Chhatrapati Shivaji - 17

Strength did not rally round ! Inspired idea won the round !

Shivaji readied for fight. He rose with a special mantra suggested by Sahyadri. Which one? Guerrilla strategy. Fateh Khan camped towards northeast of fort Purandar near Belsar town. He made a stormy attack on Shirval's fort Subhanmangal to the south of the fort and won. Saffron flag took flight. A tremendous blow on a most sensitive spot! One fort gone!

Shivaji reached Purandar. He left Kavji Malhar with a posse of Mavalas on fort Subhnmangal. He heavily battered the fort and Badshah's fort commander Balaji Haibatrao got killed. Others scattered helter and skelter. Fort was won. Once again saffron flag flew. Win, Win! This victory encouraged Marathas. Now it was Fateh Khan's turn. Decision was taken to attack and take on. Suddenly, secretively.

Raje made a terrible guerrilla attack on Khan's camp itself. Many were massacred and before Khan could recover and get his bearings, everyone ran towards Purandar. Khan was livid because of this attack and the defeat at fort Subhnmangal. The very next day he attacked Purandar. But Raje's troops hurled huge rocks from the fort. These rocks flustered Khan's soldiers so much that they started running. Immediately Raje descended on Shah's troops. Khan was badly crushed. He scurried away to Vijapur. Fantastic victory. (Mid august 1648)

Then Shivaji extended friendship to Delhi durbar to bring pressure on Vijapur's Badshah. This too was a guerrilla tactic. Now if Shahaji were not released, Delhi's military rage would result. Difficult proposition. Realising this Adil Shah released Shahjiraje. (16th May 1648) This was a full moon day. The threat to Swarajya and Shahji's life was averted by Shivaji's intelligent and strong guerrilla strategy. Jijau learnt of this happy information on Rajgad. She was delighted.

To be continue......

Chhatrapati Shivaji - 15

So you care for your husband? Come on ahead and plead!

Caught and arrested by deception, Shahaji was sent to Vijapur like a common thief or dacoit. Afzalkhan was given the task of taking him. Happy with Raje's arrest, Badshah was sure that the rebel Shivaji would definitely surrender. He immediately despatched Fateh Khan with an army to Pune. To stamp out the rebellion and also to arrest Shivajiraje. Khan had with him five to seven thousand troops. He left to conquer Swarajya. (End of July 1648)

Completely engrossed in making new ambitious plans, Shivajiraje and Jijau had absolutely no inkling of this horrible disaster. Reports of Shahaji's arrest and Khan's advance followed one after the other like bolts of lighting. Enter Rajgad shook with this news. Adilshah had snatched Jijau's lord! And second noose was thrown to kill everyone including Swarajya. As if Badshah had thrown a question to Jijau, "State what do you want! Your husband or sovereignty? And demanded from Shivaji the same answer, "Speak! You want your father or sovereignty?"

What now? Whom to save? Revered father or Swarajya? Only surrendering at Badshah's feet can save Father! Otherwise death to all! Whom to save and whom to let die? Both are equally precious, and revered. What a Solution! What an utter disaster. Adilshah's this poser shocked all ambitions, all intelligence, strength, all plans, oaths and politics. Afzal Khan carted Shahji towards Vijapur. At the same time Fateh Khan advanced towards Swarayjya like an emissary of death. What to do? Worry smouldered like a funeral pyre. Now plea, appeals, requests, and shouts were directed to the original power, Goddess Bhavani! Impart strength, provide inspiration, grant some mantra, suggest some technique, give power. Rise, rise!

To be continue......

Chhatrapati Shivaji - 15

Alas ! Deception and treason ! Hands bound firmly in chains!

Shahji was highly respected by people in the south. Generals Afzalkhan and Lahumanji Jyoti constantly complained that Shahji does not put in proper work for the Badshah and is in fact harmful! Thus Vijapur durbar fumed against Bhonsale father and son. Shah  made a shrewd plan to deceitfully arrest Shahji in secrecy. He was convinced that when Shahaji was thus caught in the net, that rebel Shivaji would have no alternative but to surrender unconditionally to sae his father's skin. The plan was clever. And clandestine. This task was given to the commander in chief, Mustafakhan. He really hated teh Bhonsales from the bottom of his heart. Taking about fifteen thousand troops with him, khan started marching for Jinji from Vijapur(17 Jan 1648). This plot of arresting Shahaji by trickery was kept strictly under wraps. Shahajiraje was comping near Jinji with his soldiers. Venkat Naik was to begin the campaign to win the fort Jinji. RAje thought that chief was coming for help.

Mustafakhan arrived. Raje was on guard, as he knew Khan's cunning nature. Khan and Raje met. Outwardly friendly and something else within the heart. Khan couldn't get an opportunity to strike. Raje was ever watchful. So Khan started sweet-talking, presented valuable gifts, established trust, and tried many ways to make him lose his guard. A few months passed in this charade. Raje was watchful. One day Raje laughingly said to Khan, "Treacherous folks show great love before the deception!" Khan was shocked and for moment got flustered, but he quickly added, "I swear on my dear Atishkhan. I will never decive you." Khan ordered Bajiraje Ghorpaade to attack Shahaji. He did. Raje lost consciousness. Bajirao put handcuffs on him them and there. (25th July 1648).

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Chhatrapati Shivaji - 14

 Win the world; urge the drums ! Take steps like Trivikram's !

The news of Shivaji's adventures reached Vijaypur. Carried by the fort commander of Shubanmangal, Miyan Rahim Muhammad. Entire Vijaypur was  astonished by the reports of Raje's rebellion. Sultan Adil Shah first could not believe it. Rebellion against the mighty Adil Shah rule? That also by a fresh kid? What guts? Impossible. Like butterflies attacking a cannon. However  as a first solution, Sultan sent threatening edicts to the revolutionaries, but nobody paid any attention to these royal commands. Shivaji was bent upon creating Swarajya. It was ordained such a sovereign should be created.

Suddenly there was a tragedy. Dadoji Konddeo was expired due to old age. Expert politician, planner, strict disciplinarian, stern but loving  old man left for his heavenly abode. Raje's support went. (7 march 1647) Entire responsibility fell on Raje's shoulders.

Within a few days Raje pointed a finger to Fort Kondana. He gave the responsibility of capturing Kondana  to Bapuji Mudgal. Shah's fort commander ,Siddi Amber , manned the fort. Bapuji managed to win the fort by subterfuge, without spilling a single drop of blood. Immediately Raje pounced on Shirval's fort Shubhanmangal. The fort was captured. Miyan Rahim Muhammad lost the fort and went to Vijaypur empty handed. Meanwhile jawli's Daulatrao Chandrarao More died. He was royal general of Viajypur durbar. He died without a heir. Shivaji of his own accord one Yeshwant More the widow's  adopted son and declared him Jawli's,' Chandrarao'. All these events were shockingly scandalous to Badshah. He felt that this fire definitely needs dousing, Wit this firm decision; he made a diabolic plan. To imprison Shahjiraje!

Raje was engrossed in his activities. But a sinister disaster loomed.

To be continue......

Chhatrapati Shivaji - 14

 Win the world; urge the drums ! Take steps like Trivikram's !

The news of Shivaji's adventures reached Vijaypur. Carried by the fort commander of Shubanmangal, Miyan Rahim Muhammad. Entire Vijaypur was  astonished by the reports of Raje's rebellion. Sultan Adil Shah first could not believe it. Rebellion against the mighty Adil Shah rule? That also by a fresh kid? What guts? Impossible. Like butterflies attacking a cannon. However  as a first solution, Sultan sent threatening edicts to the revolutionaries, but nobody paid any attention to these royal commands. Shivaji was bent upon creating Swarajya. It was ordained such a sovereign should be created.

Suddenly there was a tragedy. Dadoji Konddeo was expired due to old age. Expert politician, planner, strict disciplinarian, stern but loving  old man left for his heavenly abode. Raje's support went. (7 march 1647) Entire responsibility fell on Raje's shoulders.

Within a few days Raje pointed a finger to Fort Kondana. He gave the responsibility of capturing Kondana  to Bapuji Mudgal. Shah's fort commander ,Siddi Amber , manned the fort. Bapuji managed to win the fort by subterfuge, without spilling a single drop of blood. Immediately Raje pounced on Shirval's fort Shubhanmangal. The fort was captured. Miyan Rahim Muhammad lost the fort and went to Vijaypur empty handed. Meanwhile jawli's Daulatrao Chandrarao More died. He was royal general of Viajypur durbar. He died without a heir. Shivaji of his own accord one Yeshwant More the widow's  adopted son and declared him Jawli's,' Chandrarao'. All these events were shockingly scandalous to Badshah. He felt that this fire definitely needs dousing, Wit this firm decision; he made a diabolic plan. To imprison Shahjiraje!

Raje was engrossed in his activities. But a sinister disaster loomed.

To be continue......

Chhatrapati Shivaji - 13

Grand Style and Smart bearing! Has Rajgad the macho fort king!

Shivaji and all his cronies were eager to make he first strike on Sultan's reign. Oaths were taken. Only Shivaji's signal was awaited. This signal was as dangerous as holding a lighted torch to an ammunition store. It was a risky venture. Revolt against a powerful emperor. However Raje was supremely confident. Exact estimate and accurate thought was alert and crouching in his mind. This signal had the backing of prayers to Lord Shiva. And of Krsna's philosophy. His just one gesture would have awakened the sleeping volcano in Sahyadri.

And one day RAje gave the signal. Lord Shia in Maval rose holding trident. Power goddess emerged carrying hundreds of weapons. Bursting the anthill of three and a half centuries, breaking manacles, and wiping out false ideas of loyalty, this Indra's elephant emerged giving victory shouts. The Earth and the sky were witnessing a surprising miracle. A revolt on the signal of a kid! This storm advanced to fort Torana. Maval troops reached behind Shivaji. The Maratha sovereign flag started flying on Torana. This huge fort neglected by the Badshah fell into Shivaji's palms. While setting up the fort Raje came upon a huge cache of riches. Goddess Bhavani's blessings.

And everybody's aspirations took wings. In the northest of the fort at 3 kos was mount Murumbdeo. A new strong fort was proposed there. each moment was aupicious.Construction of the fort commenced. The capital of sovereign state was to be made here... Rajgad.

Ambition knows no rest. Raje and his colleagues worked tirelessly to strength the freedom. What enthusiasm. What determination. Even Vishwamitra, the creator of world would be astonished. Yesterday's boys were ready to turn the hands of time in any direction they chose.(May 1646)

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Chhatrapati Shivaji - 12

The conch is blown, wedding regalia worn! Fort Torana is waiting like a bridegroom!

A naturally invincible geographical region like Sahyadri is rare. With towering peaks, horrifying gorges, and invincible fort-citadels this region had fallen into slavery only due to negligent and stupid Yadav kings. The Sahyadri sought a brilliant revolutionary. The forts situated on the might arms of Sahyadri suffered miserably under Sultan's rule. As if they were calling out to the youth, "Wake up and Fight. Put the crown of freedom on my head. Climb my arms. Hide in my heart. Fight from behind my ears. Victory will definitely be yours. We will be free!"

Fort Torana was one impenetrable fort in the invincible Sahyadri. This fort waited patiently with Dhruva's firm resolve and Ahalya's devotion for revolution. In Velhe province of Pune district. This tough fort is in Pune's south-west direction in Kanad basin ten miles as the crow files. Torana is strong. Toran's wealth is huge precipices and great canyons reaching deep into the netherlands. Only breeze would have guts to climb this fort. Only water would have the heart to descend. The Budhala post of this fort is in attach stance like a buffalo. The pinnacle of the fort seemed unconquerable even to wind. There is a narrow, just spanning four fingers, track to go there. Underneath is a sheer valley.

Such a fort Torana and many such forts had gone under Sultan's heels. Not one or two, but three hundred and fifty year of slavery. The sun and the Moon rose and set in darkness. Actually this mountainous strange land was fit to be ruled by Marathas and tigers. But the entire Maval region bowed to Sultans for generations together. Without anger. Minds were dead. Only living corpses remained. Goddess Bhavani of fort Torana killed demon Mahishasur. Raje waited for an opportunity to capture Torana.

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Chhatrapati Shivaji - 11

Today's Dream, tomorrow's reality! Dreams with wings of ability!

Shivaji turned ten. This was marriageable age at that time. Jijau fixed Raje's wedding. The girl was very sweet natured and of attractive looks. She was the daughter of Phaltan's Naik-nimbalkar. Her name was Saibai. Marriage was solemnised on 16th May 1640. Soon Rajes left for Bangalore to meet Shahajiraje.

By this time the profile of Pune Jehagir was greatly transformed. This was probably the glorious dream of freedom of the Maval land and Sahyadri. People experienced freedom in this small Jehagir. Jijau, Shivaji and Dadoji Konddeo arrived in Bangalore. Sahaji was overwhelmed with happiness and appreciation. During this journey Shivaji became better acquainted with the condition of the country, the people and the region of Sultans. The experience in Vijapur filled his heart with loathing. Every moment just one sentiment kept blooming in this mind...Freedom! Enough, we no more want to stay in Sultan's slavery. Our country, our flag, our leader, our troops, and we would hold our heads high. We would creat a self-rule of dharma, hard-working people, and culture. This idea took hold of Raje completely. Even Shahajiraje realised that this Sun's luminance could not be hidden in darkness.He bid Jijau and Raje to proceed to Pune, and gave them his blessings. The returned after two years(1642).

And dreams of freedom were seen amongst friends from Maval, in valleys, temples, and forests. While playing, studying, visiting temples, in fact all the time Raje and his companions were obsessed with one thought.....freedom, good reign, and good dharma. The volcanic-born Sahyadri was waiting for this pious uprising by Shivaji. He was very keen to get immersed in the red colour of freedom. Shivaji's dreams and strategies were forming the Sahyadri's heart. Shivaji worshipped Sayhyadri. Really, Sahyadri had volunteered to accept the command of Raje's future war.

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Chhatrapati Shivaji - 10

Nurtured  by mother and Natured ! Shivaji acquires royal stature!

Shivaji was growing under  Jijau's loving wings in Lalmahal and Dadoji's tutelage  in the  valleys and cliffs of Maval land, learning ,playing . The Sahyadri around whispered thoughts of complete freedom in Shivaji ears. Baji  pasalkar ,Mankoji  Dahtonde ,Bapuji Narhekar and such senior swordsmen trained him and armed him. He was equally interested in the red earth of the gymnasia,horse riding pastures ,ground s of weaponry  and strategic meetings and discussions. He became expert in weapons .  In the Lalmahal and in temples he would get engrossed in listings to epics and mythology ,politics and justice ,sciences and sayings.On the ground he would get fully engrossed in the horse riding ,spear throwing ,sword welding,aiming ,running, long jumping, playing hide and seek  in difficult mountainous terrain. Sometimes would mount  an elephant. His  mind and body was getting ready.  He became very fond  of people and the terrain of Maval. He loved  them.

Raje treated everyone with love. His behaviour was playful. But his dignity never slipped.He remembered  recognised  everyone he came in contact. He greeted everyone fondly. Everyone loved him. Everyone felt that Raje belonged  to him. Scared   and fed up of Sultan's tyranny  the Maval folks starting bonding to Shivaji with love. Minds started  becoming one.

In the company of Dadoji Konndeo,Sono Viswanath Dabir , Balkrishanpant Mujumdar and Jijau, Raje started understanding  the intricacies of politics. In the cunning machinations of  Sultan, simpletons did not  survive and would never  survive . Raje understood this. Cunning Shaukins  survived but  Dharamraj  of righteous conduct was defeated. Astute Krsna was needed .He fully understood the loyal and hard-working poor peoples mentality. Their love was his  strength.

To be continue......