Shivaji

  Mirza Raja said, slapping his thighs, ‘It will not happen on my watch. I treat my guests with a lot of care.’

  ‘I am a Maratha! Had I not been confident of your integrity, I would not have come.’

  Mirza Raja was happy about his candid reply. He wanted to test him further and said, ‘Raje, I don’t see your Bhawani today. You are not carrying your sword today?’

  For a brief moment, Jai Singh could see anger flit in Shivaji’s eyes. But Shivaji replied without hesitation, ‘Sometimes it is better for weapons to be given a rest.’

  ‘Well done! That is a good answer.’ Mirza Raja continued, ‘Remember that you are still quite young. Shahzada Aurangzeb became an emperor thanks to this Mirza’s efforts.’

  ‘How can I forget? In fact, that is the tragedy,’ Shivaji blurted.

  Mirza Raja’s eyebrows arched up as he thundered, ‘What do you mean?’

  Shivaji Raje said, ‘It is quite clear. It would have been better had you seated yourself on the throne of Delhi rather than give it to Aurangzeb. He does not want any Hindu to challenge him. He cannot think beyond Islam. Had you been the emperor, you would not have had the need to come south. Instead, I would have happily come to meet you and handed over my kingdom. I would have been happy to be your slave for generations to come.’

  Mirza Raja was stunned at Shivaji’s blunt and emotional reply. He glanced around and screamed, ‘Hold your tongue, Raje! This Mirza Raja is a servant of the emperor and I will not tolerate any words against the Delhi durbar.’

  Shivaji Raje let out a deep sigh and said, ‘I am sorry. I did not realize that a slave does not have the right to express his views freely. I seek your pardon.’

  Mirza Raja clapped once and a servant entered with a tray of fruits. Mirza Raja cut an apple into two pieces saying, ‘Raje, pick up any piece.’

  Shivaji picked up both the pieces much to Mirza Raja’s surprise. ‘There is no doubt in my mind. I believe that a person lives or dies as per the Lord’s wishes.’

  The cannons continued to boom loudly. After a while, Raje could not hold himself back and asked, ‘Mirza Raja, what is that noise?’

  ‘It is the sound of the attack on your Purandar Fort.’

  ‘But have I not agreed to a complete surrender?’

  ‘We will continue the shelling till it is implemented.’

  Raje was about to get up when Mirza Raja said, ‘Wait! There is no need to get up.’

  A servant lifted the flaps of the tent and Shivaji was wide-eyed at the view. He could clearly see the Purandar Fort burning, and his heart ached at the sight.

  Mirza Raja said in a taunting voice, ‘Raje, see how your prized possessions in Deccan burn. We erected this tent especially for you to get an uninterrupted view.’

  Shivaji sat watching as the fort was enveloped in flames. He stood up, as if in a trance, and stumbled forward, holding one of the pillars for support. He suddenly turned around. Mirza Raja continued to sit with a smile playing on his lips.

  Shivaji said, ‘Mirza Raja, I will give you Purandar but stop this attack.’

  ‘You are planning to give me Purandar?’ Mirza Raja asked. ‘It is already taken, Raje! Within a few minutes, you will see our flag fluttering there. Speak of your other forts if you will.’

  Raje said, letting out a deep sigh, ‘I will, but please stop this attack.’

  Mirza Raja looked at him with penetrating eyes and said, ‘I may consider it if you make a proper request.’

  Shivaji’s eyes burned with anger but he controlled himself and with great effort, he said, ‘Mirza Raja, I beg of you to stop this attack and save my people’s lives.’

  Mirza Raja asked Kirat Singh to stop the firing, and he immediately conveyed the message to Diler Khan.

  That evening, Shivaji dined with Mirza Raja but he could barely manage to eat. Each mouthful felt like poison. His mind was occupied with Purandar. The cannons had stopped booming and a little later the messenger brought the news of Korde having come to meet Shivaji. He bent down in mujra as he stepped into the tent.

  Shivaji asked, ‘Korde, has the fort been vacated?’

  ‘No, Maharaj. Havaldar Naik is not willing to act unless there are specific instructions from you.’

  ‘Ask Naik to vacate immediately. And ask Murarbaji to see me.’

  ‘Maharaj!’ Korde exclaimed. ‘Murarbaji fell in the battle!’

  Raje was stunned by this news. Korde bent in mujra and stepped out of the tent. Mirza Raja looked at Raje, who stood there with tears flowing down his cheeks. His fists were clenched while the tears continued to fall on the carpet below.

  Mirza Raja stepped forward and, putting his hand on Raje’s shoulder, said, his voice full of sympathy, ‘Raje, are you crying because you lost one man? This is the nature of war.’

  Shivaji looked at Mirza Raja and shouted, ‘Anandrao!’

  Anandrao stepped inside the tent. Shivaji said, ‘Anandrao, bring Korde back.’

  Shivaji wiped his tears. Mirza Raja stood watching Shivaji. Korde came into the tent and Raje said, ‘Korde! Mirza Raja wants to know how our Murarbaji fell. Please tell him.’

  ‘Maharaj, I was with Murarbaji and the enemy was attacking with full force when he heard that Bale Killa was in danger. He ordered the doors to be thrown open. He marched out with fifteen hundred Mavals, taking the enemy by surprise. They began to retreat as Murarbaji moved forward. Diler Khan had to beat a hasty retreat and return to his camp. Murarbaji continued to chase the enemy and reached the Pathan camp. Maharaj, I have not seen a daredevil like him. Diler Khan came forward to challenge him. He managed to stop the battle for a moment shouting, “I can see that you are a true soldier. You should not risk your life in such fights. I promise you a sardar’s post if you drop your arms now.”

  ‘“Who the hell are you to bribe me? I am Shivaji Raje’s soldier!”’

  Korde continued, ‘He charged at Khan and there was massacre everywhere. Seeing him attack Khan, a Mughal sniper let loose an arrow which met its mark as it passed through Murarbaji’s neck. We returned with his body back to Bale Killa.’

  Korde stopped and Raje indicated that he could leave. He looked up and his eyes reflected the many emotions racing through him. He asked, wiping his tears again, ‘Did you hear that? I knew this had transpired when I heard of his death. My men will not succumb to an easy death. They have a common goal and they don’t work for money. Each and every of my men is worth his weight in gold and any loss saddens me.’

  Mirza Raja did not dare to look at Shivaji and stared at the carpet. A few moments passed in silence when Mirza Raja said, ‘Raje, you must be tired. Go, rest, and we will begin talks in the night.’

  Shivaji stepped out of the shamiana with a heavy heart.

  Ugrasen Kachwaha showed him the way to the tent made for him. Shivaji was exhausted, both in body and mind. Tears welled up in his eyes and he slumped on the bed.

  #

  That evening, Shivaji strolled around the cantonment and reached the tent where Mirza Raja was waiting for him. Seeing him, Mirza Raja came out and led him inside by the hand. Udayraj, Ugrasen and a few firangis sat inside waiting for them. Mirza Raja introduced Manucci. Shivaji acknowledged his salute and said, ‘Is he not the one in charge of the artillery?’

  Mirza Raja exclaimed, ‘Oh! You know all about him?’

  Shivaji smiled in reply.

  Mirza Raja said, ‘He is not only an ammunition expert but also a good chess player.’

  Raje smiled and said, ‘Then we will get along well. I too love playing chess.’

  Mirza Raja suggested a round of chess. Afterwards, the servants announced that dinner had been served. They returned to the tent after dinner. The shamiana was brightly lit with oil lamps. Hiroji and Anandrao stood next to Shivaji. Pant announced the arrival of Udayraj Munshi and Surat Singh Kachwaha.

  They entered and bent down in mujra. Raje asked, ‘Shall we?’

  ‘Where to?’ Udayraj asked.

  ‘Begin the negotia
tions?’

  ‘We have come for only that purpose. Mirza Raja has sent us to work out the details.’

  ‘And what about him?’

  ‘He will not be present.’

  Raje was silent for a while and then he said, ‘Let us go ahead.’

  Udayraj put forth his demands, taking Shivaji by surprise. Mirza Raja demanded every single fort and the money looted from Surat. Shivaji found himself firmly trapped in their vice-like grip. He had to finally relent and agree to hand over twenty-three of his forts and four lakh coins to the Badshah. All that was left with him was the region of Tal Konkan from where he expected no revenue to be collected. He knew it would be impossible for him to manage his own expenses. Shivaji proposed capturing Adil Shah’s territory towards Balaghat in order to expand his borders and he was given permission to do so but at the cost of paying forty lakh rupees. This was to be paid in annual instalments of three lakhs each.

  Udayraj asked, as he picked up a goblet of wine, ‘Raje, what about your title and position?’

  Shivaji had been fearing the question for a long time. He could not accept the fact that he would be working under a Mughal Badshah. It was like an eagle working for a crow!

  He said, ‘Udayraj, I accept all your conditions but please do not force me to work under the Badshah.’

  ‘But why would you be opposed to working under him?’

  ‘Please don’t misunderstand,’ Shivaji pleaded. ‘I have lived without caring about the Badshah all this time. I am a Maratha and cannot face him. He has agreed to pardon me, thanks to his large-heartedness but I am a criminal in his eyes. I would rather that my son is given an appropriate job with the Badshah. I am sure he will do a great job. I would never dream of betraying the Badshah and I would be happy to just be by myself. I don’t need a mansab or any other job.’

  Udayraj relented, much to Shivaji’s relief. And so, the negotiations ended late in the night.

  The next morning, after his daily puja, Shivaji was ready to meet Mirza Raja who received him warmly.

  ‘Raje, you have been very wise. Please accept my congratulations.’

  ‘Rajaji, it was a tough negotiation.’

  ‘But nothing compared to the crimes you have committed.’

  ‘I am aware of that.’

  ‘Raje, our understanding is not only about agreeing to these conditions. You have to implement them as well.’

  ‘I know.’

  Mirza Raja was aware that Diler Khan was unhappy about not being consulted throughout these proceedings. However, he did not want him to get take offence and requested Raje to meet Diler Khan.

  Shivaji asked, ‘Raja saheb, I have negotiated with you. Why do I need to meet Diler Khan now?’

  ‘Now that you have surrendered completely, it is advisable not to be rash. Diler Khan is a close confidante of the Badshah. But you need not be afraid of him.’

  Shivaji smiled, ‘I am not afraid of Diler Khan. I will go and meet him as per your orders. But I request that I am sent with the protocol due to me.’

  ‘What do you have in mind?’

  ‘I would like to meet him under your protection. Diler Khan would not then dare to do anything foolish.’

  ‘A person who has surrendered cannot be given any special treatment.’

  Raje could not control his anger and erupted, ‘Then don’t blame me if something happens.’

  ‘What are you talking about?’

  ‘Rajaji, you are like a father figure to me. You are a Rajput and I can tolerate anything you say. But if Diler Khan decides to act funny, I will not hold myself back. I don’t want to create trouble for you; and hence, I asked for your protection.’

  Mirza Raja stepped forward and taking Shivaji by the shoulders said, his voice choked with emotion, ‘Raja saheb, it is a tragedy that we met in these trying circumstances! I cannot think of being harsh with you.’

  Mirza Raja sent Shivaji to Diler Khan with due protocol. He left with Raja Jai Singh on an elephant decorated with a silver-canopied howdah. Diler Khan was happy to see Shivaji coming to meet him. He presented Shivaji with an expensive sword, and the meeting went off cordially, contrary to Shivaji’s apprehensions.

  Mirza Raja’s shamiana was decorated lavishly. The seating was on soft lush carpets. He welcomed Raje and they both sat down while the other sardars took their seats. Mirza Raja said, ‘Raje, we are presenting a Rajput song in celebration of the successful treaty between us.’

  ‘But I have no knowledge of music and songs.’

  ‘Don’t worry, Raje! A warrior like you will find these songs enjoyable.’

  Mirza Raja clapped once and a tall Rajput wearing a traditional turban stepped forward. He had a kanjira, a local Rajasthani instrument, in his hands. He sat down in the centre of the assembly while another musician accompanied him on the dholak.

  Mirza Raja made the introductions, and said ‘Raje, this is Hira Singh. He has a rich baritone voice and you will love his songs. Hira Singh, sing a song and make our Raja saheb happy.’

  Hira Singh bent his head to acknowledge the request and tuned his instrument. He sang a famous love song, very popular with the Rajputs.

  When Hira Singh finished singing, Mirza Raja asked, ‘Raja saheb, did you like the song?’

  ‘It was a nice tune,’ Raje answered.

  ‘Raje, the meaning is quite subtle. A young soldier wearing a saffron turban had told his beloved the exact day of his return. She waited for him, counting the days on her fingers. One day, she forgets the count and sits there numb, not knowing what to do. Her beloved suddenly arrives and she looks at him with loving eyes.’

  ‘Wah! It is really a lovely tale!’

  ‘This song is a Rajput treasure, Raje.’

  ‘I can understand that,’ Shivaji said. ‘Rajaji, I too am homesick hearing this song. I should leave tomorrow.’

  Mirza Raja smiled and the evening ended.

  #

  The draft of the agreement was ready the next day. Mirza Raja asked, ‘Raje, the agreement is in place. It is now the time for implementation, isn’t it?’

  ‘As you say. I will not go back on my word.’

  ‘I have no doubts about that. Let us begin today itself.’

  ‘As you command,’ Raje said.

  Raje selected his key men and orders were issued to vacate key forts like Rohida, Lohgad, Isagad, Tok and Tikona. Mirza Raja sent his sardars there to take charge. He said, nodding with satisfaction, ‘Raje, while going to Rajgad, please hand over Kondana. I will send Kirat Singh with you. Let him come to Rajgad and return with Sambhaji. He will be staying here.’

  Hearing that, Shivaji Raje was uneasy but Mirza Raja assured him, ‘Don’t be uneasy, Raje. I will take care of him as if he were my own son. But he needs to stay here. I hope you understand.’

  Shivaji let out a deep sigh and said, ‘I understand. I will send Yuvraj.’

  Raje made plans to return to Rajgad. He was bid farewell with all fanfare. Mirza Raja gifted him two finely decorated horses and an elephant. Mirza Raja said, ‘Raja saheb, don’t worry. It is for your own good that you are now working under the Badshah.’

  ‘I will take your leave,’ Shivaji said, as he struggled to check his tears.

  Mirza Raja hugged Raje suddenly. They both could not hold back their tears. Mirza Raja said, ‘Raje, wipe your tears. Everything will be well. I have sent messages to the Badshah, and he will respond soon. You will be welcomed in Daud Khan’s camp. Please accept his hospitality and then move forward.’

  The sending-off ceremony took place in Daud Khan’s camp. Raje sat in a palanquin while the cavalry was led by Ugrasen Kachwaha and Kirat Singh. The sky was filled with dark clouds and cool winds blew. It had not yet begun to rain.

  The palanquin moved rapidly and by afternoon, Kondana was in sight. Raje kept staring at the saffron flag fluttering on the fort. Kondana was the gateway to the Konkan. It was from here that he had managed to secure the release of Maharaj saheb. It was from Kondana that he had ta
ught Jaswant Singh a lesson and established the superiority of the Mavals. This favourite fort of Raje’s was now going to be a part of the Mughal empire.

  Raje was restless because of such thoughts. The trumpet at the first gate announced their arrival. The palanquin moved forward as each gate received him with an official welcome. Raje stepped out of the palanquin. Morpopant, Anandrao and others were there to receive him. He acknowledged their mujras but went into his quarters without a word. The men accompanying Raje were surrounded by their comrades at Kondana and they spoke in whispered tones.

  Soyarabai received Raje and he asked, ‘Where is Maa saheb?’

  ‘She is waiting in her quarters for you.’

  He washed his feet and Manohari hurriedly tried to wipe them with a towel. Raje asked Soyarabai, ‘How is Maa saheb’s health?’

  ‘She is fine. And she has been eagerly waiting for you all morning.’

  ‘I will see her now. In the meanwhile, please pack our things. We will be leaving for Rajgad today.’

  ‘Today itself?’

  ‘Yes.’

  Raje did not continue the conversation and went to Maa saheb’s quarters. He went in and touched her feet. Her lips trembled as she blessed him.

  ‘Were you able to sign the treaty?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘What has been decided?’

  Raje took a deep breath. His face was rigid when he said, ‘What was there to decide? The one who surrenders has no choice. Mirza Raja did not leave anything for us. He will get twenty-three forts and four lakh hons. Including Kondana. All we are left with are Raigad, Rayari, other ten forts and a province which will yield about a lakh of hons as revenue.’ He smiled ironically as he continued, ‘I suggested we capture Adil Shah’s territory but I have now been given the additional responsibility of ensuring that we get forty lakh revenue from those very territories.’

  ‘Was there anything at all in our favour?’

  ‘Of course! I was asked to work for the Badshah but I managed to wriggle out of that. Instead, Yuvraj will be an employee there with a mansab of five thousand. Isn’t that enough?’