably and lovingly around Vithojiraje.

To be continued…

SINDAKHED RAJA

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…