Shivaji

by Ranjit Desai

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  he fort seemed empty and desolate. Raje’s father had visited for just a fortnight but his presence and the conversations with him had doubled Raje’s enthusiasm and vigour. He never openly admitted it but he missed his father sorely.

  It had been a year since Shaista Khan had made camp in Pune. All the forts, except for Chakan, were now back under Shivaji’s control. After the rains, Khan made plans to capture Kalyan and take charge of the ships there. He entrusted the job to his sardar Kahar Talab Khan.

  Shivaji explained the situation to his council of ministers and the unanimous advice was to stop Khan from moving to Konkan and confront him at Kalyan–Bhiwandi. Shivaji smiled and said, ‘Let us see what guidance Bhawani Mata gives us.’

  A month after Diwali, Bahirji reported, ‘I am told Khan’s forces will attack tomorrow.’

  Shivaji asked, as he paced the floor, ‘Do we know which route Khan is planning to take?’

  ‘Yes. He plans to reach Konkan via the Umbarkhindi route passing Lohgad.’

  ‘Did you say Umbarkhindi?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Bahirji!’ Shivaji said, smiling widely, ‘The Lord has blessed us by giving Khan the right ideas!’

  That night, Raje slept satisfied knowing that he could tackle the Khan successfully. Shivaji set out the next morning after taking Jijabai’s blessings. He said, ‘Maa saheb, Khan will get a slap on his face once victory falls in our lap. He has been looting and vandalizing our territory. A defeat will teach him to think twice before attacking our territory.’

  The trumpet announcing the move was sounded and the sound of horse hooves filled each corner of the fort. Shivaji came down the fort where Netaji was ready with the troops.

  ‘Netaji, have you dispatched the cannons?’

  ‘Yes, I have sent forty small ones ahead.’

  ‘That should be enough. Let us move.’

  They moved at a rapid pace. Umbarkhindi was a deep gorge with the sides of the mountains kissing the skies. There was a mountain wall on one side while the other side had gaps in it giving a glimpse of the plunging deep valleys. Dense forest covered both sides with the narrow gorge snaking its way through.

  Shivaji stood observing the gorge in its natural and pristine beauty. The soldiers had taken vantage positions and were ready for the attack. The snipers were positioned at high places with a clear vision of the approaching enemy. The cannons were placed at strategic points. Shivaji was in his camoflauge dress as he toured the jungles while Netaji inspected the arrangements. They all waited eagerly for Kahar Talab Khan’s men to arrive.

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  The spies brought news of the impending arrival of the enemy. The entire forest was bathed in silence. Khan’s advance party came first to inspect the gorge and, finding it safe, signalled for the caravan to move ahead. Khan’s huge army moved slowly as the cannons, carts, elephants, foot soldiers and others lumbered along the way. The curves were dangerous and their march was slow.

  Khan was sitting astride a black horse, accompanied on one side by Amar Singh and Raibaghan on the other. His guards followed close behind, their swords unsheathed and shining in the sun. The last of the camels entered the gorge. The entire valley seemed peaceful and even the wind had stopped blowing. The sun was now high in the sky, bathing the valley in warm sunlight.

  Kahar Talab looked around and said to Raibaghan, ‘What a beautiful place!’

  Raibaghan said, ‘It may be beautiful Khan saheb, but this silence is disquieting.’

  At that moment, a trumpet sounded somewhere deep in the forest. It was followed by another one from a different direction. Within moments, the entire forest was filled with the sounds of bugles and trumpets. Kahar Talab, Raibaghan and Amar Singh looked around, a mixture of fear and surprise on their faces.

  Kahar Talab shouted, talking to no one in particular, ‘What is this? Who is making this noise?’

  Unperturbed, Raibaghan said, ‘Khan saheb, the mystery of the silence has been solved. Shivaji has surrounded us.’

  Raibaghan unsheathed her sword and said to Amar Singh, ‘You stay near Khan saheb. I will take a look.’

  Raibaghan spurred her horse when the cannons boomed and the entire Mughal army erupted in chaos. The cannon balls were picking their targets. The trumpets continued to blow, creating a noise which was unbearable. Not a single Maratha soldier had been spotted yet. The soldiers who tried to flee into the forest were being picked up by sniper arrows. The gorge was filling up with corpses in no time. Khan watched the massacre as he stood in between two cannons. His guards surrounded him to give him some cover.

  Raibaghan came to report and said, ‘Khan saheb, the gorge has been blocked from both sides. We are trapped! ’

  Khan shouted, losing his cool, ‘Destroy the enemy!’

  ‘But where is the enemy?’ asked Raibaghan. ‘It is we who are being destroyed. I cannot see anyone!’

  ‘Chase them into the jungle!’

  ‘Those who did have not come back—snipers are killing them!’

  There was chaos everywhere. The cannons were targeting the carriages and one of the carts carrying the royal treasury was attacked. The cart exploded throwing jewellery all over. One could see pearl necklaces strewn over the mud. But no one had the time to go after them! The soldiers were worried that they would each be the next target from the incoming arrows. It was mayhem across the gorge and Khan trembled with a mixture of indignation and fear.

  Raibaghan said, ‘Khan, this is the result of our audacity at entering such a difficult terrain controlled by Shivaji.’

  ‘Raibaghan, I need a way out,’ Khan pleaded.

  ‘There is no escape from a crocodile’s jaws. You have brought the army into the clutches of a lion. All our efforts and victories so far have been nullified.’

  ‘Raibaghan, you must have courage!’ Khan’s voice was now desperate.

  ‘Courage? Khan saheb, at least you should not teach me to be courageous. When the Alamgir Badhshah built Jagjivanpura in Aurangabad, he named it after my son. He bestowed the title of Raibaghan on me when he saw the valour I displayed. Khan saheb, courage is important when it leads to results. Else, it is useless bravado.’

  ‘Raibaghan, what is your advice now?’

  ‘You ask for advice? If Shivaji makes up his mind, not a single soldier will survive. Your experienced marksmen are no use here—they cannot see the enemy and are all at the mercy of an invisible enemy.’

  Kahar Talab Khan was aware of this and he could hear the screams of the dying each moment. He was losing hope. He shouted, ‘Do whatever you can, but save us! This Shivaji is not a human. He is a Satan!’

  Raibaghan smiled. ‘Khan saheb, send your emissary to Shivaji to negotiate an immediate ceasefire.’

  ‘Will Shivaji agree?’ Khan asked.

  It was not a Mughal custom to spare the enemy. In fact, the Mughal army enjoyed killing their trapped enemy and derived a sadistic pleasure from it. Khan was suffering the same fate today.

  Raibaghan said, ‘Shivaji is a just king. He is large-hearted. He would never attack an enemy who is willing to surrender. It’s why he is famous.’

  ‘Then send an emissary immediately. I am willing to negotiate and surrender.’

  An emissary was dispatched immediately with a few men wearing white clothes. They entered the forest shouting ‘Ceasefire!’ as they made their way into the deep jungle. They were surrounded within a few minutes by Shivaji’s men. The attack on the gorge, however, continued.

  It was afternoon by the time Khan’s emissary reached a camp near the mountaintop. In a small clearing in the forest, he saw Shivaji astride a horse, looking radiant in camouflage. The emissary bent low, almost touching the ground, and saluted Shivaji thrice with a traditional mujra. He covered his hands with a green handkerchief as a mark of respect and said, ‘I have come here to pay my regards to Raje on behalf of Khan-e-azam Kahar Talab Khan saheb and Raibaghan saheb.’

  ‘Give me the message
of the brave Kahar Talab Khan and Raibaghan.’

  ‘Khan saheb repents his mistake, because despite your love and affection, he acted in haste on the advice of Shaista Khan. He regrets having entered your territory.’

  ‘My love and affection?’

  ‘Maharaj, Kahar Talab Khan is an old friend of Farzand Shahaji Raje. We beg you to acknowledge this friendship and ask you to pardon Khan saheb. It is our ardent prayer.’

  Shivaji smiled and said, ‘It is good of you to remember old friendships so soon! Give my regards to Khan saheb and Raibaghan, and tell them that we never attack an enemy who has surrendered. My men and I have suffered a lot and we expect to be compensated duly. The attack will continue till I hear from him, and I shall wait here for your answer.’

  The emissary bent in mujra and stepped back. He hurried back to Khan who immediately agreed to Shivaji’s conditions. The emissary returned with royal jewellery boxes loaded on to a horse. A young boy also accompanied the emissary. He was a handsome youth, and wore a bright yellow turban with a jewelled crescent adding to its beauty. He also wore an embroidered waistcoat with narrow cotton trousers. A sword hung on his side, its handle decorated with lovely gems.

  The youth recognized Shivaji who sat atop a white steed. The armour on Shivaji’s chest added to his aura. The two quivers of arrows on his back gave an appearance of wings. A bow was slung on his right shoulder. The ash mark on the forehead was a soothing antidote to the terrifying armour.

  The emissary saluted and then opened the boxes to display their contents. One was full of gold coins, the other filled with silver coins and the third box had precious gems and jewellery. Shivaji raised his hands and Netaji signalled to one of the soldiers to blow the trumpet. Soon, a succession of trumpets blew and within moments, the gorge stood silent as the attacks stopped. The jungle was cloaked in an eerie calm once more.

  Shivaji said, ‘Ask Khan saheb to leave our territory immediately. Ask him not to make the mistake of attacking us again. Warn him that this part of our kingdom is the shining jewel in our crown and that no one has the strength to take it from us. You must have realized how foolish it is to try doing so.’

  The youth standing behind the emissary continued to look at Shivaji without batting an eyelid. He stepped forward, his hand on the hilt of his sword. Netaji’s hand moved to his sword but Raje indicated to him to stay back. The young man stepped forward and bent in mujra. He removed his sword and held it in both his hands stretched forward.

  Raje asked, ‘What is the meaning of this?’

  ‘I am honoured to see your large-heartedness. I request you to accept this as a token of my gratitude.’

  Raje smiled and looked at the two hands holding the sword. He said, ‘I think it would be unfair to accept the sword of a brave sardar like you. I don’t have the right clothes to honour you with and it would have been my pleasure to do so. I congratulate you on your daring. No wonder Aurangzeb has given you the title of Raibaghan.

  The youth was none other than the brave lady Raibaghan! Her hands trembled as she said, ‘Maharaj, how did you recognize me?’

  ‘That was not difficult,’ Shivaji said. ‘Your fair hands and the tattoo on your forehead were a giveaway. Notwithstanding that, I recognized you the moment you arrived. Who else would have the courage to come here?’

  Raibaghan was dumbfounded.

  Raje continued, ‘Tell Khan that I am glad I have had the good fortune to meet a brave lady like you. I am reminded of Bhawani Mata when I hear of your exploits. I would like to honour you properly as soon I have the opportunity and I hope you will pardon me today.’

  Raibaghan returned with the emissary, impressed and overwhelmed with Shivaji’s behaviour.

  Khan and his soldiers made a hasty retreat soon thereafter. Shivaji ordered that all the dead men, including the enemy, be given an honourable burial. Aware that Shaista Khan would be enraged on hearing about this defeat and likely to attack Konkan, Shivaji asked Netaji to guard Bhorghat well.

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  Shivaji assembled his troops on returning to Rajgad. Each day was critical. He issued orders to his spies to move in advance and also divided his troops into two, keeping one with him.

  Seeing this Jijabai asked, ‘Raje, you have just returned from one campaign. Should you not wait for some time before leaving on another?’

  ‘Maa saheb, Shaista Khan will have lost sleep on hearing of the defeat in Umbarkhindi. Netaji is already holding fort in Konkan and will not allow Khan to reach Raigad–Mahad. We cannot afford to give Khan any respite. He should know what we are capable of.’

  ‘Then are you planning to attack him?’

  ‘Of course! But just not right now. Jaswant Singh of Palvan is trying to trespass us. Remember, when was held up at Panhala, the Surves too sided with our enemy? They need to be taught a lesson. The English, who fought against us, need to be contained. Once we defeat the foreigners, Khan will know the true strength of our forces.’

  Just then, Shambhu Raje ran in and asked, ‘Can I come with you?’

  ‘On the campaign?’

  ‘Yes, Maa saheb gave me this—see?’ Shambhu Raje showed him a small sword.

  Jijabai and Shivaji smiled. Picking Shambhu Raje up, Shivaji lovingly said, ‘This fellow cannot even pronounce “sword” properly but wants to come for a battle! Raje, you don’t have too many days to enjoy your games. Enjoy them while they last! Later, you will have to do what I am doing today.’

  Shambhu Raje would not give up his demand and insisted on coming along. Raje was at his wits’ end trying to pacify him when Shambhu started crying and said, ‘Aba saheb is a bad man!’

  Jijabai explained gently, ‘You must not speak that way to your father, Bal Raje!’

  Shivaji said, ‘Maa saheb, he seems to have a wild temper.’

  Sambhaji was about to burst into tears again when Jijabai, diffusing the situation, hugged him and said, ‘If you want to go on a campaign, where is your shield?’

  ‘Shield?’ Sambhaji asked, wondering where he would get that from.

  ‘You cannot fight without one.’

  Sambhaji had no answer.

  Jijabai hugged him and said, ‘Bal Raje, we have asked the blacksmith to make you one. The moment it is ready, you may go on a campaign.’

  Sambhaji went off, excited at the prospect of going to battle soon.

  Jijabai said, ‘He may have his tantrums no doubt, but he will listen if you have the patience to talk to him. I wish Sai was here.’

  The memory of Saibai sent a shiver down Raje’s body. He walked away, his head bent in thought.

  Shivaji and his men marched on towards Konkan the next day. The news of Shivaji’s victory at the gorge had spread far and wide and he did not even have to attack to bring the prosperous cities of the Konkan region under his control—they surrendered even before he reached city limits. Shivaji would appoint new ministers to manage the cities and move ahead. His next stop was Palvan.

  Jaswantrao of Palvan was mortally afraid of Shivaji’s impending attack. He had helped Siddi Johar when Shivaji was surrounded and he ran for his life. Shivaji entered Palvan and captured the Dabhol Port under the control of the Dalvis.

  He was camped at Chiplun, which was famous for a temple of Parashurama. Shivaji had darshan and after distributing gifts to the Brahmin priests, moved to Devrukh. The Surves of Shringarpur, the Sawants of Kudal and the Dalvis of Palvan were all well within Raje’s territory. Shivaji had no intention of either fighting them or making allies. But he was keen that they join him in his campaign. He knew that the Surves had supported the Muslims when he was surrounded in Panhala but he sent his emissary to them nonetheless. His message was simple:

  ‘I am leaving on a campaign and am leaving a small platoon of my troops at Sangameshwar. I would like that you take care of the platoon till I return and offer them help if need be.’

  The Surves were relieved to receive this message as they had feared the worst. They accepted the responsibility with pleasu
re and sent back the reply:

  ‘I am your servant and would be happy to serve you. Please pardon any mistake from my side.’

  Shivaji was satisfied with the reply and decided to convert them into his allies once he returned from his campaign.

  Tanaji was holding fort at Sangameshwar and Pilaji Nilkanth joined him soon. After specific instructions about managing the platoon at Sangameshwar, Shivaji moved forward to Rajapur with an army of a thousand cavalry and three thousand foot soldiers. He sent his emissary to Rajapur after surrounding the town to meet him. The rich and powerful of Rajapur came forward to meet Raje but most were unwilling to compromise and pay him anything. Letting them off without a fine, Shivaji waited for the firangi traders.

  Shortly, four or five English gentlemen arrived and walked arrogantly into the tent. They removed their hats with a flourish and bent in salute. Raje sat there, observing them. They had long hair while their white waistcoats were up to the knees and they wore long narrow boots.

  The translator said, ‘Raje, the moment the British traders got wind of your arrival, they came to pay their respects.’

  Shivaji acknowledged their presence saying, ‘You have come to see me without a formal invitation—I am honoured.’

  Revington, one of the British traders, said, ‘Your friendship is dear to us and to our company.’

  ‘Oh, I see! In that case, we know each other well!’

  The traders were taken aback.

  Shivaji explained, ‘We had an agreement at Miraj when we had returned whatever we had captured—including your men. Isn’t this Gifford the same person we captured?’

  Revington smiled and said, ‘We cannot forget your blessings, sir.’

  Raje’s anger erupted and he said, ‘What disloyal men you are! Barely had the ink on the agreement dried when you moved your cannons to Panhala to fight against me. If you had had any value for your honour, you would have thought twice before allowing your flag to flutter on the battlefield.’

  The accusation was a lighting strike. Revington wiped his face nervously with his handkerchief and said, ‘There seems to be some misunderstanding, Raje!’