by Ranjit Desai
They all left with their heads bent low. Ram Singh asked, ‘Raja saheb, what happened?’
‘I don’t need them anymore. What use are they to me? Whatever has to happen will happen—why involve them?’
Ram Singh came out of the tent to find the men removing their tents. They said, ‘We are moving out.’
Ram Singh told Niraji, ‘Let your men camp in the gardens behind my haveli.’
Niraji was taken aback. He was aware that Raje had a plan and Ram Singh’s request would spoil the same if he were to get involved. When Niraji told about Ram Singh’s reaction, Shivaji muttered, ‘These Rajputs have no brains! That is why they continue to work under the Mughals!’
Shivaji called Fulaad Khan the next morning and welcomed him with great protocol. He was surprised at Shivaji’s behaviour. Shivaji smiled and said, ‘Fulaad Khan, I have nothing against you. You are, after all, bound by the emperor’s orders. You are just doing your duty.’
‘Raja saheb, you are wise to understand—’
‘I have called you here with a specific request.’
Fulaad Khan was suddenly alert and asked, ‘What request?’
‘I am trapped here and I cannot afford to feed so many of my men. I want to request the Badshah to allow most of my men to go back, leaving just a few. I want to keep only ten or fifteen of them.’
Siddi Fulaad Khan was overjoyed and conveyed the message to Aurangzeb, who could not believe that Shivaji wanted his men to go back. He ordered the release of hundreds of Shivaji’s men. Aurangzeb wondered what Raje had in mind. He was watching each and every move by Shivaji carefully. He had wondered earlier why Shivaji had brought only a few elephants. The request for release of his men was something he could not fathom. He sent out precautionary orders to all districts around Agra, ‘If Shivaji escapes, he must be captured immediately and imprisoned.’
When the orders came from the Badshah himself, Ram Singh reluctantly agreed to let Shivaji’s men go. Mahadev was one of the men who were supposedly going back, and as were many other spies.
Shivaji had managed his first step well.
#
Aurangzeb was waiting for a reply from Jai Singh. A letter had arrived with the request that Shivaji be treated with respect. Aurangzeb was formulating an appropriate reply when he received a strange request from Shivaji, expressing his desire to renounce everything, become a sanyasi and visit Kashi. His plea was that he was deeply disturbed and wanted some peace of mind.
Aurangzeb laughed and sent a reply, ‘I have no objection to your being a sanyasi. A sanyasi can stay anywhere; I suggest that you make yourself comfortable in my fort at Allahabad. Subedar Bahadur Khan will take care of you. You may spend your days there praying to your lord.’
However, Shivaji’s ploy did not materialize and two months had passed by, when the great poet Parmanand came to visit Shivaji from Allahabad with a Brahmin poet, Kalash. Shivaji asked Kalash to stay back and they spoke till late in the night. The poets left after two days and Shivaji gifted them a few elephants. Aurangzeb heard of the incident and was convinced that Raje was really inclined to becoming a sanyasi.
The rains had just begun, increasing the humidity in Agra. Shivaji wistfully remembered his homeland—the dense green forests, hills covered in green and the rains drenching the forts and creating instant waterfalls as the water cascaded down the ramparts. The misty clouds would create a loving cover protecting the forts. A loving cover!
‘Maa saheb! How must she be spending her days, the poor soul,’ Shivaji mused.
#
Shivaji’s mind was restless. Many thoughts flitted through his mind. A man gets impaled on his own ego! I was hopeful of Alamgir’s large-heartedness. I came here with the hopes of being the Subedar of the south and taking back my kingdom the moment Mirza Raja and Diler Khan turned northwards. But my hopes have been shattered. I am now trapped here thanks to the Badshah.
Raje smiled wryly at his thoughts. Who would decide right and wrong? Aurangzeb? Why would he give me the subedari of south? He killed his own kin, and did not hesitate to poison his own father. Why would he show me any pity? I wonder why he has still kept me alive. Aurangzeb is taking time to decide. There has to be some other plan. He knows a delay could cost him his future. And yet, he has decided not to act. I wonder whether it is my sheer luck which is keeping me alive. But if that is the case, then why has Bhawani Mata not shown me the way forward yet?
Shivaji got up from his bed. He saw Sambhaji Raje sleeping soundly and thought, Look at this blessed soul! He sleeps without fear for his life. He has no knowledge of the spectre of death hanging on our heads or the guards outside the camp. He can sleep soundly leaving all responsibilities to his father. Then why should I not trust my Jagdamba Ma?
Maa saheb! She must be spending her days at the feet of the Lord, shedding tears and wishing us well. What if something happens to us here?
Shivaji could not bear to think further as he paced the room. We are stuck here in this foreign land. What must be the condition of the forts back home? Annaji, Moropant, Prataprao, Tanaji and the others must be sick with worry. On top of it, there would be rumours spreading thick and fast! The rumours of my death would shake the core of their hearts. Hopefully, my spies would have reached Agra by now. I hope the news of my arrest does not lead to a revolt at home.
Raje stopped for a moment and then thought, But who would revolt and against whom? Annaji, Tanaji, Moropant—there were many people who were capable of it but these men? Would they ever lead a revolt? Impossible! Instead they would be spending their energies trying to manage the forts. They would be giving Maa saheb false hopes and promises, trying to pacify her restless mind.
Raje continued pacing the room. I brought a thousand men with me. Luckily, they have escaped arrest now. Hopefully they will be waiting for me at different places. Poor Ram Singh is not aware of all this.
Raje’s thoughts hardened. I need to escape from here somehow. But how do I do this?
Raje’s mind was busy. He remembered Samarth’s words, ‘If things have to be done, then they should be done!’ Raje also recalled Maa saheb’s words when he had gone to show her the farman sent by Aurangzeb, ‘Raje, learn to celebrate your losses too. The true victor is one who is able to face such defeats and come out victorious. You need to have faith and accept such things. Faith will show you the way forward.’
Raje felt better. His mind took a different turn now. Even the Pandavas managed to escape from captivity. Why should I not be able to find a way? Krishna escaped from Kansa’s jail in a meer basket. Vasudeva was able to take him away despite so many guards. They all slept soundly as he was taken away. Even the Yamuna receded to allow him to escape. I am lucky that Alamgir has kept me alive. I need to find a way now.
Shivaji moved a wick in a lamp and joined another one with it. The lamp burnt brightly. His face too was shining brightly in the light of the lamps!
#
Shivaji and his men sat in conference. There was a hint of optimism in the air. Shivaji welcomed Ram Singh as he presented himself. ‘Ram Singh, what is the news from the durbar?’
‘Everything is fine.’
‘I too am relaxed, thanks to the blessings of Alamgir.’
Ram Singh was surprised to hear that. Shivaji smiled. ‘You need not look so surprised. After all, there is no one as relaxed as one in captivity. There are thousands of men guarding me!’ Changing the topic, he asked, ‘Have you managed to relieve yourself from your duty?’
‘Not yet.’
‘Ram Singh, you are like a younger brother to me. I suggest you request that you be relieved as soon as possible. I don’t want you to have this responsibility. After all, he is a Badshah. One never knows when he would change his mind.’
Ram Singh was lost in thought. Shivaji sensed his hesitation and asked Pant, ‘Where is Bal Raje?’
Gopinathpant answered, smiling, ‘He is inspecting the guards along with Fulaad Khan.’
Shivaji laughed out loudly
, ‘Look at the irony. I am captive here and Yuvraj is a free bird, inspecting the guards! How lucky he is!’
Ram Singh joined the laughter, ‘It is true, Raje! He is really lucky. Alamgir too likes him a great deal and asks me to bring him to the durbar often. In fact, he has asked me to bring him there today as well. He is a favourite in my house too.’
‘I know that Alamgir is large-hearted. Who would treat an enemy’s son with such love and affection?’
Ram Singh said, ‘Raje, do you recall meeting Manucci?’
‘Manucci?’
‘Yes. He is in charge of my father’s artillery. I believe you met at Purandar.’
Shivaji immediately remembered him and said, ‘What a man! In fact, we are friends! His company was a great pleasure in days of turmoil. Where is he these days? Has he come here?’
‘No. But he has sent an artist with a letter of recommendation.’
‘An artist?’
‘Yes, a painter. He has painted portraits of many at the durbar. Alamgir has given permission for him to meet you.’
‘It is indeed kind of the Badshah. What is the painter’s name?’
‘Mir Hassan.’
Mir Hassan presented himself and bent in mujra to Ram Singh and Shivaji. He waited for Raje’s instructions. Shivaji looked at Ram Singh and said, ‘Ram Singh, what a coincidence! When we were to hand over Purandar, I met a pandit, Shivram, from the north. He looked at my horoscope and predicted I would be free within eighteen months. Instead of being a free man, I am now not sure if I will leave Agra alive. Now Manucci has sent me a painter. Sometimes fate is cruel, isn’t it?’
Shivaji was quiet for a moment before he burst out laughing, ‘Perhaps there is irony in it. I may not remain here but the painting will remain forever!’
Shivaji laughed but Ram Singh did not join the laughter. Shivaji said, trying to hide his own anxiety, ‘What is the need to worry, Ram Singh? One day everyone has to die, isn’t it? At least a painting will keep my memory alive.’
Ram Singh felt a little relieved. He said, ‘Raja saheb should not speak like this. Maybe Jahanpanah may change …’
‘Ram Singh, anything is possible. Let this painter come anytime he wishes to. It will be a good distraction for me.’
The next day onwards, Mir Hassan would come to Raje’s room and paint a portrait of him. Raje seemed to be in a talkative mood and would spend the hours chatting with him. Ram Singh, on the other hand, was worried sick of the dangers that lay ahead.
He was ruing the day when Mirza Raja had given him the responsibility of Raje’s well-being. The Badshah had been contemplating a campaign down south and Ram Singh was to keep an eye on Shivaji. But Mirza Raja had advised that Ram Singh should ask to accompany the Badshah. He was in agreement with Raje’s advice of relieving himself of the responsibility as soon as possible. Aurangzeb did not agree at first but later acquiesced to his request and relieved him of the job. Ram Singh heaved a sigh of relief. For Shivaji too, it was a load off his mind. He was now free to plan his escape.
One day, Mir Hassan came with a painting of Shivaji sitting astride a horse surrounded by many guards including a few Muslims.
‘Mir Hassan, I must admire your art. You have managed to recreate my image with outstanding similarity. But where did these Mughals come from?’
‘Huzoor, I saw you accompanying Ram Singh to the Shahi durbar. That image was captured in my mind.’
‘Wah! Beautiful! Niraji …’
Niraji came forward and presented Mir Hassan with a large sum of money and some rich clothes. Mir Hassan stepped forward to present the painting when Shivaji said, ‘Mir Hassan, keep this with you. If you wish, you may hand it over to Manucci. It will serve him as a reminder of me.’
Mir Hassan soon left, and within a few days, Raje looked more and more well-disposed.
#
A few days later, the news that Shivaji had taken ill spread and soon reached Aurangzeb’s court. He immediately sent his physician but Shivaji seemed to have lost the will to live and was not in the mood to take any medicines. He had agreed to take medicines suggested by a village doctor. The only people with him were Hiroji Farzand and his manservant Madari. He was now bedridden all the time. Fulaad Khan would enquire about his health whenever possible. In order to get good wishes and blessings, Shivaji started sending crates of sweets to the various ministers in Aurangzeb’s court and the crates were being sent daily.
Shivaji had managed to bribe many of Fulaad Khan’s men who had called on him while Fulaad Khan was blissfully unaware of these developments.
Aurangzeb, on the other hand, was now quite relaxed as far as Shivaji was concerned. Shaista Khan’s begum and others were now creating a false image of Shivaji. ‘Shivaji is a shaitan! He can walk through walls! He can jump a few hundred feet. He can vanish at the drop of a hat!’ and such were doing the rounds.
‘If he can do all this, why is he still languishing in that jail?’ Aurangzeb asked, unconvinced of Shivaji’s supernatural abilities. He was now waiting for his final act. The haveli of Raja Vitthaldas was being readied. Aurangzeb had planned to move Shivaji there and then kill him.
Ram Singh came to know of this plan and met Shivaji on the pretext of enquiring after his health, only to find that Shivaji did not have any fever but complained of body ache. Ram Singh seemed restless. He said, ‘Raja saheb, your health has taken a turn for the worse at the wrong moment.’
‘Why do you say that?’ Shivaji asked.
‘I have heard about a plan to kill you in Vitthaldas’s haveli. I feel so helpless! I am unable to help you,’ Ram Singh said, as he started crying.
After getting up with a lot of effort, Shivaji hugged Ram Singh and said, ‘Please don’t cry. If possible, please do one thing for me.’
‘Tell me, Raje!’ Ram Singh said eagerly.
‘Convey my regards to everyone at your home and take care of Sambhaji Raje.’
‘You don’t worry on that count, Raje!’ After a pause, he added, ‘There is one thing I can do to help you. The day you are to be moved to the haveli, I will send a message through Fulaad Khan saying, “Don’t come to my house. The Badshah does not approve.” That will be a signal to you. I don’t know what else I can do for you.’
Ram Singh left and Raje was lying on his bed when Madari, Hiroji, Ramkishan and Jiva Joshi came in. They were busy packing the sweet baskets. The baskets were always thoroughly checked at the gates. One of the baskets was sent to Fulaad Khan’s house.
The next day, the poet Kalash came to meet Raje. He had a saffron cloth tied to his head, while the tilak on his forehead and his fair skin gave him a radiant look. Raje was speaking to him at length when he realized someone at the door. It was Fulaad Khan.
Raje called out from his bed, ‘Come in, Fulaad Khan.’
Fulaad Khan came in and said, ‘Raja saheb, I came to personally thank you for the sweets.’
‘Please have a seat. There is no need for thanks. Please meet Kalash, a renowned Brahmin from Kashi. He can read horoscopes, and I was asking him when I would get well.’
Fulaad Khan smiled and said, ‘Instead why don’t you enquire about when you would be released?’
Raje’s eyes penetrated Fulaad Khan for a moment and then he said, smiling, ‘Fulaad Khan, isn’t that rhetorical? I am trapped here under the Badshah’s instructions. I cannot escape while you guard the camp! A bird cannot escape the Badshah’s prison and no one can dare escape your guards!’
Siddi Fulaad Khan swelled with pride on being praised. He said, showing his bright white teeth and smiling widely, ‘Raja saheb, that is a fact!’
‘I know! I was not praising you. I was merely stating facts.’
Sambhaji Raje came in at that moment. He said, looking at Shivaji Raje, ‘Aba saheb! I had gone to Ram Singh Kaka’s house. We went to meet Alijah and look what he has given me! His dagger! See!’
Bal Raje showed the dagger. The sharp edge glinted in the light. Raje said, ‘Be careful, Bal Raje. Royal dag
gers are sometimes poisonous.’
‘Aba saheb, I asked for a dagger for you when Alijah said something like “He is such an innocent boy!”’
Everyone laughed. Shivaji said, ‘Bal Raje, the Badshah was praising you.’
Fulaad Khan had been guarding Raje for weeks now and he was impressed with the way Raje treated everyone. He was not able to understand Raje’s exemplary behaviour. He said, ‘Raja saheb, it is unfortunate that I am guarding you as a prisoner. Had the Badshah been as large-hearted to you as he is to Sambhaji Raje, you and I would have been great friends in the court.’
‘I still believe that our relationship is the same. I am wise enough not to blame you just because you are guarding me.’
Fulaad Khan took his leave, and the moment he left, Raje hugged Sambhaji and said, pointing at Kalash, ‘Do you recognize this gentleman?’
‘I do,’ Sambhaji said, nodding.
‘Then don’t forget him. You should listen to whatever he says.’
‘Yes, Aba saheb.’
Kalash patted Sambhaji’s back and said as he moved out of earshot, ‘Raje, you have given me such a big responsibility!’
‘I am sure you can manage it well. You need not come back now. Hiroji will meet you at the right time.’
Kalash left and Shivaji went back to his bed.
#
Shivaji’s health continued to deteriorate. There was no improvement despite the medicines. One afternoon Fulaad Khan came in to enquire. ‘How are you feeling, Raja saheb?’
‘Just about managing!’ Raje said, sighing, as he tried to get up.
‘You can’t give up like this! Allah is merciful! Raja saheb, you were to meet Ram Singh, weren’t you?’
Raje did not show any surprise. He said, ‘I am tired of my ill health. I thought I would feel better in his company.’
‘Raja saheb, Kunwarji has sent a message asking you not to come as the Badshah is not in favour of it. I too feel it is better that you don’t visit him.’
‘As the Lord wishes!’ Raje said, ‘That was the one place I could go and spend some time. Anyway, I will sleep now.’