by Ranjit Desai
Raje’s attitude towards the situation was a great relief to everyone around. Changing the topic, he started recounting tales from his campaign in Karnatak.
Pilajirao wanted Yesubai’s first delivery to take place in her parents’ place as per tradition. Raje readily agreed and made arrangements to send the midwives and physicians to look after Yesu.
#
Everyone at Raigad was eagerly waiting for Raje to arrive. As his palanquin reached the main gate, Rajaram came forward and saluted. He had grown tall and looked dashing in his kurta, a turban and sword tucked at his waist. He was nearly eight years old now. Raje said, as he hugged him affectionately, ‘Bal Raje, how tall have you grown!’
‘Aba saheb, you came in a palanquin. Are you not well?’
‘No, it is just my age, Raje. I cannot walk all the way now. I ride, walk and take a palanquin depending on the terrain.’
The kettledrums and trumpets announced Raje’s arrival. The women stood in a line to perform the aarti and ward off the evil eye. Raje was talking about his campaign as he walked towards his quarters.
‘It was one and a half years of constant travel and activities, and I got to see various parts of India. How many languages we speak! I believe travel is the best teacher.’
As he reached his chambers, Manohari came in, dressed in a white sari. Raje asked, ‘Manu, where is Rani saheb?’
Manohari glanced at the door. Soyarabai was standing there, wearing a green sari, a golden belt adding to her beauty. She was wearing a nose ring, anklets and other jewellery. Raje watched her admiringly, making her blush.
‘Is there a festival today?’ Raje asked.
‘No, why do you ask?’
‘I wonder why you are so dressed up!’
‘You have come home after a long time. Isn’t that reason enough for a celebration?’
‘Well, that is true,’ Raje said, as he relaxed on the bed. ‘I have brought you many things from Karnatak. I will show you in the night, and you will be amazed.’
That evening, as Raje dressed up to reach the court, Soyarabai came in. She was surprised to see Raje wearing a few gold necklaces with ruby and emeralds intertwined. Seeing her expression, Raje said, ‘It is a festive day for both of us. You must see the grandeur in the court today.’
The court was full. No one knew the reason for the meeting Raje called.
As he took his seat, Raje said, addressing Hambirrao, ‘Do you know why we are here?’
‘Maharaj,’ he began but did not know what else to say.
Raje got up and took off his necklaces, putting one each on Moropant, Annaji and a few other sardars. They were all surprised, seeing a single wreath of cowries around Raje’s neck.
Moropant mumbled, ‘Raje, I don’t understand …’
‘You deserve far more, Moropant. You managed the kingdom for the last eighteen months in my absence. You have done a wonderful job.’
Rajaram, watching the proceedings, asked, ‘Aba saheb, you did not give me anything.’
‘I have nothing left to give. But I can give you one thing,’ Raje said, as he picked up Rajaram and made him sit on his lap.
Soyarabai was quick with her response, ‘Beware, Bal Raje! Else you may suffer the same fate as Dhruva!’ She was referring to the mythological tale of Dhruva, who sat on his father’s lap. He was the son King Uttanapada and his wife Suniti, and the king also had another son Uttama, born to his second queen Suruchi. Once, when Dhruva was five years old, he was sitting on his father’s lap in the king’s throne. Suruchi, who was jealous of Dhruva being heir to the throne, forcefully removed Dhruva from his father’s lap. When Dhruva protested and asked why he could not be allowed to sit on his father’s lap, Suruchi berated him and said, ‘Only God can allow you that privilege. Go ask him.’
The assembly was embarrassed at Soyarabai’s words. Soyarabai realized that she should have checked her tongue. Raje said, ‘That too needs good fortune. While he may not have gotten a place on his father’s lap, Dhruva has a permanent position in the galaxy of stars, I am sure our Yuvraj Rajaram too would get a position similar to Dhruva’s.’
That evening, as Mahadev unpacked the large number of boxes, Raje pointed out the lovely saris, brocaded dhotis and many such items. Pointing to a small box, he asked Mahadev to keep it carefully in the chamber.
Soyarabai asked, ‘What is that?’
‘It is a poison lamp. One that helps to detect poison.’
‘Why bring such an inauspicious thing here?’
‘A king needs to have these things for protection.’ Looking around, Raje asked, ‘I don’t see Putlabai. Where is she?’
‘She went to stay at Raigadwadi. Apparently, the weather here does not suit her.’
‘What about her arrangements there?’
‘Annaji made them personally. She has everything she needs.’
‘The weather did not suit Maa saheb too. I wonder why I am not affected by it.’
The taunt was not lost on Soyarabai. Her face was crestfallen but by the time she looked up, Raje had left the room.
#
The monsoons were about to set it in. Raje performed the rites of Jijabai’s annual shrad at the fort. After the rites, he decided to visit her samadhi in Pachad.
‘Moropant,’ Raje said, as he left the samadhi, ‘build a beautiful garden here. She gave us the shadow of affection. Let her rest under the shadow of trees now.’
As they climbed the pass of Khubaladha, Raje stopped for a while to look at the view. The River Kal flowed below with hills on all sides. The evening sun created a surreal beauty as it penetrated through the dense foliage. Changing direction, Raje moved towards Raigadwadi. Hambirrao smiled and looked at Moropant. They both followed Raje.
At the haveli at Raigadwadi, there was frantic activity once the advance party had informed them of Raje’s arrival. A maid hurried forward with a tray for aarti. After washing his feet in the courtyard, Raje stepped into the main hall. He asked, ‘Where is Rani saheb?’
Soon, Putlabai arrived, wearing a simple yet elegant sari. She said, ‘Had you given me enough time, I would have made proper arrangements for you.’
‘Putla, I was here to pay my respects to Maa saheb. I know you did not leave Raigad under normal circumstances. I am not asking you to explain but I am sorry for whatever happened.’
‘I don’t need your apologies. I am just happy that you are here.’
‘I am glad that after Sai, there is someone else who understands me. I have to leave for Raigad now.’
‘It is already late. Why not stay back the night?’
Accepting her invitation, Raje said, ‘I will inform the men accordingly.’
Putlabai brought him a glass of kokum sherbet.
‘Wah! I am drinking this after many years. Maa saheb used to make it,’ Raje said, as he enjoyed the cool sherbet.
‘How is Yuvraj?’
‘I forgot to tell you—you are going to be a grandmother soon. Yesu is fine and I wanted to bring her to Raigad but Pilajirao requested for her to be taken to his house.’
‘And what about Shambhu Raje?’
‘He is fine. He was crowned king by that poet Kalash.’
‘What?’
‘Rani saheb, he did it out of fear, but I am worried about our future,’ Raje said, as he got up. ‘But you don’t worry. I will meet the men in the office now. They are waiting for me.’
The merchants from Raigad had come to pay their respects. Raje met them in the office and enquired about their well-being. That night, a big feast was organized in Raje’s honour.
While leaving Raje said, ‘Putla, just send word to me if you need anything. If I am not there, ask for Moropant.’
Putlabai nodded. She asked, ‘When do we meet again?’
‘You know me, Putla. Whenever I feel that the loneliness is unbearable, I will be here.’
Tears flowed down her cheeks.
Raje said, caressing her back, ‘These tears don’t wash away our sorrows, unf
ortunately. Don’t make this difficult for me. I would take you back to the fort but I don’t want you to suffer. Shall I go now?’
‘Just give me a minute,’ Putlabai said and rushed inside. She came out carrying a pair of shoes. They were marked with spots of kumkum.
Raje asked, ‘Where did you get these?’
‘You wore these during your coronation ceremony. I had asked Maa saheb to give them to me. She said, “These will give you company for the rest of your life.”’
Raje was overwhelmed. Putla said, ‘May I make a request? I want you to wear these shoes and walk up to the door. I don’t know when I will see you next.’
Raje said dejectedly, ‘I don’t know why life does not allow me to go in a straight line. I always have to find my way through the twists and turns.’
Wearing the shoes, Raje walked up to the door. He then removed them and put on his other shoes. Putlabai took the shoes in her hand, gently wiping them with her pallu. As soon as Raje left the hall, she lost all her resolve and tears flowed down her cheeks.
#
Despite the monsoon, Raje’s men could not rest. Daulat Khan’s army was fighting the Siddis. There were news of Sarja Khan making moves too. Raje was about to leave for the court when Soyarabai came in.
‘I was about to call for you,’ Raje said.
Soyarabai smiled. ‘It is my good fortune that you remembered me.’
‘I came in the morning from Raigadwadi, but you were not to be seen. Manohari served me lunch.’
‘Why did you not send for me?’
‘Some things are done automatically, Soyara. They are not explained. I thought you would know your duties.’
‘So it seems the younger queen has complained.’
‘Not at all! Why? Did you do anything for her to complain about?’
Soyarabai’s cheeks were flushed but she did not reply. As Raje stepped out of the room, he asked casually, ‘Have you tried kokum sherbet?’
‘Yes. I don’t like it one bit.’
‘I thought so,’ Raje said.
Soyarabai was unable to understand the import of Raje’s words as she stood there dumbfounded.
#
As Raje came into the office, Moropant gave Raje the latest news. ‘Sarja Khan has decamped Athani and Raibag,’ he said.
‘We need to act fast. Hambirrao, go to Bijapur and loot the markets of Gadag. Diler Khan has come here with the intention of destroying Bijapur but the Adil Shahi court still does not understand the gravity of the situation. Let us ensure Panhala is protected properly as I expect Diler Khan to attack it. Moropant, you go into Mughal territory. We must let Diler Khan know that we mean business.’
Raje decided to go to Panhala once the rains had stopped. The Marathas looted the Bijapur kingdom. As the monsoons ended, Raje heard that the combined forces of Jamshir Khan of the Adil Shahi court, Sarja Khan and Siddi Masood were planning an attack on Raje. Smiling, he said, ‘It is only a perverted mind which can think like this. Diler Khan is bent on destroying the Adil Shahi kingdom but they, in turn, are attacking us.’
Raje’e health had improved by the time the rains ended. The fort throbbed with energy and vigour.
#
It was a sultry afternoon with hardly any activity. White clouds floated in a blue sky. The ministers were relaxing in their quarters when a messenger came in.
Moropant asked for Annaji and Hambirrao to meet at the office. Seeing Moropant’s anxious face, Annaji asked, ‘What is the matter?’
‘The news is that Yuvraj is having talks with Diler Khan.’
‘This will worry Maharaj greatly. He has just recovered from his illness and this news will be like a thunderbolt. I wonder what we should do.’
They called Mahadev. ‘What is Maharaj doing?’
‘He had a little fever and is now resting.’
‘Call for Rani saheb.’
Soyarabai was told about the situation. She was lost in thought, though she could not hide her satisfaction at the turn of events. She said, ‘I will wake him up. You may come in after a while.’
After a while, they went into Raje’s chambers. Moropant broached the topic and said, ‘Maharaj, the news is not good. We were told that Yuvraj’s emissary, Janardanpant, is in Diler Khan’s camp.’
‘We must arrest Yuvraj immediately,’ Soyarabai said.
Everyone turned to look at her. Raje said, ‘Rani saheb, you may go. This is a subject of discussion with the ministers. It is not a household matter.’
As Soyarabai left, fuming at the insult, a worried Raje consulted his men. ‘Are you sure of the news?’
‘It is true, no doubt. But we don’t know what they are discussing.’
Raje’s face turned optimistic. ‘Annaji, Yuvraj may have some vices and play mischief once in a while but he will never be a traitor to our Swaraj. Prince Muazzam and Yuvraj are friends and I know that Muazzam and Diler Khan don’t see eye to eye. I would not be surprised if Yuvraj gets Muazzam to our side.’
No one reacted. Seeing them remain silent, Raje was not sure of his own understanding of the situation and said, ‘What is your advice, Annaji?’
‘I suggest we put Yuvraj under house arrest and arrest Janardanpant.’
‘Annaji!’
‘I don’t see any other way.’
‘I know. Had I been feeling well, I would have gone to Shringarpur myself.’ Raje was lost in thought. His mind was working furiously now. He said, ‘Let our spies go to Shringarpur. Ask Yesaji to stay there. I am ordering Yuvraj to go to Parli. If he goes there, I will see him on my way to Panhala. I need to meet Samarth to clear up the cobwebs in my mind. I will take Yuvraj to Panhala with me. We need to handle this very delicately.’ Raje’s mind was clouded with anxiety. The fever added to his misery as he shivered involuntarily.
#
The fort was a hub of activity now, with spies bringing in new reports every day. Yesaji had already set off for Shringarpur, and Raje, despite his ill health, was busy meeting the spies. The gods were being propitiated every day. Annaji came in with good news one afternoon. ‘Raje, in deference to your orders, Yuvraj has gone to Parli.’
Raje exclaimed, ‘That is the best news I have heard in my whole life. I have been worried sick for the past four days. A suspicious mind entertains all kinds of thoughts. But I knew Yuvraj would not do anything to betray my trust. These are Jagdamba’s blessings. Let us illuminate the temple on the coming full moon day with lamps.’
#
The next morning, Raje decided to leave for Parli. He had a cough but was feeling much better.
‘Send an advance party and let Shambhu Raje know I am arriving,’ he told Annaji.
Hambirrao came in to the office when Raje said, ‘Hambirrao, I was about to call you. We will go to Parli together and from there to Panhala.’
There was activity everywhere. Horses were being readied while the kitchens were busy making supplies. Within an hour, the advance party had left for Parli to inform the watchposts on the way of Raje’s impending arrival.
In his chamber, Manohari was busy packing Raje’s clothes.
Seeing Mahadev, Raje said, ‘Have you packed my gods?’
Soyarabai laughed mockingly at his question.
‘Rani saheb, it is the gods who make me what I am. I always take them with me as they give me solace.’
‘You have your gods and your campaigns! We don’t know how to spend time here.’
‘Now good days lie ahead, Rani saheb. Yesu and Sambhaji will be here with my grandson. I am really looking forward to my old age!’
At that moment, Hambirrao, Annaji and Moropant came into Raje’s chambers. Annaji was shaking as he said, ‘We are undone, Maharaj!’
‘What happened?’ Raje asked, as Annaji started sobbing.
Moropant said, wiping his tears, ‘Yuvraj has just escaped from Parli and defected to the Mughals.’
The news shattered Raje. He held the bedpost to steady himself. His dear prince, Shambhu Raje, had defected to the
Mughals, had sought refuge with the enemy! Seeing him slump to the floor, Hambirrao rushed forward and held his hand. The sight was unbearable for the commander. His king, the mighty Chhatrapati was in tears, shattered to the core.
Raje cried, ‘Sambhaji Raje, what have you done?’ Raje started crying and the men, his sardars could not stop their tears seeing Raje in this condition.
‘Where was Samarth? Did Yuvraj not meet him?’
‘Samarth was not in Parli when Yuvraj reached.’
All Raje could do was sob like a child. It was a situation he did not know how to handle.
#
The atmosphere was gloomier than during a funeral. No one spoke, while they went about their jobs silently. Raje had confined himself to his chamber. His face had changed in three days—his eyes looked lacklustre, and he did not seem to have energy for anything. Yesaji and Vishwanath came back and reported to the fort. They had been given the responsibility of taking Yuvraj to Parli. They met Raje in his chambers. Raje said, ‘Tell me everything, Vishwanath.’
‘We reached Parli only to be told that Samarth had gone out. Sambhaji seemed restless all the while. He took advantage of the situation and left for Mahuli. When we reached Mahuli, Sambhaji Raje declared his intention to join the Mughals. We tried our best to make him understand but to no avail. He disappeared in the night.’
‘It is not your fault, Vishwanath. A man, in a fit of emotions, can do anything. Sambhaji Raje has shown us this.’
Yesaji added, ‘Maharaj, we chased Yuvraj but the Mughal contingent which had come to receive him was five-thousand strong. We were a mere hundred and had to retreat.’
‘That was sensible, Yesaji. It is my fault for having believed that Sambhaji could not do wrong. He must have made the plan well in advance.’ Raje smiled, recalling an incident. He said, ‘Sambhaji told me once that he would do such wonderful work that it will leave me astonished. I am now stunned!’
Hambirrao suggested, ‘Maharaj, we can easily capture Diler Khan’s camp.’
‘We can; but how do we get the one who has gone missing? The fact that five thousand men came to receive Sambhaji shows he is being protected.’