Shivaji

by Ranjit Desai

  Qutb Shah was a worried man despite Raje’s emissary, Prahlad Niraji, having taken an oath about Raje’s intention not to do any harm. When he got the news that Raje had not indulged in any looting, he breathed a little easier. He decided to set up a meeting with Raje. When Raje received the message, he replied with another message: ‘Please don’t take the trouble. You are elder to me. I shall make myself available at your palace.’

  Qutb Shah was happy to read this message, and he asked his Wazirs, Madanna and Akkanna, to meet Raje in his place.

  Raje said, ‘Hambirrao, you go and meet them first.’

  Soon, Raje could see the Qutb Shahi troops approaching the cantonment, and they were nearly thousand-odd in strength. Madanna, wearing a south Indian–style turban and a silk kurta over a dhoti, dismounted from his horse. His forehead was smeared with ash in a horizontal fashion. His eyes, shining in a radiant face, spoke of intelligence. He said, putting his right hand on his chest, ‘Victory to Chhatrapati Shivaji! Our Alampanah is delighted that you have come into our territory. This land, known to defeat its enemies, prides itself on its hospitality towards its friends. We welcome you!’

  Raje stepped forward and, holding Madanna’s hand, said, ‘We have corresponded earlier—it is a pleasure to meet you.’

  Raje then removed his gold wristlet and slipped it on to Madanna’s wrist. ‘Let this be the token of our friendship.’

  Madanna was overwhelmed. He introduced the sardars who had accompanied him and then they all moved towards Bhaganagar. Traversing the mountainous region and through narrow gullies between rocky cliffs, they soon reached the outskirts of the town where a huge camp had been made ready for Raje’s troops. In the centre of the camp was a specially erected tent with a saffron flag fluttering in the wind, indicating Raje’s personal accommodation.

  As they reached the camp, it was evident to everyone that special care had been taken to lay the roads and create a clean, beautiful atmosphere. Raje entered his tent. Incense sticks, emitting scented smoke had been lit. Madanna and his sardars then bid the Marathas farewell for the night.

  In the distance, from his palace at Golconda, the Badshah watched the camp lit up with small fires, reminding him of fireflies in the night. Raje, with his fifty thousand troops were resting for the night. However, the Badshah was restless. He was not going to sleep well that night.

  #

  The camp stirred into action as the morning sun rose in the sky. The tents were fluttering in the wind and small fires could be seen everywhere as people went about their morning chores. Raje was received by Madanna and other sardars.

  Raje said, ‘I would like to meet Qutb Shah in his palace. It would not be right to ask him to meet elsewhere.’

  Madanna knew that the Badshah would be pleased as he was worried about stepping out of the safe confines of his palace. A suitable day, a week after Raje’s arrival, was selected and Madanna asked, ‘Would there be anything you would like to convey to the Badshah?’

  Raje said, ‘Yes. Like the Badshah, I have also been crowned a Chhatrapati. He should not expect a salute or any such thing from me. We must meet as equals.’

  Madanna nodded his head. It was decided that the meeting would take place in the palace at noon the next day.

  The city of Bhaganagar now waited with bated breath for the meeting.

  #

  On the day of the meeting, Raje and his sardars were dressed in regal finery. They sported a feather on their caps, and the royal elephant was decorated from head to toe in embroidered cloth and gold and silver jewellery. The gold-plated howdah glinted in the sunlight. Raje entered Bhaganagar as the citizens lined up the streets to see who they believed to be the protector of the Qutb Shahi kingdom.

  Banners and flags welcomed him as the procession moved through the streets. The area outside the houses had been decorated with rangoli. The citizens watched in awe as the huge procession snaked into the city. These were the famed Marathas who had challenged the Mughals and had defeated Adil Shahi troops. The cavalry cantered slowly while the foot soldiers marched in tandem. The naked swords held by the soldiers struck terror and respect in the hearts of the citizens.

  As soon as Raje’s elephant came into sight, the men erupted in loud cheers. Raje was astride his white steed, while the men walking alongside held a huge umbrella, signifying his status as a Chhatrapati. At his waist, tied with a saffron cloth was his Bhawani sword and dagger. The mark on his forehead signified his devotion to Lord Shiva.

  Holding the hilt of the sword in his left hand and the reins in his right, he moved through the streets at a slow and steady pace, smiling at citizens while they drenched the procession in flowers. The women competed with each other to perform the traditional aarti, holding trays of lit oil lamps. The procession of nearly twenty-five thousand men reached the gates of the fort. The fort had eight doors and eighty-seven bastions. It was a combination of a rock and hill fort. At the gates Madanna stood to welcome Raje.

  The inner precincts of the fort were huge, spreading over many acres. It was a mini city with lakes, gardens and even rice fields, which ensured that in the event of a siege or attack, the men inside could hold out for a long time.

  On a huge rock stood the royal palace, guarded at each step by armed soldiers A beautiful masjid with its aesthetically carved minarets caught Raje’s attention. As he dismounted, he told Hambirrao, ‘See that the troops are taken care of. And don’t worry about me.’

  On Madanna’s signal, the bridge over the moat was laid. The soldiers quickly covered the wooden bridge with carpets. Raje walked over the bridge accompanied by Prahladpant, Janardhan Narayan and his personal bodyguards, Somaji Naik and Balaji Dhamdhere.

  Madanna, surprised at Raje’s decision to take just a few men along, asked, ‘Maharaj, are you sure you want the others to …’

  ‘Madannapant, you cannot mix friendship with suspicion. I have brought the men along as a formality or I would have come alone. Come on now!’

  ‘The Badshah is planning to receive you.’

  ‘No, Madanna. Send him a message that he need not come down. We will meet him in his mahal.’

  Qutb Shah, watching the procession from the window of the Angoor Mahal, received the message. He was surprised that Raje was entering with just four men in tow. He was at a loss to find that Shivaji was willing to trust him explicitly. Just then, a servant announced the arrival of Shivaji. Abul Hassan Tana Shah hurriedly moved to the door to receive his royal visitor.

  As soon as the men saw each other, Prahlad Niraji announced, ‘Ali Ala Hazrat Alampanah Abul Hassan Qutb Shah!’

  ‘The protector of cows and Brahmins, Hindu Badshah Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj!’

  The two men hugged each other and then Qutb Shah, holding Raje’s hand, guided him to his seat. They sat next to each other, with large bolsters for support. Qutb Shah was a handsome man and his light blue eyes sparkled. He was impressed by Shivaji Raje’s forceful personality. He tried to ascertain the thoughts behind Shivaji’s penetrating eyes as they absorbed everything around. Raje’s smile, benign and yet beguiling, confused him a little.

  The main hall where they sat was a large, spacious one with the ceiling decorated with frescos and delicate windows covered with satin curtains. Raje was aware that he was being watched by the Badshah’s begums from behind the latticed windows. Raje and Qutb Shah kept talking, oblivious of the hours gone by.

  Finally Raje said, ‘I think I must go now.’

  Qutb Shah held Raje’s hand asking, ‘Are you already bored of my company? I would like you to stay here for a couple of days at least. We will have a chance to talk and enjoy each other’s company.’

  Raje smiled. ‘How can I refuse you? You are like an elder brother to me. It will be my pleasure to stay back and enjoy your hospitality.’

  Qutb Shah was pleasantly surprised. He had not expected Raje to accept his request. He truly admired Raje now.

  #

  That evening, when they sat for dinner, i
t was in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Qutb Shah had no reservations now. He urged Raje to regale those in attendance with accounts of his Agra escapade, the way he had looted Surat and the dramatic killing of Afzal Khan. After dinner, as they relaxed on a large terrace, the starlit sky above them, Raje’s ears picked up the strains of soft, melodious music.

  Qutb Shah smiled. ‘You must be wondering about the music, I suppose?’

  ‘It is distant, yet so soothing …’

  ‘Come, let me show you,’ Qutb Shah said, getting up.

  They walked to the edge of the terrace. Pointing at a building in the distance, nestled between two hillocks beyond a lake, he said, ‘Listen!’

  The music was emanating from the building which Qutb Shah had pointed to. Raje could not believe his ears and eyes. The building was easily more than a kilometre away. The westerly winds carried the notes to the mahal.

  ‘My father would enjoy the music sitting here on the terrace while the musician would perform there. The original musicians are dead but the tradition continues, especially when we have special guests!’

  ‘I would like to meet and reward them personally. What lovely music they make!’

  Madanna nodded in response.

  In his quarters, Raje dozed off into a restful sleep, listening to the music, and secure in the knowledge that Somaji Naik, standing guard outside the room, was wide awake, his hand ready at the hilt.

  #

  Raje was charmed by the beauty of the palace. Fountains gurgled at various places while water flowed through small channels in the centre of some rooms to keep them cool. The tombs of the royal ancestors were beautifully decorated with velvet and flower garlands. To the north of the fort was a flower garden while next to it were four large wells, deep and full of water.

  Three days passed by quickly. They had been busy enjoying music, walking in the beautiful grounds and indulging in the lavish buffets at each meal. Raje’s men were enjoying their stay in the camp erected for them. But as three days had passed, they became restless. They had been waiting for a message from Raje and the silence from the fort had begun to make them nervous now.

  A worried Qutb Shah met Raje the next morning.

  Raje asked, ‘Are you not feeling well?’

  ‘I am absolutely fine. But my mind is not at ease.’

  ‘I do not understand,’ Raje said.

  Madanna replied, gulping nervously as he tried to form the words, ‘I am not sure how to put it, Raje. There seems to be some nervousness among your troops and the word is that they might loot Bhaganagar. His Highness is thus worried.’

  Raje was lost in his thoughts for a moment and then burst out laughing as he asked, ‘And you believed those rumours?’

  ‘I am quite certain of what I heard,’ Qutb Shah said.

  ‘You are responsible for these, you know?’ Raje asked, taking Qutb Shah by surprise.

  ‘Me?’

  ‘Of course! We have been inside the fort for three days without any information to the troops. They are naturally restless and worried and must have decided to do something. Madanna, ask Hambirrao to meet me immediately.’

  Raje said, turning to Qutb Shah, ‘If we had to loot the town, we would not have wasted our time showing you our friendship.’ Holding his hand gently, Raje smiled at Qutb Shah.

  A sound of clap echoed in the room. Raje looked around to find the source when Qutb Shah said, ‘It is a signal from the main door of the fort, which I can hear here. Isn’t that an architectural marvel?’

  ‘I am impressed,’ Raje said.

  ‘What is really impressive is the fact that your troops are restless to get a glimpse of you!’

  Soon, Hambirrao was ushered in. He knew the reason for being summoned and came straight to the point after saluting Raje. ‘Raje, the troops were a little agitated. They will be happy if they can see that you are safe and sound.’

  ‘The Badshah and I would like to have an inspection. Please ask the troops to be prepared and march next to the fort in a couple of hours.’

  ‘As you command, Maharaj.’

  That afternoon, Raje and Qutb Shah stood on the terrace of the Angoor Mahal while the troops marched below. Seeing Raje, there were shouts of joy as they saluted. After the inspection, as they were returning to the inner quarters, Qutb Shah asked, ‘What is the strength of the troops here?’

  ‘About forty thousand including the foot soldiers. And another ten thousand support staff.’

  ‘You seem to have come with your entire army.’

  ‘No, not at all. The same number of troops are taking care of the kingdom.’

  ‘I had heard a lot about your men. I’m glad I had the chance to see them today.’

  ‘You must see them in action to know their true worth.’

  ‘I would love to,’ Qutb Shah said.

  #

  The next morning, a special shamiana was erected in the large field in front of the Golconda fort. At the sound of bugles, the two kings entered the tent and took their seats.

  The Maratha soldiers were ready. Displaying various feats with their double-edged swords, they thrilled the spectators. The displays of talent continued for some more time, and by the time they finished, Qutb Shah was mesmerized. But Raje quickly surmised that he was looking for some other talents to be displayed as well.

  Qutb Shah asked, ‘What about your elephants?’

  ‘We don’t keep a large herd of them.’

  ‘The real strength of a soldier, whether a foot soldier or a cavalryman, can be assessed when he sees an elephant charging at him.’

  ‘Each one of my man is equal to an elephant.’

  ‘I am not talking of fanciful description, Raja saheb. I mean real valour.’

  ‘I mean in reality,’ Raje said.

  ‘Are you saying your men can fight an elephant?’ Qutb Shah asked, a little surprised.

  ‘Without doubt!’

  Raje signalled his sardars standing nearby and eight of them stepped forward.

  ‘You may choose any of them,’ he said, pointing to the group.

  Qutb Shah selected Yesaji from the group, who was the shortest and probably the leanest among them. On cue, an elephant entered the ground. His trumpeting sent shivers down the spine of the audience. He seemed to be in musth as he charged towards Yesaji. Delicately stepping aside, Yesaji moved away from the line of path and the elephant charged ahead, unable to stop itself. This happened a few times. The elephant stumbled and turned to charge again. The crowd cheered each time the elephant missed picking Yesaji up with its trunk. The next time the elephant charged, Yesaji was ready with his sword, gleaming in the sunlight, and he brought it down with force on the elephant’s trunk. The sword had sliced it clean and the elephant, unable to bear the pain, trumpeted loudly and staggered towards the end of the field, where he collapsed unconscious.

  Raje, holding his breath for the last many minutes, was relieved and hugged Yesaji as he saluted.

  Qutb Shah, overwhelmed and impressed with his bravery, immediately offered him a mansab of five thousand and a permanent position in his court were he to join him.

  ‘I am Raje’s man. I cannot accept your offer.’

  This impressed Qutb Shah further and he pleaded, turning towards Raje, ‘Please allow this man to join my court.’

  Raje said, touching a necklace with nine gems on his neck, ‘How will this necklace look if one of the gems drops off?’

  Qutb Shah realized what Raje meant. He knew Raje’s navratna, the nine sardars, was his real strength. He asked, ‘I saw you perspiring when your man was fighting. Were you nervous?’

  ‘Yes. These men are willing to lay down their lives for me. And anything is possible. I was nervous because I don’t want to waste my men on mere entertainment.’

  Qutb Shah was now seeing a different facet of Raje’s personality. That evening, as they went back to their chambers, Raje made a request to return to his camp.

  Qutb Shah asked, ‘When do I see you again?’
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  ‘I will come whenever you send word to me.’

  Qutb Shah bid farewell to Raje with a gift of royal garments, elephants and horses.

  #

  The Marathas had stayed in Bhaganagar for nearly a month. Qutb Shah had promised to support Raje’s campaign in Karnatak. Raje would be able to use Qutb Shah’s artillery and ammunition, which was being managed by foreign gunners. He would also get monetary support of a thousand hons daily.

  Qutb Shah was, by nature, a peace-loving man who enjoyed the finer things in life like music, dance and his wines. The drudgery and the hazards of battle were not his cup of tea. The threat from the Adil Shahi kingdom had been a constant thorn and he had been relieved to find a suitable ally in Shivaji. He had readily accepted Shivaji’s proposal to bring the three powers in the Deccan together against the Mughal threat.

  As Raje took his leave, Qutb Shah said, holding his hand, ‘Please give me the same cooperation that your father exhibited in saving the Adil Shahi kingdom.’

  ‘I promise you, it is my aim to crush the Mughal-dominated kingdom. I will not rest till the Adil Shahi, Qutb Shahi and the Maratha forces come together to defeat the Mughals.’

  Qutb Shah offered a gift of five lakh hons to Raje. To show his faith in their peace pact, he accepted Prahladpant as the envoy to his durbar. The crowds in the streets gathered to have a last glimpse of the Maratha king. They could not cheer loudly enough as the troops moved slowly through the streets.

  That night, as the camp prepared to leave, Raje summoned Raghunathpant and said, ‘Send for Balaji. I need to send out an urgent letter.’

  As Balaji came in, Raje said, ‘We have secured our relations with Qutb Shah now. The Pathans, however, continue to dominate the Adil Shahi court. We cannot expect them to behave rationally. However, if the Marathas in the durbar join hands with us, it can benefit us. Our traditional enemy Baji Ghorpade’s son, Maloji Ghorpade, is in Adil Shah’s service. I want to reconcile with him, and extend a hand of friendship. I also intend to write to the other sardars as well.’

  As he paced in his tent, Raje dictated a letter to Balaji: ‘… my dear departed father, Shahaji Raje Maharaj, came to Bijapur during the reign of Mohammad Adil Shah and absorbed many Marathas into the administration. One of them was your father, Baji Ghorpade, who later became a minister. Unfortunately, he turned hostile and managed to arrest my father and hand him over to Mustafa Khan. It was also alleged that my father’s men killed your father. This is the situation of politics in the Deccan. The first to decline was the Adil Shah’s dynasty, which is currently under Bahlol Khan, making the current Shah a mere titular head. Once the Pathans decide to take charge, they will not hesitate to annihilate all native lineages one after another.