KANHOJI JEDHE

Real tests were in the future. Maharaj and his friends were ready to fulfil whatever tests were being readied for them. They were in fact eager for all of them. And around this time, one more Balram (a reference to Krishna’s brother), permanently joined Maharaj. Kanhoji Naik Jedhe Deshmukh. When Shahajiraje had been arrested, at that time Mustafa Khan had also arrested Kanhoji Jedhe, his steward Dadaji Krishna Lohokare, and Ratnaji Dadaji Lohokare, and had kept them imprisoned at Kanakgiri. In the subsequent imprisonment, Dadaji Lohokare’s son Ratnajipant had died. Further, Shahajiraje gained freedom at Bijapur (Dt 16 May 1649), at that time, Kanhoji and Dadaji were also freed. Raje had felt really sad, that because of him the loyalists like Kanhoji and Dadaji Lohokare also had to face imprisonment. But there was no use repenting now? Raje called Kanhoji for a secret interview and said,

“You are an old, powerful watandar in the maval region. My son Shivajiraje is at Pune. I am sending you for his support. Do serve him loyally. Taking into account good-bad times, taking care of your own health, remain there near your household. You people are like my own homely relations. I am sending you in full trust. Behave with loyalty, and using your prowess and influence, ensure that all the other maval deshmukhs also align themselves with Shivajiraje. Even if any campaign comes from Mughals, or even Adilshah, you remain loyal to Shivajiraje. Fight alongside him.”

The moment Maharaj Shahajiraje said this, Kanhoji immediately vowed. While taking the vow Kanhoji said, ‘I will serve Shivajiraje with utmost devotion!” And then Raje felicitated Kanhoji and Dadajipant with clothes.

Soon Kanhoji and Pant started towards Pune. At that time, Raje gave some letters and assistants for Shivba with Kanhoji and gave both of them the ritual betel-leaf as a token of respect and the responsibility they had picked-up.

Kanhoji started towards Pune with a vow that he won’t serve the Badshah now! Whereas Kanhoji’s son Baji had already, ‘Without asking his father’, proved his prowess over Fateh Khan’s army.

Shahajiraje sent him, and Kanhoji Jedhe returned to the maval basins. He met Shivaji Maharaj in Pune. He handed over selected trusted lieutenants brought along to Maharaj. Besides these, many other men had been collected by Maharaj. He was collecting many new ones as well. He was identifying, selecting, judging, and shaping each one of them, and fitting them in the perfect place for them. Kanhoji’s arrival increased Maharaj’s power immensely.

At this time, Bijapur’s Sultan had cast his attention over Chandrarao More from Javli. Actually, it had been in the making for a while. But due to the matter of Shahajiraje’s arrest it temporarily got distracted, and now the Sultanate had fixed their attention back on Javli again. After the death of late Chandrarao More, Chandrarao’s widow had sat a man named Yashwantrao More on the Javli throne with support from Maharaj. Actually, More was a sardar at Bijapur’s Adilshahi court. If any ‘Chandrarao’ died childless, then who should have decided the new heir? Who should have made him eligible to sit on the throne of ‘Chandrarao’? Who owned this right? It was clear, that this was Adilshah Badshah’s right. But the widow of Daulatrao Chandrarao, who had died two years back, made some other heir named Yashwantrao as the next ‘Chandrarao’, and that too with the support of Shivaji Maharaj. Meaning even the heirs to the royal Sardars and Jagirdars would be appointed with the approval of this rebellious tramp. Badshah didn’t like this. But he decided to confiscate the Jagir of Javli by uprooting this new Chandrarao directly, without saying even a single word about Shivajiraje. Badshah proclaimed that Javli’s Jagir, ‘Has been captured by some unknown people through subterfuge!’ and entrusted the responsibility to confiscate it on his famous sardar Afzal Khan.

To be continued…

RAJGAD GETS BUILT

Kondhana fort was literally the blessed lucky omen for Swarajya. Swarajya itself was of the size of one’s hand. Twenty-five kos long and twelve kos wide. That’s it! Just this much! Kondhana fort was smarting after the recent handover to Sultanate, encircled by all this Swarajya. But finally, it had to be given away. When Badshah had imprisoned Shahajiraje, and then later released him, he had forcefully negotiated for ‘Kondhana, which has been captured by your son Shivaji, be returned back’. Shivajiraje had to let go of Kondhana for securing his father’s freedom. He had felt very sad at this.

Because of the victories at the time of Fateh Khan’s campaign, all Shivajiraje’s friends had got a huge boost of self-confidence. Everybody was convinced in their hearts, that they all were better in terms of prowess than the imperial Sardars, and this Swarajya is destined to be created at their own hands. Was it a child’s play to beat, defeat, and utterly rout an imperial Sardar like Fateh Khan and his full-strength army? And that too was demonstrated by a handful of Maharaj’s friends.

Still, it was as if an obstacle was placed in the Swarajya’s full gallop because of Shahajiraje’s imprisonment. Badshah was finally forced to release the senior Maharaj; but even Badshah, after releasing Shahajiraje, did not immediately send him to Karnataka. He kept him at Bijapur for some days. Due to that Maharaj could not create trouble against the Sultan in maval region. There was no guarantee! Maybe he would put Shahajiraje back in prison! Betrayal was a habit for him! So Raje had to spend some quiet time. His friends however, were getting restless.

Maharaj’s capital place was now almost ready. He had chosen a very good place for the capital. Rajgad fort. Jijabai Aaisaheb had also liked the fort very much. And to be honest, there is no other fort like Rajgad till date. The fort’s citadel was vying with the skies. The ramparts were built close to the fort’s citadel like the snake around Lord Shiva’s neck. The gateways were like the open hood of the Sheshanaga (a reference to Lord Vishnu’s companion). The fort had three machis, one very high and invincible citadel, two palaces, four court and office halls, three big tanks, eighteen karkhanas (workshops) like nagar-khana (workshop for the signal-drums), top-khana (workshop for cannons and associated ammunition), Shile-khana (workshop for stonemasonry and associated weaponry) etc.; living quarters for stewards, sardars, and castellans; temples for Bhawani, Shiva, Hanuman, Bahiroba etc.; caves, secret passageways, basements, stables etc. each and everything was built by Maharaj with style. The style was Maratha style! There was no gleam of wealth or arrogance of Delhi, Agra here.

Rajgad’s citadel was built such wonderfully difficult by Maharaj, that to climb atop it was a very dangerous proposition! One had to climb a sheer straight cliff like a ladder. Around handful long, and four fingers wide steps were carved into the cliff’s wall. Even if one slight mistake while holding or keeping the feet at the right place, and death was certain! However, Maharaj’s wanar-sena was accustomed to climbing it.

The criminals and prisoners were also made to do manual labour to carry the stone blocks required for construction.

Maharaj had a careful eye for all the various aspects of Swarajya. Agriculture, army, forts, weaponry, intelligence, justice, revenue collection, temples and religious places, external intelligence, etc. many aspects were being minutely observed by Maharaj at such a young age.

There is a small town named Kondhwa towards Pune’s southeast. Maharaj planned for building a dam there and arranging for water-supply for the people. The digging work started. While removing the rubble, the diggers encountered a big rock. It was impossible to progress any further without this big rock was broken to pieces using crowbars and hammers. Maharaj entrusted this extremely cumbersome task to a trusted Maratha named Yesaji Patil Kamthe. Maharaj ordered him, ‘Break this big rock and remove the obstacle, by the time I come back!’ and he went somewhere else from Kondhwa. He came back to Kondhwa after completing his work elsewhere in some days. Yesaji Patil had not only broken the huge rock to pieces, but also removed the obstacle as if it had never existed, even before Maharaj arrived. Seeing that the obstacle didn’t exist anymore, Maharaj was extremely happy with Yesba. He patted his back and was about to give him some hard cash as reward. Yesba said to Maharaj, ‘I don’t want money. If you really want to give me something, you can give me land which produces grain! Money doesn’t last!’ Maharaj was very happy, and he awarded Yesba with some portion of land. Earlier, the brother of this same Yesba had been captured, taken to Kondhana, and murdered there by imperial officials! Today Maharaj was appreciating Yesba in front of the village and felicitating him with a sizeable piece of farmland as his reward. This was the difference between Independence and slavery, Maharaj and Sultan!

To be continued…

SHIVBA SHOWN THE MIRROR

However, Raje’s happiness was extinguished in a flash! Shahajiraje had sent a letter, that Kondhana fort had to be surrendered back to the Badshah! He had agreed in the interview with the Sultan, that he would return back Kondhana. So, when the royal official visited, the fort should be handed over to him. This was conveyed by Shahajiraje to Shivba in that letter.

Looking at this letter from Shahajiraje, Shivajiraje felt extremely dejected. Raje became very disappointed. He was angry at his father. He could not bear the loss of Kondhana. His heart was extremely sad. He sat alone dejected, looking at Kondhana in the distance. When the whole fort was revelling in the joy of victory, Raje was sitting miserable. Raje’s old steward Sonopant Dabir went to meet him. Raje himself had sent for him. The moment Pant arrived, he asked Raje about the anxiety that was now playing on his mind? Raje said,

“Pant, my father has not recognised me truly so far! I don’t care if an unknown, uneducated person doesn’t recognise me. Let it be! But my father, who is appreciated by everyone as an extremely wise man, would not understand me! It hurts me a lot!”

Pant suddenly couldn’t understand all this. He kept looking at Raje surprised. Raje went on,

“If my father had really recognised me, then he wouldn’t have accepted this condition about Kondhana’s return to the Sultan. Otherwise, who has the guts to win back Kondhana from us? But even while my father is such a wise man, he went ahead and crazily gave away my beloved Kondhana to the enemy! What should one say of his wisdom!”

Pant was stunned into silence! Raje was bad-mouthing his own father in a fit of anger!

“Pant, howsoever small the enemy, one should never become too careless about him, right? My father became complacent! And was rewarded with imprisonment! Was this responsible behaviour?”

Raje, who was utterly devoted to his father, was now uttering bad words for him because of anger induced by the misery induced by the loss of Kondhana! Pant was surprised. He did not feel it right. Condemning his own father? And that too from the mouth of his own virtuous Shivaraj? My king is missing a step! My king is committing a sin! Pant couldn’t bear it. Pant instantly said to Raje in pointed words,

“Maharaj, this is sinful! Condemning revered men, and your own father at that, is not right! Senior Maharaj remained a little careless by trusting a feline enemy, this was definitely a mistake; but even if you are required to surrender one Kondhana fort to get your father’s freedom, you should consider that nothing! But you should never condemn your own father! And what is the value of these forts and fortresses? More than your father? Your father’s greatness is huge! If senior Maharaj is getting out of prison just by giving away one Kondhana, then that is equivalent to not having to give it away at all! The enemy has freed the Meru Mountain like senior Maharaj in exchange for one small hillock bearing one small fort Kondhana! Leave aside the misery of Kondhana! You have started your victorious journey now. The whole earth is open for your might! Win it! Only the mighty can tame the earth! What of one Kondhana! Win the whole earth!”

These golden words of fatherly Sonopant brought Raje suddenly to the ground. As if Pant had sprayed Raje’s face with a handful of water. Raje was shocked. Pant’s loyal, selfless, but equally loving eyes had been staring at him angrily today. That pointed stare was as if telling Raje, for his own benefit, ‘Raja! You have been born into Prabhu Ramachandra’s dynasty! Ramachandra left the whole kingdom for one word from his father! He went into forest exile! You are becoming sad, just because you had to let go of one Kondhana fort? Don’t pronounce henceforth, your heritage leading up to Prabhu Ramachandra!’

“No, no! Pant, what you say is correct! Father is great, great! Pant, these feline enemies have imprisoned my father and kept him in great misery for many days. I will avenge that! Let this world recognise me as a man who destroys the cruel foreigners! I will vanquish them! Now my heart is craving to one day capture Bijapur itself!”

Pant felt greatly blessed, his king was still unblemished. He was discreet. In fact, he had emerged all the more radiant! Shivajiraje also realised, that a kingdom is not simply run in a straight line, as you please. At times, one needs to bend our ways.

As per Maharaj Shahajiraje’s orders, Raje gave back the Kondhana fort. The anxiety that was eating Raje’s discretionary heart went away. Raje gave Kondhana back, but with a dormant decision to win it back at an opportune moment!

The loss of Fort Kondhana to the Sultanate, was like a wedge in Swarajya’s side. From Rajgad-Torana in the south, right up to Rohida basin, the whole region was in Swarajya. The region up to Chakan and Dehu in the north was also in Swarajya. But the Kondhana area that lay in-between these two, started flying the royal standard again. But Maharaj was not disappointed about it anymore. He had taken it for granted, that if he was going to win two hundred forts overall, Kondhana was one more of them! But whatever happened, Maharaj’s heart had two fresh wounds. They had not healed completely. One was Kondhana, and another was Baji Pasalkar’s loss. One fort had been won (Purandar). One lion had been lost. There was guarantee that the lost fort (Kondhana) could be recaptured. But the lion was gone forever.

Rajgad’s three trunks, Suvela, Sanjivani and Padmavati machis, were taking a graceful shape. The construction was still on. The build was invincible. Rajgad and Torana had entered into folklore in the surrounding Gunjan maval basin.

To be continued…

BUT, THE CONDITION

Shahajiraje had no guarantee, what would Badshah do with his life. He was also anxious. He was repenting the fact, that he had been captured purely because of his own carelessness. He was sure, that the Badshah’s order will be on its way to kill him, sooner or later.

And Badshah’s orders were received in the prison, that the guards should present Raje at the court. Immediately Raje was honourably released from captivity. He was respectfully offered clothes and ornaments. Badshah’s order was recited in front of him, that he should accept these special clothes and headgear, and wearing them he should present himself for a personal interview, of Hazrat Zille-ilahi (Sultan Adilshah). Raje was stunned because of these unexpected laurels and his freedom being granted.

Raje took his bath and wore the newly gifted clothes and headgear and entered the court. Adilshah met him in Kalyan mahal. Raje kept wondering how the Badshah’s mouth had opened in surrender. But soon he realised that it was Shivba who had tightly clasped the Badshah’s proud nose between two fingers, because of which he had had to open his mouth, gasping for breath! Badshah, who had tried this whole trick to ensure Shivba surrenders unconditionally, the same trick had now started troubling him. Raje’s heart was suddenly touched by thousands of rippling sensations of paternal-love, appreciation, happiness, pride and blessedness. But his anger about the betrayal and insult didn’t die away. It was impossible to extinguish until the time, Baji Ghorpade, who had captured him, and Afzal Khan, who had transported him insultingly to Bijapur were punished. Not to forget, that feline Mustafa Khan, however, was already dead! No use fretting about that!

Shahajiraje’s rebellious streak was even more brilliantly shining today in the court than loyal Sardars like Mane, Ghatge, Nimbalkar, Pawar, Ghorpade etc.!

Badshah addressed Raje with a sweet smile,

“I deeply regret that because of a small misunderstanding, you had to endure this time in prison! I am fully aware of this! The whole world respects your honesty and bravery! Adilshahi Sultanate’s head is well-maintained only on your capable shoulders! However, do ensure that your son Shivaji returns Kondhana fort, which he has acquired through subterfuge! If you stay loyal with the Sultanate, I will pardon all Shivaji’s mistakes! It is by Holy God’s grace that we have a great valorous and loyal Sardar like you! It will be apt for you to return Bengaluru from your Jagir, the fort of Kandarpi, and the fort of Kondhana which has been captured by Shivaji!”

Badshah asked Shahajiraje for Shivajiraje’s beloved fort Kondhana! Returning invaluable Kondhana to the Sultan was a must. But Shahajiraje smiled in acceptance, thinking one whose sword had the power, would capture thousand forts like Kondhana. Raje unwillingly agreed to return the Bengaluru city, Kondhana and Kandarpi forts to the Sultan. Raje also intended to ensure that Shivba’s political play should get to its intended outcome and should not get disrupted midway.

Badshah honoured Shahajiraje. He gave him elephants, horses, new clothes and ornaments. Baji Ghorpade and Afzal Khan were burnt black with jealousy and hatred, at these honours being showered on Raje. Looking at the felicitation being offered to Shahajiraje who deserved beheading, all the jealous courtiers were beside themselves with envy. Even other neutral ones were surprised.

Shivajiraje was very happy on Rajgad. All the calamities had been blown away. His men had achieved victory by showing their brave prowess in their initial battles. His father had been released. Aaisaheb was happy. Swarajya had been left untouched. Everything was good. Raje felicitated his swordsmen in a grand fashion. Baje Jedhe had protected the flag even at the grave danger to his life. Baji Pasalkar had also sacrificed his own life for the cause. Besides many others had been wounded. Many had died as well. Raje gave an epithet ‘Sarjerao’ to Baji Jedhe. Besides he was also awarded two beautiful and fast Turkish horses. Raje also honoured all the others. He patted their backs. Whoever had died, Raje also took good care of their families. They were being provided some continuous income. Baji Pasalkar’s son, named Krishnaji was awarded an epithet ‘Sawai Baji’. Just Raje’s appreciative words were enough to heal the wounds of these loyal mavalas. Those appreciating words had the equivalence of being showered in pearls.

Belsar camp, from where Fateh Khan had run away in defeat, was very near to Morgaon, where there is an Ashtavinayak Ganesha temple called Moreshwar. Raje gave a grant of six bigha land to the temple, for growing flowering plants for the deity’s daily worship. These were Raje’s first floral offerings after the victory (Dt 2 July 1649).

To be continued…

SWARAJYA AND SAUBHAGYA!

Shahajiraje was sent to the prison. People were confident that, Raje would very soon be sent to ‘hell’! At the mouth of a cannon! Because very recently two Sardars had been beaten black-and-blue and had come to Bijapur crying. Farad Khan had returned from Bengaluru and Fateh Khan had returned from Purandar. Badshah and the court had been incensed because of the utter rout Shahajiraje’s sons had dealt to these two Sardars. The outcome was imminently visible. Shahajiraje’s death!

Raje was sent to prison.

And the court somehow got wind of the news that, Shahaji Bhosale’s son Shivaji, had entered a diabolical alliance with Delhi, and was conspiring to bring the bigger Mughal calamity over Bijapur, to get his father freed of the prison! That was it! All the carefully woven conspiracies to end Bhosale seed started crashing down one after another. The court could see clearly, that Delhi’s Shahjahan would now become a menace for the Adilshahi, making Shahaji his front. Probably even a firman would also reach tomorrow saying, ‘You have imprisoned ‘our Sardar’ Shahajiraje through subterfuge. While Raje Shahaji Bhosale’s son Shivajiraje is a candidate being considered for service to the Mughal Sultanate, keeping his father in prison like a common criminal, is not going to have beneficial consequences for you. If you don’t free Raje Shahaji Bhosale immediately, we will forget all the previous understandings!’ What if such a firman arrives from Delhi? It would become a question of Adilshahi’s esteem. And if Shivaji and his brother Sambhaji become one with the Mughals and erect an open standard of revolt, then it would become terribly difficult to control both. Shivaji had openly sent his application to Delhi.

Even Badshah Adilshah was a little confused because of this political move by Shivajiraje. Now how would he come out of this tangle unscathed, with esteem? If Shahaji was to be punished, that Shivaji had created the terror of the Mughals. If Shahaji was let off from the prison, the court esteem was at stake. What would he do now? There was no point sending another force to attack Shivaji. Fateh Khan had totally got a taste of how Shivaji was! And now even Mughals would come for his help. All the Badshah’s counsellors, diplomats started looking concerned. Shivajiraje had challenged Bijapur by aligning with Delhi behind their backs!

And they got a solution! Badshah thought this was the one and only solution! What? Shahajiraje was to be honourably released!

And the Sultan quietly ordered Shahajiraje to be freed after breaking down his fetters (Dt 16 May 1649, Jyeshtha Pournima)!

It was the Jyeshtha month. Day of the Pournima – full moon. Eons ago, one devoted wife had stubbornly insisted to Yamraj on this same Jyeshtha Pournima, asking for her husband’s life (a reference to the mythical tale of Savitri and Satyawan). That Sati, already frail due to her vows and lent, had gone behind Yamraj falling at his feet and begging for her husband’s life.

This was the same Jyeshtha Pournima. Aaisaheb’s heart was anxious for Shahajiraje’s freedom. And Shahajiraje was freed! Aaisaheb’s blessed marriage was returned to her. And Swarajya was implicit in this Saubhagya (blessed, marital status). Aaisaheb was as happy as that Sati Savitri herself. Swarajya was saved. Even Saubhagya (husband’s life) was returned completely. Jagadamba had smiled upon Purandar, Bengaluru, Belsar and Subhanmangal battles to grant victory to Swarajya. Jagadamba herself had protected her Saubhagya.

To be continued…

SWARAJYA OR SAUBHAGYA!

Fateh Khan started on a campaign from Bijapur with a huge army. He was entrusted with the responsibility of arresting Shivaji, and thereby crushing to the ground his mischief, and establishing the acrid awe of the royal power once again, by winning over the forts like Kondhana. There were other Sardars with the Khan like Minad Sheikh, Ratan Sheikh, Sharif Shah, Muse Khan, Ashraf Shah, Matajiraje Ghatge, Balaji Haibatrao, and Bajajiraje Naik Nimbalkar. This Bajaji was actually Shivajiraje’s brother-in-law himself. The actual size of the army is unknown. But it was sizeable! Perhaps around five thousand.

Shahajiraje had been captured. Farad Khan was galloping towards Bengaluru and Fateh Khan towards Shivajiraje. Which meant this horrible plan was set up by Mustafa Khan, Baji Ghorpade, and the Sultan himself to completely destroy the Bhosale’s rebel seed. All these reports were reaching a concerned Rajgad. Another big army has started on a campaign to attack Bengaluru, and Bengaluru’s fort is right now home to Sambhajiraje and the rest of the family, this news also reached.

And at the same time this news also reached, that Badshah’s renowned Sardar Fateh Khan has taken a huge army from Bijapur and has started on a campaign and is making his way straight to Kondhana to attack Swarajya! This Fateh Khan also has many other renowned Sardars.

Such terrible and difficult crisis! The first crisis over Swarajya, and that too this huge. Even the greatly experienced minds of all the diplomats were stunned. Basically Shivajiraje, Aaisaheb and everybody else as well, had complete anticipation, that since they had so openly erected the standard of rebellion, such kind of royal Sardars were bound to come some or the other time. And in the event of an attack by such Sardars with their mighty armies, preparations were also continuously going on to successfully defend. The plan was ready. Shivajiraje would never take a step without planning. This was Dadajipant’s teaching. But the crisis that had come was a little tricky. Father himself had been imprisoned by the Sultan! Which meant he had indirectly taken hold of Shivajiraje’s throat! Badshah was openly asking, ‘Tell me, do you want Swarajya, or your father alive? Tell me! If you want Swarajya… You won’t get that too! Because this Adilshahi Sultanate is not that weak, that a puny cricket like you would stand up in revolt, and win over kingdoms. But you would lose your father permanently. If you want your father, stop these rebellious antics! Surrender at my feet unconditionally, uncomplainingly with your hands tied with a piece of cloth! Ask your mother, what she wants? Your father or Swarajya?’

This was the tough question posed by the Sultan to Aaisaheb as well. ‘Tell me, what do you want? Swarajya or Saubhagya (blessed matrimony)? We have turned your husband into a prisoner in fetters! Do you remember the death of your father and brothers? We Sultans hack even big Sardars from your people to pieces, not only upon betrayal, but even if we get a small whiff of rebellion. You Bhosalas are born disloyal! We will tie the whole family in front of Mulukhmaidan and blow you guys away! Remember! Today we have captured your husband! You… you have taught your son to revolt! Now face its result! If you want your Saubhagya (husband) to remain intact, then bring your rebellious son to Bijapur! Kneel down and beg in front of my throne, and say, ‘It was a mistake! My mistake! Please have mercy! I won’t do it again! Please grant me my husband’s life! My Shivba is surrendered at Huzur’s feet. He will also serve this throne his whole life!’ Do you agree?’

No! This mother, Shahajiraje Bhosale’s queen, Shivajiraje Bhosale’s mother would beg! But not in front of the Badshah; she would do so in front of the ultimate mother, Jagadamba Tulajabhawani!

And resolute Jijau Aaisaheb’s hands were always spread in front of Bhawani to seek her blessings. In happiness or crisis. Even now!

Even Shivajiraje’s mind went numb for a time. What to do? Raje was absolutely devoted towards his parents. Father was in a crisis, and that too life-threatening. He couldn’t even imagine. In any case, Raje was a human being. Just a young boy. He couldn’t judge what he should do. His friends were concerned too. Even the minds of diplomats had surrendered. If he tried to free his father, he had to permanently sacrifice Swarajya. If he insisted on Swarajya, mother would be widowed! What to do! Swarajya of this motherly land, and father Shahajiraje himself, both venerable. Anxiety! Concern! Disquiet!

To be continued…

DUAL CALAMITY

On the other side, Rajgad was overflowing with joy and excitement. Shivajiraje, Aaisaheb, and all the diplomatic members were engrossed in planning new political plays for the new Swarajya. What to win next, how to do it, which rampart to build, where to build turrets, where to appoint outposts, how to patrol borders, how to maximise the perfection in the management of forts like Rajgad, Torana, Subhanmangal, Kondhana etc., how to enhance their fighting capacities, how to obtain confidential information from the Sultanate forts, and from the secret discussions of Sardars and Jagirdars, etc. numerous things were being constantly discussed in secret meetings, under the light of traditional lamps, and at the feet of the Goddess Jagadamba. Maval hearts were raring to perform new adventures, to prove their prowess, and to earn Shivba’s accolades.

… And just at that time, that bitter poisonous news reached Rajgad! After the midnight of Shravan full-moon, Mustafa Khan and Baji Ghorpade raided Maharaj Shahajiraje’s camp by subterfuge! And Baji Ghorpade arrested Shahajiraje! The whole camp was destroyed. People were killed, camp was looted. Shahajiraje was wounded. He was now in Mustafa Khan’s captivity. And he had been clapped in irons. Mustafa Khan committed this act of terrible betrayal even after promising otherwise. Badshah had played this move with Shahajiraje through the hands of Khan and Baji.

Hearing this news, Rajgad was stunned! It was like an axe had fallen over its head! Such a terrible calamity over Swarajya, Shivajiraje, and Aaisaheb’s own marriage itself! Aaisaheb’s heart contorted. Badshah had surreptitiously captured her mangal-surta itself! There was no guarantee, when he will swipe and break it. Everybody’s chests started heaving wildly. Shivajiraje’s heart started trembling. The whole past history started standing in front of their eyes. What happened to Murar Jagdev! What happened to his own grandfather Lakhuji Jadhavrao? What happened to his three uncles? What happened to clever Sabajipant? What happened to Babaji Kate? Now it was his own father’s turn! What would happen now? Shivajiraje’s heart darkened with the thoughts of terrible future. But how would this happen suddenly? How was the betrayal perpetrated?

And more detailed intelligence also started reaching one-by-one. Detailed information about, how Shahajiraje believed Mustafa Khan’s promise, and how Khan betrayed with Baji’s help, was conveyed to Rajgad. Even when his spies had informed Shahajiraje that Khan would betray, he chose to ignore and trust Khan and went to sleep, was also conveyed to Shivajiraje!

Misfortune! What else!

Shahajiraje, now sitting in fetters in Mustafa Khan’s camp at Jinji, was repenting with his head down. He only knew, what level of anger was coursing through his mind about Mustafa Khan and Baji Ghorpade. Mustafa had also arrested Raje’s two main assistants. Kanhoji Naik Jedhe Deshmukh and his steward Dadaji Krishna Lohokare were both arrested by Khan, and had been transported under full protection to the fort of Kanakgiri. Dadajipant Lohokare’s son Ratnaji Dadaji Lohokare was also arrested.

At this time, the Bengaluru town and its fort were under the control of Shahajiraje’s eldest son, and Shivajiraje’s elder brother Sambhajiraje. Raje’s family was in Bengaluru. Mustafa’s insidious sight was actually set on Raje’s household. He immediately sent three of his bravest Sardars along with some force to Bengaluru to capture the town. Farad Khan, Tanajiraje Dure and Vitthal Gopal were the three, who started on the campaign to capture Bengaluru with a substantial force.

Mustafa himself decided to win over the Jinji fort, which was in control of an independent king named Venkata Naik. Accordingly, he besieged the fort and appointed outposts to tighten the grip.

Bijapur was overflowing with joy. Sultan Mohammed Adilshah was very happy. Not only had a dishonest Shahaji, who had become sort of a challenge lately, been imprisoned, but his rebellious son Shivaji would also now be captured in a snap of his fingers. Convinced of this, the Badshah decided to immediately send one more large force to attack Shivajiraje. He ordered Sardar Fateh Khan to start the preparations. The campaign work started in the earnest. This Fateh Khan was a Sardar of highly ruthless nature.

To be continued…

SHAHAJIRAJE CAPTURED

There was a loud din outside. Raje’s soldiers were shouting, ‘Horse, horse! Soldier, soldier! Spear, spear!’ Because none of these things were quickly to hand. The attack was terrifying. A brave warrior named Khandoji Patil in the service of Raje saw Baji Ghorpade coming towards Raje’s tent at full gallop. He had already mounted his horse with his spear even in that commotion. The moment Khandoji Patil saw Baji Ghorpade and his gang he also dug his heels into his horse’s side and made a straight run for Baji. Baji, Baji’s brothers, and other soldiers shouted, and innumerable soldiers started attacking Khandoji Patil alone. Khandoji Patil started wielding his spear even from his horse, and that too with such brilliance, that the Gorpade soldiery started falling in front of him like a house of cards. The dancing cavalrymen from the enemy’s side had encircled him, and he was fighting with all of them. But the rest of the camp resembled a loose heap of straw caught up in a cyclone. Khandoji fighting alone was parrying the attacks just with his spear. The enemy soldiers around him were aiming and throwing projectiles at him. He was ensuring they all ricocheted away. Suddenly Baji Ghorpade attacked Khandoji Patil with a mace-like heavy weapon called gurj. It had found its mark and Khandoji Patil fell off his horse. He took his last breath.

Shahajiraje himself was fighting from his horse using the sword and shield. Baji Ghorpade wanted Raje himself. Baji left and made his way straight towards Raje. Shahajiraje was shocked to see Baji Ghorpade himself! Raje was stunned for a minute looking at Baji Ghorpade, his own blood-brother, for whom he had toiled so hard, now attacking him. But parry after parry started swishing on him like lightening.

Ghorpades were actually cousins for Bhosales. Same lineage. Same bloodline. The Bhosales of Mudhol had accepted the surname ‘Ghorpade’ for their own family. Baji Ghorpade was adhering to the age-old tradition of familial quarrels with all his heart. Today’s fight amongst blood-brothers was instigated by clever Mustafa Khan. Raje’s nephew Tryambakji Sharifji Bhosale and Yogaji Bhandkar, Santaji Gunjavatkar, Meghaji Thakur, Dasoji Gawli and many other soldiers came to Shahajiraje’s help, and then fierce fight started. Baji was fighting really hard. Raje and his soldiers were also defending at their limit. It was alight now. Full moon night had finished and Vadya Pratipada (first day of the dark fortnight) had begun. Raje’s soldiers were falling down one by one either dead or wounded. Raje was also getting tired. Normally the moon loses its sheen in the darker fortnight. Raje was bleeding from the various wounds on his body.

… And Raje suddenly felt giddy while fighting, and he fell down to the ground from his horse! And Baji Ghorpade yelped at the top of his voice with glee! All the enemy’s soldiers and Sardars started raising slogans of victory. Raje’s army was routed. It was clear that now Raje’s body will be crushed beneath the horses’ hooves. At this instant, one of the Sardars from the enemy force jumped down his horse, ran ahead, and started protecting Raje by holding his own shield over Raje’s head. This Sardar of Mustafa Khan was named Balaji Haibatrao.

Finally, this lion was ensnared in deceptive net of lies!

Baji Ghorpade also jumped down quickly, and like an expert snake-charmer captures a defanged snake, Baji himself arrested Shahajiraje, who had already fallen unconscious. Such a display of skill by Baji!

Mustafa Khan was happy. Raje was taken to the tent. Mustafa Khan confiscated all the decorations and tentage from his camp. This Khan and Baji had achieved on of the toughest things. Shahajiraje’s hands and feet were clapped in irons. Brave Shahajiraje, who had kept Emperor Shahjahan and Adilshah himself engaged, for years together at one time, had fallen prey to these cowardly royal Sardars quite easily.

When he came about, Shahajiraje noticed that he was a prisoner! There were fetters in his hands and feet!

To be continued…

THE ATTACK

Khan ordered all Sardars to be ready for the raid. It was well past midnight when the discussion on this secret plot finished. The most excited of the lot was Baji Ghorpade. Because he used to nurse extreme hatred towards Shahajiraje.

Shahajiraje was also awake for a long time. He went to sleep quite late. It was the month of Ashadh. And it was the full-moon night. Radiant moon was shining in the sky. But it was enveloped in the dark clouds of Ashadh. Raje slept in his camp tent. A short while afterwards, the curtain over the tent doorway was lifted up surreptitiously! Raje woke up startled. One man quickly came to the fore and bowed down to Raje. He was one of Raje’s own spies. Raje asked him ‘What’. He told Raje the terrible news in hushed tones.

“Sarkar, Nawab Mustafa Khan was in a secret discussion well past midnight with his own Sardars! And now all his Sardars are waiting in their own tents, absolutely ready with all the battle gear!”

The spy told Shahajiraje the secret news, that Khan intends to betray. But Raje didn’t believe it at all. Raje couldn’t digest it either. Mustafa Khan, who behaves with him so lovingly, would betray? No! How would Khan engage in such betrayal? No! Impossible! Besides Khan had himself pledged, on his son Aatish Khan and Quran Sharif itself, that he wouldn’t betray. Shahajiraje’s eyes started seeing the venerable brotherly figure of Mustafa Khan holding his hands tightly, smiling sweetly, speaking with absolute affection, and assuring him with such compassion! He was sure that Khan’s loving hands, his genteel tongue, would never betray him! It was impossible!

And the curtain on the tent doorway fell back as it was.

Raje completely ignored the news brought by the spy! Raje went to calm and carefree, deep sleep! Raje had also fallen into the deep sleep like the rest of the Hindu society! The full cantonment slept!

The night went on. There was a cool breeze. The camp was silent. Only the patrolling soldiers around the camp were awake. However, all preparations had been completed in the Nawab’s camp. The poisonous whispers between Nawab Mustafa and Baji Ghorpade had finished. This Baji himself had taken the main responsibility. The night was now well past midnight. Shahajiraje and his army was in the deep, early morning sleep. It was around 3:30 in the early morning.

Suddenly thousands of soldiers who were waiting, got their orders! And thousands of cavalrymen and foot soldiers from Khan’s camp, fell on Raje’s camp with all their weapons. Dilawar Khan, Masood Khan, Sarjayakut Khan, Ambar Khan, Farad Khan, Khairiyat Khan, Yakut Khan, Azam Khan, Bahlol Khan, Malik Rehan Khan, Ragho Mambaji, Vedaji Bhaskar, Balaji Haibatrao, Sidhoji Pawar, Mambaji Pawar, Mambaji Bhosale, King of Adoni, King of Karnapuram, Mudholkar Baji Ghorpade, Baji’s three brothers Khandoji, Ambaji, Bhanaji, Yashwantrao Wadve, Maloji Pawar, and Tuloji Bhosale etc. Sardars fell upon Shahajiraje’s sleeping, and due to that, completely unsuspecting camp upon Mustafa’s orders! Mustafa Khan himself, however, did not go! Because he had given Raje his word! But he was marshalling the troops by standing behind all of them.

This raid of thousands of soldiers suddenly attacked Raje’s encampment and it simply besieged the camp. Their clamour was so loud, that the sleeping soldiery in Raje’s camp suddenly woke up disoriented. There was utter chaos.

Baji, Khandoji, Ambaji and Bhanaji all Ghorpade brothers directly made way towards Shahajiraje. Shahajiraje’s sworn enemy Yashwantrao Wadve was also with them. The unsuspecting army of Shahajiraje was utterly routed. Hearing all this commotion, Raje himself woke up and ran outside taking his shield and sword. He was shouting to all his people, ‘Get ready! Get ready!’ Immediately, Raje mounted a horse.

To be continued…

THE BETRAYAL

Nawab Mustafa Khan reached near Jinji. Shahajiraje’s camp was nearby. The moment Shahajiraje got news that the Nawab was on his way, he started ahead to meet him. But not alone, he started with the whole army. There was no love lost in Shahajiraje’s heart for the Nawab. Because he knew from experience, that this Nawab used to nurse extreme hatred for him, his religion and his coreligionists. But he was the main Vazir. And even if he didn’t feel like, only because of protocol, he had to be shown respect by going out to receive him.

Raje immediately started from his camp to receive the Vazir. With his whole retinue. Vazir was kind of surprised to see Raje along with his army. He was slightly disappointed as well. He wanted Raje to come alone. Because he wanted to arrest him! Still Khan met with Shahajiraje with a deceptive smile on his face. Politicians are expert in false smiles and falsehoods. One thing in the heart. Something completely different in their behaviour! There is no relation between their heart and politics!

The meeting took place. It was followed by standard reception protocols. Khanbaba set up his camp right beside Raje’s own camp. He started behaving very lovingly with Raje. Jinji’s fort was under the control of a king named Venkat Nayak. The campaign to win it over was about to start. Mustafa Khan was taking Raje’s advice in every aspect, respecting him very much, and giving him the full initiative. But in his heart, he had a great sinful intent.

He took great care to ensure Raje was trapped. But he realised, that Shahaji was always surrounded by his own men and soldiers. He was not able to pounce on Raje, even after planning for it many times. But he kept on the crafty pretence of brotherhood all the while. Every time Raje came to meet him, he used to stand up in false respect and welcome him saying, ‘Please come, Janab!’ He would even walk four steps to receive him. He would hold Raje’s hands tightly in his own, and laughingly, talking sweetly, he would make Raje sit right beside him. He would engage in loving conversation. He would offer invaluable gifts to Raje. Absolute sweetness on his smile. He would confide in Raje by telling him plans of utmost importance and secrecy. Allah only knows how many of them were real and how many were fictitious! Sometime after Khan would start behaving so intimately, that he would engage in playful banter as well. Sometimes he would engage in serious lofty discussions on spirituality as well! This aged Nawab would also engage in romantic discussions as well! Raje would never have experienced this much love even from his wives! Khan started casting new wider nets one after the other, every day, to somehow win over Raje’s trust.

And Raje also felt really suspicious. Raje could not unravel the mystery, that why would this person, who would always be jealous of him, be so loving towards him suddenly. Because Khan’s behaviour was such a façade. Still Shahajiraje jokingly once said to Khan, ‘Such deep love is shown only by people who intend to betray, just before the act!’

Hearing this Mustafa Khan was stunned! He felt, this Shahaji has recognised his gameplan! Khan was suddenly dismayed. Actually, Raje’s remark was not replete with craftiness. But Khan, being a shrewd fox, was startled!

A bewildered Khan quickly took Raje’s hands in his own, and said seriously, ‘I pledge on my son Aatish Khan, Raje, that I will never betray you!’

Now Raje was convinced, that Mustafa Khan was a very good person! Khan-Bhosale were like brothers! There is nobody like Khan!

And on the same night (Dt 25 July 1648), Nawab Mustafa Khan gathered all his Sardars around in complete secrecy, and plotted with them. In that secret plot, Fahad Khan, Bajiraje Ghorpade, Yakut Khan, Azam Khan, Ragho Mambaji, Vedaji Bhaskar, Balaji Haibatrao, Sidhoji Pawar, Mambaji Pawar, Mambaji Bhosale etc. many Sardars were involved. Nawab Mustafa Khan said to everybody,

“We get our food by the grace of Hazrat Badshah! So, we should always be ready to serve the Badshah in any way we can! Badshah has a right to our lives! He who honestly serves his master is loved by Allah! One should never care for friends, relatives, own brothers, and even their own father, while serving one’s master! We should always be ready to do anything and everything for our Hazrat Mohammed Badshah! Badshah Hazrat Mohammed Adilshah has ordered that Shahajiraje Bhosale should be arrested! That powerful Shahajiraje Bhosale is now in a deep sleep! So, before he wakes up, we have to arrest him!”

To be continued…