Shivaji

by Ranjit Desai

  ‘Whatever said and done, he is my uncle. If you could take him back and …’

  ‘No, Rani saheb. His crime is too severe to be excused. Please don’t plead with me.’

  Putlabai was silent for a while. As she turned to go, Raje asked, ‘Are you leaving now?’

  ‘Yes. It is getting late.’

  ‘Are you angry with me?’

  ‘Me?’ Putlabai said, forcing a smile. ‘What right do I have to be angry?’

  ‘What are you talking about?’

  ‘Well, the elder Rani saheb’s brother, Bajaji, converted to Islam but he was given refuge at your feet. Netaji has committed the same crime but I should have known my status before pleading with you.’

  ‘Putla,’ Raje muttered, ‘Wait! Don’t go. I wish you would understand. Bajaji was an Adil Shahi sardar and thus was loyal to them. But Netaji? He was one of us! My commander-in-chief! I loved him with all my heart. Yet, he chose to break all bonds. I felt bad when he left us but when I came to know that he had converted to Islam I was really shattered. I have suffered a lot on his account, Rani saheb!’

  ‘I have nothing left to say. I will go now.’

  ‘Wait! Don’t go like this. I will take him back.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘I promise you. For a moment, I forgot that whatever said and done, he is still one of us. It is right to pardon a family member, after all!’

  ‘Are you saying this to please me?’

  ‘There is nothing wrong in doing that, is there? It is your right to expect it from me, Putla.’

  ‘Shall I tell Saguna?’

  ‘Please do so. Tell her Netaji would be welcomed back soon.’

  Putlabai’s heart brimmed with joy as she rushed to share the good news.

  #

  After completing the rituals for Jijabai’s ceremony, Raje returned to the fort and brought Netaji back into the Hindu fold following all the necessary rites for atonement. A feast was organized in his honour after a few days. Raje sat next to Netaji, who felt as if he had been reborn. Before the food was served, Netaji stood up and put his head on Raje’s feet. His tears drenched Raje’s feet.

  Raje said, ‘Netaji, please get up. Don’t think of the past now. Let us look ahead.’

  ‘Raje, I have one last wish. You have taken me back, and I wish to resume my duties.’

  Raje looked at Netaji for a long moment. He said, ‘That is not possible and I want you not to insist. Feel blessed and devote yourself to the cause of the Swaraj. I am sure you will get what you want soon. I recognize deeds more than blood and your loyalty would not go unrewarded.’

  Netaji did not dare to utter another word.

  The monsoon was still raging as politics picked up speed. With the help of Madanna from Golconda, Raje was able to sign a treaty with the Adil Shahi regime. The River Krishna was set as a boundary between the two kingdoms. As per the treaty, Raje was to pay a sum of three lakhs and another tribute worth a lakh.

  Annaji raised his doubts and said, ‘Do you think the treaty will last?’

  ‘You don’t need to be an astrologer to predict that it won’t. I just need it to last till I return from the campaign in Karnatak.’

  With a view to sign a similar treaty with the Mughals, Raje sent Nirajipant to Aurangabad. Raje had given him a free hand to decide the terms with Bahadur Khan at his camp near Pedgaon. While the negotiations were on, Raje received news that Samarth Ramdas Swami had agreed to move to Parli. Annaji came in and said, ‘We just got the news from the fort-keeper at Parli. As per your instructions, the fort has been made ready. Parli is lucky. Now it is the abode of saints.’

  ‘I agree. Rename Parli Sajjangad—the abode sanctified by the presence of Samarth.’

  #

  As the rains ended, Raje’s plans for further campaigns gained momentum and he would spend a lot of his time in discussion with his council of ministers. Raje decided to leave for his next campaign on the day of Dussehra.

  It was likely that Raje would be out for months and everyone was anxious to know who would manage the administrative affairs in his absence. Soyarabai had been spending a lot of time taking interest in the administrative matters in Raje’s absence. One morning, Raje reached the court. The ministers had already taken their place. Sambhaji too was present. While discussing various plans, one of the ministers asked, ‘Who will be here at the fort?’

  ‘Why, Moropant is here. And Yuvraj himself. He is grown up enough now to manage the affairs.’

  Sambhaji said, ‘I will do my best to manage till you return, Aba saheb.’

  Annaji, Moropant and a few others exchanged discreet glances at each other. Sambhaji, aware of this, was smiling.

  Raje asked, noticing the uncomfortable silence, ‘Please speak your mind, Annaji.’

  ‘I will be blunt but …’

  ‘I want my council to be honest with me.’

  ‘If Yuvraj is going to manage the affairs of the state in your absence, then I would like to stay home till you return.’

  Raje was upset. Sambhaji was red with anger. Except for Hambirrao, all the others did not dare to look up. Hambirrao said, ‘Annaji, you cannot insult Yuvraj like this.’

  Raje was unperturbed. He said, ‘Annaji, Yuvraj is an adult now. He needs to gain experience to be able to manage the kingdom independently in the future.’

  ‘That is fine, provided he does not interfere in the decisions of the council.’

  Sambhaji stood up and glared at Annaji, unmindful of Raje’s presence, and said, ‘Annaji, if you need more clerks and yes-men in your office, I am willing to provide them.’

  ‘Yuvraj!’ Raje exclaimed.

  ‘Aba saheb!’ Sambhaji continued resolutely, ‘I will not tolerate such impudence. And if he stays here, then I may as well leave the fort and take refuge elsewhere.’

  ‘Sambhaji, please control yourself,’ Raje urged. ‘You are the Yuvraj. How can you talk of taking refuge elsewhere? The Yuvraj and the council of ministers need to work in harmony.’

  ‘Aba saheb, make Annaji understand this.’

  ‘Yuvraj,’ Annaji said humbly, ‘I want you to understand why I am saying this. I want …’

  ‘Enough, Annaji! I don’t want to hear another word.’

  Saluting Raje hurriedly, he stormed out of the office. Those in the court were dumbfounded. Raje took a deep breath and said, ‘Annaji, ever since my coronation, I have been taking decisions in consultation with the council. I want to know whether this decision too is your own or a joint one.’

  ‘It is a joint decision, Maharaj.’

  Raje glanced at the ministers. They continued to look down, avoiding his gaze.

  Hambirrao said, ‘I am the commander-in-chief. I too am part of the council but I am not in favour.’

  Annaji said, ‘Hambirrao, your loyalty is understandable. But surely you realize that managing the affairs of the state is quite different from running a campaign with troops?’

  Raje asked, ‘Annaji, what is the reason for the rift between Yuvraj and yourself?’

  ‘There is no rift, Raje. It is a question of responsibility. We are being threatened by Siddi on one side and we have enemies like the Adil Shahi troops and Mughals on the other. In case of an emergency, we would need to take quick decisions.’

  ‘Yuvraj can! He is not a child now.’

  ‘There is a difference in not being a child and being a mature adult. We cannot afford to have decisions being taken emotionally. Let me ask you, Raje—if a calamity befalls us, who is going to be held responsible for the failure?’

  ‘I understand, Annaji. Let me think this over.’

  Raje left the office but he was disturbed throughout the day, and kept thinking about the matter.

  That evening, as Sambhaji sat talking with Kalash, he said, ‘I wonder what harm I have done to the council for them to be so against me?’

  ‘A spark can burn a haystack into ashes and can ignite coal to flames. Instead of healing the minds of those whose feelings you
have hurt, you taunted them.’

  ‘I don’t care. Tell me what I should do now.’

  ‘Maharaj has already accepted the decision made by the council. It is best for you to be away for the next two years, which are full of sorrow for you.’

  ‘My life has been a sorrow since I was born.’

  As he turned to go, Kalash said, ‘Be careful and don’t say something in haste. Maharaj has chosen an auspicious day to leave for his campaign. Don’t disappoint him.’

  Sambhaji’s speculation was right. As soon as he reached his quarters, he received the message that Raje had summoned him. He reached Raje’s quarters.

  ‘Come in, Shambhu. I was waiting for you,’ Raje said as Sambhaji stepped in.

  ‘Will you hear me out if I say something, Shambhu?’ Raje continued, seeing Sambhaji silent.

  ‘You know I will never disobey you.’

  ‘I wish to leave with peace of mind.’

  ‘Do you want me to kowtow to that insolent lot of ministers?’

  ‘Yuvraj!’ Raje raised his voice. The next moment he said, his voice low, ‘Don’t be so angry!’

  ‘I did not flare up, Aba saheb.’

  Raje smiled. ‘I was not born a prince like you. When I came to Pune, holding Jijabai’s hand, it was a barren piece of land. I was taunted as being a Raje only in name. I learnt patience at the feet of Dadoji and Maa saheb, befriending people from all castes. By the grace of Jagdamba, I became a king and organized people together. Can you imagine people like Annaji and Moropant leaving no stone unturned to help me set up the Swaraj? You may have been born a prince and, hence, demand your rights. But the men who fought for me and helped fulfil my dream—don’t they deserve to be treated with respect?’

  ‘Does that mean I have no role to play?’

  ‘Did I say that? But you must understand that a king is not a master. He is nothing without his subjects—men, commander and officials. Loyalty is earned and not demanded.’

  ‘I can prove my capability if you give me the chance.’

  ‘I know. I have a plan for you. Select your own men, and don’t bother about the expenses. Run the province of Prabhavali independently.’

  ‘I shall!’ Sambhaji said, excitedly. ‘Please ensure that the ministers do not dabble in the affairs there.’

  ‘You have my word on that.’

  A satisfied Sambhaji left Raje’s chamber and Raje felt a little better.

  #

  On the day of Dussehra Raje decided to march from Raigad. After praying at the temple, accompanied by Soyarabai, Putlabai, Sakwarbai, Lakshmibai, Sagunabai and Gunwantabai, Raje and Sambhaji stepped out.

  Raje said, looking at Soyarabai, ‘Yuvraj too is going out on an important task. Wish him good luck.’

  Annaji and others came to see Raje off. The territory north of Raigad was being managed by Moropant while Annaji had been given the task of looking at the southern territory. The region between Panhala and Karnatak was to be under Dattaji Trayambak. Raje had left Raigad under the command of Ravji Somnath.

  Descending from the fort, Raje paid his respects at Jijabai’s memorial at Pachad. Hambirraro was waiting outside with Raje’s favourite white steed, Vijay. Raje put his hand on the saddle and for a brief moment closed his eyes. Mounting the horse, to the sound of trumpets and horns, Raje raised his hands and said, ‘Jai Bhawani!’

  He spurred the horse on, and Sambhaji followed close behind. Putlabai and Manohari, standing at the ramparts, watched as the horses galloped away and disappeared from view in no time. Only a curved line of dust, indicating the direction in which they had gone, was visible.

  #

  R

  aje reached Chiplun with Sambhaji. After darshan at the Bhargava Temple there, they reached Shringarpur as planned. The haveli had been readied, whitewashed and decorated for Sambhaji’s stay. It was in the middle of dense woods. Looking at the sylvan beauty all around, Raje said, ‘Yuvraj, I am sure you will love this place. You can fulfil your desire to hunt here.’

  After a moment, he continued, ‘But I urge you to be careful. One needs to follow decorum even on a hunting expedition. Remember—even Sita crossed the line and fell prey to Ravana.’

  In a few days, Raje had ensured that Sambhaji had organized himself well and that the office was equipped to handle the administration. The day for Raje to leave arrived. He said, as he blessed Yesu, ‘I am leaving now. The Subha of Prabhavali will be under Sambhaji’s care but I am leaving him under your supervision! I am confident you can manage him.’

  ‘I am a mere woman. What can I do?’

  ‘Yesu, don’t underestimate the role of a wife in managing her husband.’ As he turned to leave, he remembered something and said, ‘Shringarpur is your father’s home. I was hoping to meet Pilajirao before leaving …’

  At that moment, a servant brought the news of Pilaji’s arrival.

  ‘Wah, it seems Shirke sardar has come.’

  As Pilaji entered, he bent low in salute to Raje. Holding his hand, Raje said, ‘Pilajirao, you are my son’s father-in-law. Don’t embarrass me!’

  ‘That is not the only relation we have,’ Pilaji said, as he brushed his whiskers with the back of his fist. ‘You are, after all, Chhatrapati! Any Maratha would be proud and happy to salute you.’

  ‘That is fine in the court, Pilaji. But you are in Yesu’s home right now.’ Changing the topic, Raje continued, ‘Now your son-in-law is the Subedar of Prabhavali. You must take care of him.’

  ‘You may rest assured, Maharaj. My son-in-law is the Subedar now but what about me?’

  Raje raised an eyebrow questioningly. Pilaji elaborated, ‘You had promised me something during Yesubai’s marriage, remember?’

  Raje smiled. ‘I had promised you your own subedari when I have a grandchild. I am waiting to fulfil my promise.’

  Yesu blushed and ran out of the room while Sambhaji stood there awkwardly, not knowing how to react. The room was filled with Pilaji’s and Raje’s laughter.

  #

  Raje left soon after, and unbeknownst to Sambhaji, he had left men and spies there to ensure that Sambhaji was well protected. He soon reached Panhala, where he was joined by more troops. He divided the army into two parts. One group, under the charge of Hambirrao, was sent to Bijapur while the rest remained with Raje and marched towards Bhaganagar via Satara. Hambirrao kept the Adil Shahi troops busy, looting and creating havoc, while Raje marched onto Bhaganagar unchallenged.

  On this march, Raje had taken also elephants, shamianas, tents and camels apart from his regular cavalry—it was a royal procession. As they camped for the night, Raje was restless. North of the River Tungabhadra was the fort of Koppal, popularly called the doorway to the south. Two Pathan brothers, Hussain Khan Miyana and Abdul Rahim Miyana, were in charge of the fort. Raje had asked Hambirrao to capture the fort but he had not received any news yet, which was making him restless.

  A few days later, a messenger arrived. He was escorted to Raje’s tent immediately.

  ‘What is the news?’ Raje asked, eagerly.

  ‘Hambirrao managed to defeat the Pathans. Hearing that Hambirrao was marching on them, Hussain Khan attacked our troops at Yelburga in Gagad province. We managed to capture two thousand horses, a dozen elephants, many camels and a lot of jewellery and precious items. Hambirrao is on his way here.’

  Raje was delighted to hear the outcome of Hambirrao’s campaign. However, seeing that Balaji was looking crestfallen, Raje asked, ‘Balaji, you don’t seem to be happy. What is the matter?’

  ‘We lost Nagoji Jedhe in the battle.’

  Raje was shocked. Dhanaji and Nagoji were two young soldiers who had been in the battle with Sarjerao Jedhe, their father. Balaji continued, ‘When Hussain Khan was surrounded, he managed to escape on his elephant. Nagoji’s spear found its mark, piercing the elephant’s temple, but Hussain Khan’s arrow hit Nagoji right on the forehead. Sarjerao was close by and he pulled the arrow out but by then, it was too late!’

  ‘What
a tragedy!’ Raje exclaimed.

  ‘Seeing Nagoji dead, Dhanaji attacked Hussain Khan’s elephant again and pulled Hussain down, killing him the next instant.’

  That evening, Hambirrao came to Raje and said, ‘Sarjerao Jedhe and Dhanaji are here to pay their respects.’

  Raje stood up and asked, ‘What? Has Sarjerao not gone to his village?’

  ‘No. Nagoji was cremated on the battlefield itself. Nagoji’s wife, Godubai, committed sati at her village. I requested Sarjerao to go to his village but he did not agree. He said, “No Jedhe has ever returned from a battlefield till the job is done.”’

  ‘Call him in,’ Raje said.

  Raje was waiting as Jedhe entered, walking with his spine straight. He was in his battle uniform, with a sword at his waist and a shield on his back. He came in brushing his whiskers with the back of his wrist. But the moment he saw Raje, he could not control himself and looked at the ground.

  Raje rushed to meet Sarjerao and hugged him tightly. When they separated, both had tears in their eyes. Raje held his hand and made him sit on the bed. Seeing him hesitate, Raje said, ‘Sarjerao, please don’t hesitate. Your son sacrificed his life and your daughter-in-law has committed sati. And yet, you are fulfilling your duty. My head is bowed with respect at your loyalty and devotion.’

  ‘Raje, don’t say that! My son has earned his name, sacrificing his life for our cause. He got an opportunity ahead of his father!’

  ‘Sarjerao, how do I repay such loyalties? Balaji, these men are more precious than their weight in gold! As soon as we return to Raigad, issue an order to send a seer of gold every year to the Jedhe family. I shall personally go to your village to console Nagoji’s mother.’

  Raje then felicitated Dhanaji for his valour and expressed his gratitude.

  #

  With Hambirrao’s troops joining in, the cantonment swelled to nearly thirty thousand cavalry and twenty thousand foot soldiers. As they entered Bhaganagar, Raje issued strict instructions to all the troops that they were to buy anything they needed with their own money and not indulge in looting. Any soldier found violating the order was to be beheaded, ensuring that no one else would dare disobey.