tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55634558355861047592024-03-06T05:51:51.166+05:30Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, A Hero for Modern IndiaThis Exhibition is mounted by François Gautier's non-profit FACTUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-76887486476719485762009-02-19T13:50:00.011+05:302009-02-19T20:23:06.697+05:30<div align="justify"><strong>“Is there a greater hero, a greater saint, a greater bhakta and a greater king than Shivaji? Shivaji was the very embodiment of a born ruler of men as typified in our great Epics. He was the type of the real son of India representing the true consciousness of the nation. It was he who showed what the future of India is going to be sooner or later, a group of independent units under one umbrella as it were, under one supreme imperial suzerainty.” - Swami Vivekananda<br /></strong><br />This exhibition show-cases the unique place of Chhatrapati Shivaji in the history of India, at a time when Hindus were experiencing great oppression and humiliation : they were being killed, their wives and children taken in slavery, their temples were being broken, and they were being discriminated against in various forms, such as in the matter of charging custom duties, restrictions on their fairs and festivals, their dismissal from government posts, large-scale conversions as a part of openly declared policy of the Mughal State, imposition of the religious tax <em>Jiziya</em> for being a Hindu.. These discriminatory acts were then going almost unchallenged, although the Hindus formed more than 90% of the country at that time.<br /><br />Shivaji, who was endowed with talents of the highest order and a clear vision, was the only one who stood-up to the injustice. He had also an inspiring and endearing personality which spontaneously commanded respect, loyalty and the highest sacrifices from his devoted soldiery and peasants. To create his <em>Swarajya</em>, a bold mission, inspired by the highest ideals imbibed by him from his mother and the saints of Maharasthra, he had to rouse the sleeping conscience of the Hindus, and show them that it was possible to successfully defy the Mughal power, cast off foreign domination and win freedom from the rule of the Muslim powers.<br /><br />He had however to contend with Aurangzeb, one of the ablest, but also the most cruel of all Mughal Emperors. In the present exhibition attempt has been made to present, through paintings, sketches, line drawings and contemporary documents, the unique role that Chhatrapati Shivaji has played not only in the history of India, but also in the preservation of Her culture and spirituality, as he stood against the enemy that wanted to erase it forever from this land. It is, thanks to Shivaji, for instance, that West and South India could retain their identities. Indeed, Marathis and Tamils alike, owe to the great Shivaji and the sacrifices of his men, the enduring wholesomeness of their traditions - social, cultural and religious – whereas the same cannot be said about the North of India. Indeed, except for some parts of the non-Kashmir Himalayas, the rest of India had to bear the rules and directions of the <em>Shariat</em>, which had evolved in far off Arabia during 7th and 8th centuries, and was sought to be imposed in the 17th century with all its inherent vehemence, by an Emperor entirely committed to its principles and philosophy.<br /><br />This exhibition is relevant today because Shivaji embodied all the qualities that politicians should possess in 21st century India, but do not always have: he was just, firm and stood for the weak; he was an honest and able administrator; he confronted the enemy and was not cowed into submission; he was devoted to Mother India who appeared to him as Bhavani; he was ruthless with his enemies, but spared women, children and his own people ; he would go to both Muslim and Hindu saints and endowed mosques as well as temples.<br /><br /><strong>Let the spirit of Shivaji float on India again and deliver her from her present enemies.</strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-14824726392662932222009-02-19T13:41:00.004+05:302009-02-19T13:49:52.157+05:30The Scene of Mughal devastation in the Deccan - Shivaji Changes People's Psychology<div align="justify">Shivaji's life and achievements were such as to thoroughly justify Carlyle's "Great Man Theory". Before Shivaji, the scene in Maharashtra was one of sadness, helplessness, suffering and humiliation at the hands of the Muslim powers. This is best described in the words of Sabhasad, a contemporary observer and the author of <em>Sabhasad Bakhara</em>.<br /><br />"Shivaji brought home to the minds of his people how the foreign Muslim rule inflicted hardship and wrongs upon their homeland and their religion. He narrated to them graphic stories of what he had seen and heard. Was it not their duty to avenge the wrong? Even an effort in that direction was necessary and laudable. Why remain content with the gifts conferred by the foreigners or with their own paternal acquisitions only? <strong>We are Hindus; this whole country is ours</strong>, and yet it is (still) occupied and held by the Muslims. They desecrate our temples, break our idols, loot away our wealth, forcibly convert our people to their religion, kill cows openly. We will suffer this treatment no more.<br /><br />"We possess strength in our arms. Let us draw the sword in defence of our sacred religion, liberate our land, and acquire new areas and wealth by our own efforts. We are as brave and capable as our ancestors in old times. If we undertake this sacred task, God will surely help us. All (noble) human efforts are so helped. There is nothing like good luck or bad luck. We are the masters of our soil and makers of our freedom".<br /><br />Shivaji's message was no demagogue's attempt to win people to his point of view. His depiction of the oppression under Muslim rule was a reality. Sardesai, the eminent Maratha historian, gives the contents from an old (17thcentury) paper thus: "Complete darkness prevails under Muslim rule. There is no fair ascertainment of facts nor justice. The officials do what pleases them. Violation of the honour of women, murders, (forcible) conversion of the Hindus, demolition of temples and shrines, cow-slaughter, and similar (low and despicable) acts and atrocities prevail under that (Mughal, Bijapur?) government". These feelings were strengthened by actual events. Thus Nizam Shah (Bijapur) had openly murdered Jija Bai's father, his brothers and sons. Bajaji Nimbalkar of Phaltan was forcibly made a Musalman.<br /><br />These were bold and stirring words, and did not fail to ignite the fire of freedom and desire for regaining the lost honour, in the masses, a fire which ultimately engulfed the whole Mughal empire and made it dependent on the support of the Marathas. Shivaji was thus the father of the Freedom Movement in Maharashtra and a source of inspiration to the Hindus throughout India. When he visited Agra, and later Haidarabad, the Hindus looked upon him with utmost pride and admiration. Yet his war against the Mughals and Bijapur was not against Muhammadans in general or their religion but for the honour and rights of the Hindus and their religion, then both being discriminated against and suppressed under inspiration and direction of a foreign religion, culture and values.<br /><br />Shivaji was right in thinking that only by arms would his people be able to secure their rights which were far superior to those of the foreign intolerant Muslim rulers – Mughal, Nizam Shahi or Qutb Shahi. Shivaji thus changed the psychology of the masses, assisted by the awakening created by the saints of Maharashtra, and filled them with fresh confidence to fight the Muslim rulers and wipe off their rule. His words, matched by action, transformed the Marathas into a nation before which he eloquently placed "the higher ideal of <em>Swarajya</em>, and political emancipation from the chains of grinding slavery that held down his country for centuries together".<br /><br />The first painting depicts the scene of Mughal devastation in the Deccan as described in the 17th century paper mentioned above.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-75953842976156316352009-02-19T13:37:00.002+05:302009-02-19T13:40:57.872+05:30<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUtsqbOcSRr2PA9kJnA05YRsrQFF6egchtmBAEz17h-SxhHLXDVqloPuCsL-5ltO1DuNeHXrvyZeFdiwH682qIUvTZoDHiDG42Uj6AnBQtozhGifVe3SNcgLSlAUG00DHMrVgPbkBnLk/s1600-h/3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304417857192917202" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUtsqbOcSRr2PA9kJnA05YRsrQFF6egchtmBAEz17h-SxhHLXDVqloPuCsL-5ltO1DuNeHXrvyZeFdiwH682qIUvTZoDHiDG42Uj6AnBQtozhGifVe3SNcgLSlAUG00DHMrVgPbkBnLk/s400/3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Scene of the Mughal devastation in the Deccan; Shivaji takes up the challenge.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-8996785443878879592009-02-19T13:33:00.004+05:302009-02-19T13:36:50.156+05:30<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxVfbGIAU3Gg-6wS5UfaV2uNXZpykG3x3PTgOiFQnwf_HANuicsX2ynG1tPkMuSsEppt6Jybm1mOR_40AjnkiNwyJ3yBv_SPedCAXAJG4yNWWeCAzv4NTwcME1twT7YDLOfuC7FFkleU/s1600-h/5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304416746224894866" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 259px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxVfbGIAU3Gg-6wS5UfaV2uNXZpykG3x3PTgOiFQnwf_HANuicsX2ynG1tPkMuSsEppt6Jybm1mOR_40AjnkiNwyJ3yBv_SPedCAXAJG4yNWWeCAzv4NTwcME1twT7YDLOfuC7FFkleU/s400/5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Shivaji in a trance in Bhawani's temple, "Shiva! meet Afzal Khan fearlessly. My blessings are with you".</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-90858661142081057612009-02-19T13:24:00.002+05:302009-02-19T13:33:07.222+05:30Shivaji's historic meeting with the Bijapuri General Afzal Khan (10th November 1659)<div align="justify">Afzal Khan, the dreaded Bijapuri Commander, had advanced from Bijapur to Wai laying waste the whole country. His march till Wai had been an unrelieved calamity. Shivaji's men had not till now faced a regular army equipped with artillery etc. At the first council he called, Shivaji found that every one around him was scared of the bold bad man "who would shrink from no act of cruelty and treachery". They all advised him to make peace. But how could he trust a man like Afzal Khan who had murdered Kasturi Ranga, the Raja of Sera, whom he had invited to his tent under promise of safety to make submission. Also it meant submission to Bijapur and ruining all his dreams of establishing "<em>Swarajya</em>".<br /><br />This was a most critical moment in Shivaji's career. If he submitted to Afzal Khan, all his hopes of independence and future greatness would be gone for ever. If he declined to negotiate, it would mean war with Bijapur. Shiva was in a dilemma. After pondering for a fortnight, he decided to meet Afzal Khan alone at a meeting. A legend says that the care-worn Maratha fell asleep in which state <strong>he had a vision of goddess Bhawani</strong> who urged him to face Afzal Khan boldly. On waking up Shivaji decided in favour of hostilities with Bijapur. He however agreed to meet the Khan, who, it is believed, had hoped to arrest or kill Shiva at the interview, not at Wai but near th fort of Pratapgarh. Afzal Khan agreed.<br /><br />On Shivaji's orders, an open pavilion, richly decorated was erected on the crest of an eminence below the fort of Pratapgarh. Shivaji prepared himself for any eventuality. To prevent detection of the steel claws in the palm of his left hand and a short dagger up his right hand sleeve, he had put on a long white flowing robe with broad long sleeves.<br /><br />Shivaji now insisted that Afzal Khan should come to the tent for meeting accompanied by only two body-guards and that he too would come with only two body-guards, accompanied by their respective Brahmin envoys.<br /><br />When Shivaji was coming out of Pratapgarh fort, his mother blessed him saying that victory would be his. At the time of the meeting on 10th November 1659, only Afzal and Shivaji were present in the tent. The body-guards and the Pandits were below the platform.<br /><br />We have a detailed account of the high drama which resulted in Afzal Khan's death and rout of his army. Afzal, a tall and well-built man, was first to arrive in the tent pitched for his reception. Shivaji was seemingly unarmed "like a rebel who had come to surrender, while the Khan had his sword and dagger at his side … Shivaji mounted the raised platform and bowed to Afzal. The Khan rose from his seat, advanced a few steps, and opened his arms to receive Shiva in his embrace. The short slim Maratha's head came only up to the shoulders of his opponent. Suddenly, Afzal tightened his clasp, and holding Shiva'a neck fast in his left arm with an iron grip, while with his right hand he drew his long straight-bladed dagger and struck at the side of Shiva. The hidden armour rendered the blow harmless. … In a moment Shiva recovered from the surprise, passed his <strong>left arm</strong> round the Khan's waist and tore his bowles open with a blow of the steel claws. Then with the <strong>right hand</strong> he drove the <em>bichwa</em> into Afzal's side ….. Shivaji jumped down from the platform and ran towards his own men outside. The Khan cried out ":Treachery! Murder! Help! Help! The attendants ran up from both sides; Saiyid Banda faced Shivaji with his long straight sword and cut his turban in two, making a deep dint in the steel cap beneath. Shivaji quickly took a rapier from his bodyguard, Jiv Mahala, and began to tarry. But Jiv Mahala came round and cut off Saiyid's right hand and killed him.<br /><br />Meanwhile the bearers placed the wounded Khan in his <em>palquin</em> and started for his camp. But Shambhuji Kavji slashed at their legs, made them drop the <em>palquin</em> and then cut off Afzal Khan's head, which he carried in triumph to Shivaji.<br /><br />Thus Shivaji by endangering his own person extricated his nascent kingdom from a very dangerous situation by turning back the tide of the Bijapuri troops and by outwitting the dreaded Afzal Khan.<br /><br />In the next painting the artist has tried to recreate the whole sequence of events.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-43062893008487626302009-02-19T13:21:00.004+05:302009-02-19T13:23:45.425+05:30<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruE5esdtkDTovSYN3bz2MleUE5FndxBOLbQNwZUTXuYcm0vXdjsXPLExseHrS8THowpCRCsr0fgiyCLxP1PiXAPli1bmy8RaXSuPOsz7RxtHAjKSVcRiDXYRT-2euDtwo4YStRwdCkp8/s1600-h/7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304413303259023266" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruE5esdtkDTovSYN3bz2MleUE5FndxBOLbQNwZUTXuYcm0vXdjsXPLExseHrS8THowpCRCsr0fgiyCLxP1PiXAPli1bmy8RaXSuPOsz7RxtHAjKSVcRiDXYRT-2euDtwo4YStRwdCkp8/s400/7.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Shivaji's historic meeting with the Bijapuri General Afzal Khan and latter's death (10th November 1659)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-16311752285688402312009-02-19T13:16:00.002+05:302009-02-19T13:21:14.105+05:30Baji Prabhu's Sacrifice (13th July 1660)<div align="justify">It is one of the famous incidents doing as much proud to Shivaji as to his followers who served him with total devotion. Within about 18 days of Afzal Khan's death, Shivaji captured Panhala, the capital of the Western Bijapuri district. Within a short time the surrounding districts of Kolhapur and Vasantgarh, Khelna (re-named Vishalgad by Shivaji), Rangna and some other minor forts also surrendered to him.<br /><br />When Shivaji was in Panhala, he was besieged by Salabat Khan (Siddi Jauhar), and Fazl Khan (Afzal Khan's son), commanding Bijapuri troops. After nearly five month's long siege, Shivaji found himself in a fatal trap. On a dark night (13th July 1660), when it was raining heavily, Shivaji, leaving a part of his forces to hold Panhala fort as long as possible, slipped out of the fort through the back gate with a small body of `troops and made way for Vishalgad, but was detected and hotly pursued by a strong Bijapuri force under Fazl Khan, Siddi Halal etc. Shivaji had to cover 27 miles to reach Vishalgad where he would be safe.<br /><br />Though he marched all night, Shivaji was hopelessly outnumbered, hotly pursued by Bijapuri troops carrying <em>mahtabs</em> for light. Fortunately the hilly road led through a narrow pass known as Ghod Khind (horse ravine) at the eastern entrance of Vishalgad, where a few men could hold at bay a large force.<br /><br />Baji Prabhu, the Deshpande of Hirdas Maval, volunteered to defend the mouth of the pass with half the troops till Shivaji should reach Vishalgarh and signal his safe arrival there by gun fire.<br /><br />Baji Prabhu and his heroic band fought with exemplary valour, beating back three vigorous assaults. He breathed his last only after he had heard the gun-fire informing Shivaji's safe arrival in Vishalgarh.<br /><br />In the next sketch, the brave defence put up by Baji Prabhu at the mouth of the pass is shown. Shivaji with a small band, after escaping from the back-door of Panhala fort, has crossed the pass and can be seen galloping fast towards the ascent of Vishalgad. In another section of the sketch, the salvo of a gun from Vishalgad informs the fatally wounded Baji Prabhu of the safe arrival of Shivaji. The sacrifice of Baji Prabhu "is gratefully remembered to this day by the Maratha nation and is typical of the way in which Shivaji was served throughout his career".</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-5962218977705873112009-02-19T13:14:00.002+05:302009-02-19T13:15:50.613+05:30<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vj5b481F7fd2tJSoqmikmQwXHm25WICkF00C3s6ONBO6i3NyhH-0w-KbGyEL6An9T_34dW04BOksus1ee6uvRhRE4e5vnmHcD87XobNSF8tF1Xce9BNNMYcJtsKLAl8Z2HeAndPaSOU/s1600-h/8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304411311367582082" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vj5b481F7fd2tJSoqmikmQwXHm25WICkF00C3s6ONBO6i3NyhH-0w-KbGyEL6An9T_34dW04BOksus1ee6uvRhRE4e5vnmHcD87XobNSF8tF1Xce9BNNMYcJtsKLAl8Z2HeAndPaSOU/s400/8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Baji Prabhu's memorable sacrifice to save his master's life (13 July 1660)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-51014089728355963672009-02-19T13:08:00.000+05:302009-02-19T13:13:45.549+05:30Shivaji's Night attack on Shaista Khan at Pune which nullifies all the Mughal gains at one stroke (5th April 1663)<div align="justify">It is one of the most famous exploits of Shivaji early in his career and has never been forgotten by successive generations in India. Shaista Khan, the maternal uncle of Emperor Aurangzeb, and the new Governor of Deccan, had made Shivaji's position precarious by his furious offensive. He had even occupied Pune (9th May 1660). Shivaji had already lost Chakan (August 1660), Kalian (May 1661), and in March 1663 the Maratha commander Netaji Palker was worsted in a sanguary fight and he had to escape losing much of the booty being brought from the Mughal territory. During these three years (February 1660 – April 1663) Shivaji had lost practically all the '<em>Swarajya</em>' which he had won with great effort during the past many years and this was despite his many victories, such as at Umbar Khind (February 1661), Mira Dongar (1662), capture of Rajapur etc. He was completely non-plussed as what to do with Shaista Khan sitting pretty in Pune. At last he decided to extricate himself from this situation by some daring act to be executed by himself personally, as he had done about four years ago in case of Afzal Khan.<br /><br />Within a month of the defeat of the Maratha army under Netaji Palkar, Shivaji dealt a masterly blow at the Mughals, a blow "whose cleverness of design, neatness of execution and completeness of success" made Shivaji's name a household word throughout India. He surprised and wounded the Mughal Viceroy of the Deccan in the heart of his camp, in his very bed chamber, within the inner ring of his body guards and female slaves.<br /><br />In the early hours of the night (5th April 1663) Shivaji with 400 picked Mavles entered the Mughal camp through the main gate saying that they were a party of the Deccani soldiers of the Mughal army going in to relieve those who were already on duty. It was the month of Ramzan. The Khan and his household after breaking their day's fast, had retired to their beds before midnight. As the moon set, the camp and the Lal Mahal (Shivaji's own palace) were enveloped in darkness, with a few dim lights showing how the people were stationed at different points. Shivaji with 50 men quietly entered the palace through a hole made in the weak kitchen wall behind. They then rushed towards the bed-chamber, cutting the cloth partitions, striking people in their beds, and making a loud clamour which only added to the confusion. Amidst shrieks, shouts and confusion all around, Shivaji and his party left the scene and escaped to Sinhagad from where they had come. Later, it was discovered that though Shaista Khan had managed to save his life, his fore fingers were cut off by the blow of Shivaji's sword when he was jumping out of the window.<br /><br />This unbelievably successful attack on the Mughal Governor of the Deccan in the most protected area of the Mughal camp, surrounded by thousands of troops, immensely enhanced the reputation of Shivaji's daring, while causing bitter humiliation at the Mughal court, but the most evident and fruitful result of this daring raid was the retreat of Shaista Khan to Burhanpur for safety and his subsequent transfer to Bengal. At one stroke Shivaji had nullified all the gains of the Mughals achieved during 1660-63.<br /><br />In the next painting, some of the Maratha soldiers are shown entering the palace at Pune through a hole made in the kitchen wall, some have reached the stair case and they are beckoning others to follow, while Shivaji has already reached the sleeping chamber of Shaista Khan and is about to strike him. The Khan, however, managed to leap through the window to safety though losing his forefingers in the process.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-42683920059870434682009-02-19T13:05:00.004+05:302009-02-19T13:07:26.569+05:30<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS7_Sy1WmxM9mD-lwslx6e2OZemOlFn4-3tT5SNBkLOgxT29SVQFRpkYfq0b5xUt3p9ht7U3FHHEIvhp-UOhl62LzvtM-SMq9XL3f9AD1dApRl4Spg9MvLMJ-MxuzXYheieKh-79Ipns/s1600-h/10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304409129310560082" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS7_Sy1WmxM9mD-lwslx6e2OZemOlFn4-3tT5SNBkLOgxT29SVQFRpkYfq0b5xUt3p9ht7U3FHHEIvhp-UOhl62LzvtM-SMq9XL3f9AD1dApRl4Spg9MvLMJ-MxuzXYheieKh-79Ipns/s400/10.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Shivaji's night attack on Shaista Khan, the Mughal Governor of the Deccan in Pune, in midst of his military camp (5th April 1663)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-52405381620604352772009-02-19T12:48:00.004+05:302009-02-19T13:05:17.681+05:30Jaipur Maps of 1665-66 A.D.<div align="justify">We find many recorded instances of the use of maps, plans or <em>tarah</em>, as these were called, of regions, forts, towns, temples, dams, pilgrim centers etc., by the Emperors, Rajput rulers and other important personages during the medieval times. Shivaji also took keen interest in maps and plans. Some of these <em>tarah</em> were prepared specifically for military purposes. Perhaps the richest and best preserved collection of maps and plans of the medieval period from Emperor Akbar's time till the beginning of the 19th century is in Kapad-dwara, Pothikhana, and Khas-Mohar collections of the Maharajas of Amber-Jaipur. Thus, whenever Mirza Raja Jai Singh, the Maharaja of Amber State (1623-67), was sent on an expedition, specially to a less familiar region, he would get the plan of the region prepared showing forts, hills, terrain etc. When in 1665 A.D. he was sent by Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor, to deal with Shivaji, who had succfessfully defied and humiliated all previous Viceroys and foiled all attempts to curb his rising power, Mirza Raja got prepared for him not only <em>tarah</em> of the Deccan but also a <em>tarah</em> specifically showing the forts of Shivaji, ports and important towns of the region.<br /><br />One <em>tarah</em> is of the period immediately after the conclusion of the historic treaty of Purandar (13th June 1665), by which Shivaji handed over to the Mughals a number forts such as Lohgarh, Tikona, Kondana, Purandar, Karnala, etc., while retaining others such as Rajgarh, Latkangarh, Mahagarh, etc. Shivaji recovered the surrendered forts three years later in 1670 in a swift and remarkably successful offensive against the Mughal government.<br /><br />These maps may seem a bid bizarre to us but were regarded as of much value by those for whom these were drawn.<br /><br /><em>The next <strong>Tarah</strong> of the Deccan showing Seva's (Shivaji's) forts</em><br /><br />The tarah records the <strong>forts which Shivaji had to part</strong> with as per the terms of the <strong>Treaty of Purandar</strong> (13th June 1665) which Mirza Raja Jai Singh concluded with him on behalf of the Emperor and also records the <strong>forts which he retained</strong>.<br /><br /><strong>Lohgarh</strong> (put in charge of Quvad Khan (Qubad Khan), new <em>thanedar</em> of <strong>Poona</strong><br /><br /><strong>Fort Tikona</strong> (Qubad Khan appointed in charge of the fort)<br /><br /><strong>Kondana</strong> (Kundana) put in charge of Kunwar Kirat Singh (son of Mirza Raja Jai Singh)<br /><br /><strong>Khada Kalan</strong>, Qasba Poona<br /><br /><strong>Garh</strong> Purandhar<br /><br /><strong>Garh</strong> Rudramal<br /><br /><strong>Qasba</strong> Indrapur Bangi<br /><br /><strong>Baramati Garh Sarup</strong>, also called <strong>Karnala</strong> under the direct control of the Emperor. No <em>Qiledar</em> has been sent there till now<br /><br /><strong>Manikgarh</strong>, also called <strong>Tanka</strong>. Under direct control of the Emperor. No <em>Qiledar</em> has been sent there till now.<br /><br /><strong>Tain ka Kot, Tal Konkana ka</strong>. <em>Qiledar</em> would go after the arrival of Seva's son who will accompany the <em>Qiledar</em>.<br /><br /><strong>Garh Mraga</strong> (Uttara) in <strong>Patsahi Talak</strong>, <em>Qiledar</em> not yet sent.<br /><br /><strong>Garh Okhadraka</strong>, gave to Seva (Shivaji)<br /><br /><strong>Garh Khirattaka</strong>, also called <strong>Sagargarh<br /></strong><br /><strong>Cheval ka Bandar</strong> (Port). It is (now) under Emperor but no <em>Qiledar</em> has yet gone there.<br /><br /><strong>Garh Anasvari</strong> gave to Seva (Shivaji)<br /><br /><strong>Garh Pal</strong> (gave to Seva)<br /><br /><strong>Garh Bhurap</strong> (gave to Seva or Shivaji)<br /><br /><strong>Garh Kaula</strong> gave to Siva<br /><br /><strong>Garh Ankola</strong> under the Emperor, <em>Qiledar</em> not yet sent there.<br /><br /><strong>Garh Torana</strong>, gave to Siva<br /><br /><strong>Rajgarh</strong>, gave to Siva<br /><br /><strong>Latkangarh</strong>, gave to Siva<br /><br /><strong>Garh Raipur</strong>, gave to Siva<br /><br /><strong>Mangarh</strong>. Under direct control of the Emperor. No <em>Qiledar</em> sent there till now.<br /><br /><strong>Songarh</strong>, also known as <strong>Vishramagarh</strong>, under direct control of the Emperor. No <em>Qiledar</em> sent there till now.<br /><br /><strong>Garh Dhusala</strong>, gave to Siva<br /><br /><strong>Taligarh</strong>, gave to Siva<br /><br /><strong>Mahagarh</strong>, gave to Siva<br /><br /><strong>Parvalgarh</strong> or <strong>Muranjan</strong> under Patsah (Emperor), No <em>Qiledar</em> sent there till now.<br /><br /><strong>Vikatgah</strong> also known as <strong>Pav</strong>, under Patsahi. No <em>Qiledar</em> appointed there till now.</div><div align="justify"><br /><strong>Qasba Kalyan<br /></strong><br /><strong>Qasba Vahpuri<br /></strong><br /><strong>Garh Nartakka</strong>, also known as <strong>Siddhagarh</strong>, in Patsahi. No <em>Qiledar</em> yet appointed there.<br /><br /><strong>Garh Paleskhol</strong><br /><br /><strong>Garh Maholi<br /></strong><br /><strong>Garh Bhandarattaka</strong>. All the above three under the Patshah (Badshah) <em>Qiledar</em> not sent there as yet.<br /><br /><strong>Koh Ruparh</strong> in <em>Patsahi talak. Qiledar</em> not sent there as yet<br /><br /><strong>Isagarh</strong>, under Quwad Khan's charge<br /><br /><strong>Garh Junair (Junnar)</strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-40667622994541604262009-02-19T12:43:00.000+05:302009-02-19T12:45:58.136+05:30<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXp51wgBRrNBISGfvPVcCxmxP6xus2Byd7_6fxKLGTdy2AVYfWDEBM5yOzItnauPmGHi6WLdfG2AKYOboETxXEQMAbfjwHbK4m25BCN8U6w8uXx8NgSBh_nwMjGnJUid-KX7tMmpL4GXY/s1600-h/12+A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304403473848666834" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXp51wgBRrNBISGfvPVcCxmxP6xus2Byd7_6fxKLGTdy2AVYfWDEBM5yOzItnauPmGHi6WLdfG2AKYOboETxXEQMAbfjwHbK4m25BCN8U6w8uXx8NgSBh_nwMjGnJUid-KX7tMmpL4GXY/s400/12+A.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETR93cZwOJR3w8tkp48MMQ71h97aturCIMNPk9mbQ0ONlxXzqmOftAidfwEW4hDHSnUR992XJb8gm4_i65Wn-Mc4PCq4nyaRPjpLFVjMHBjw3vcHl93eRfo74iyV63sB2-Um2yfG-9xM/s1600-h/12+B.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304403369286434786" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETR93cZwOJR3w8tkp48MMQ71h97aturCIMNPk9mbQ0ONlxXzqmOftAidfwEW4hDHSnUR992XJb8gm4_i65Wn-Mc4PCq4nyaRPjpLFVjMHBjw3vcHl93eRfo74iyV63sB2-Um2yfG-9xM/s400/12+B.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify">The Tarah (map) of the Deccan showing Shivaji's forts (c. 1665 A.D.)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-1362759556794441792009-02-19T12:31:00.002+05:302009-02-19T12:42:28.919+05:30The map of the Deccan (Tarah Dakshin ki)This <em>tarah</em> of Dakshina (Deccan) mentions the following places:<br /><br />Gove Bandar (the Port of Goa)<br />Tap Banda<br />Amo Ko Dhankeli<br />Yelapur<br />Atashavadi<br />Desh Shivappa Nayak Fort<br />Pargana Sansvad<br />Diyoga<br />Indapur<br />Javli<br />Purandhar<br />Vandugarh<br /><em>Qasba</em> Puna<br />Kangori<br />Indrani<br />Utadi<br />Adilivara<br />Soggada<br />Sivaneri<br />Meghagarh<br /><em>Desh Zamindar</em> Javar (Jawhar)<br />Rayera<br />Fort Kohaj<br />Mahjidavadi<br />Fort (<em>kile</em>) 10 <em>kos</em> from Maholi<br />Fort Chaunsala<br />Panveli<br />Avadhan<br />Kalyana<br />Fort Pali Kvar<br />Islamabad <em>urf</em> Singadi<br />Fort Pavar<br />Fort Sangsa<br />Tikona<br />Fort Karnala<br />Godha Fort<br /><em>Qasba</em> Pattana<br />LohgarhUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-4868861177337212502009-02-19T12:26:00.000+05:302009-02-19T12:30:54.580+05:30<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPb2cvk_12BG-VhQi6o_Li9kx1HsscvnsJ82Ywbu9YZ-O5emOimiNaf7r4FQvt2pbKL9MIWa2GQfsk9vds7tlfg-ezjmkHHhDDqsVnIzL_ZBBlJirQq2tqwSEAxxGV5It-5IExgKIwEk/s1600-h/12+C.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304399621581604322" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPb2cvk_12BG-VhQi6o_Li9kx1HsscvnsJ82Ywbu9YZ-O5emOimiNaf7r4FQvt2pbKL9MIWa2GQfsk9vds7tlfg-ezjmkHHhDDqsVnIzL_ZBBlJirQq2tqwSEAxxGV5It-5IExgKIwEk/s400/12+C.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDaOF8o6aXraVMcqV6SM_X1hyo155aSoytcHkCkE5z5RX9CBkwyRafYV7pAPthRkv0TW9hR6S7PKz7F8JoLtuvw1z-6sbwS_iE4BLyCLe-LUV-GtoloOBbD7RVPWDQOES4_5XHfQY9Jc/s1600-h/12+D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304399507489996050" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJDaOF8o6aXraVMcqV6SM_X1hyo155aSoytcHkCkE5z5RX9CBkwyRafYV7pAPthRkv0TW9hR6S7PKz7F8JoLtuvw1z-6sbwS_iE4BLyCLe-LUV-GtoloOBbD7RVPWDQOES4_5XHfQY9Jc/s400/12+D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Tarah (map) of the Deccan (c. 1665 A.D.)<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-62364308832905682702009-02-19T03:48:00.000+05:302009-02-19T03:51:01.735+05:30Shivaji being received by Mirza Raja Jai Singh on the eve of the Treaty of Purandar (13th June 1665)<div align="justify">Mirza Raja Jai Singh of Amber was the most powerful and influential Hindu noble in the Mughal service at that time. After every Imperial commander had failed to check Shivaji's rapidly growing power, he was sent by Aurangzeb to deal with the Maratha hero. Mirza Raja, certainly the ablest military commander and diplomat of his time, conducted the campaign against Shivaji with great success. On 3rd March 1665 he had reached Pune and a few days later commenced the siege of Purandar fort. After a few months Shivaji thought it prudent to conclude peace, at least for the time being.<br /><br />On 11th June 1665, Mirza Raja Jai Singh received Shivaji at the foot of the Purandar fort, then being besieged by him, its fall being imminent. Shivaji arrived in a <em>palquin</em> accompanied by six Brahmans. Jai Singh received Shivaji in the tent, embraced him and seated him by his side, "while Rajputs stood around to guard against any treacherous movement on the part of the slayer of Afzal Khan". From the tent, the fighting on the slopes of the fort could be seen. Shivaji now agreed to conclude the famous treaty of Purandar (12-13 June 1665).<br /><br />The meeting cemented the ties between the Kachwaha house of Amber (Jaipur) and Shivaji. Later, on so many occasions, these ties were cited by the Jaipur rulers, Chhatrapatis and Peshwas in their correspondence. It was only Mirza Raja's oath assuring safe conduct for Shivaji that Aurangzeb did not dare to put him to death at Agra in 1666.<br /><br />The historic meeting between the two renowned men of that time had great significance and paved the way for Shivaji's visit to Agra (May 1666), a visit which despite a few months of great anxiety and threat to Shivaji's life, ultimately ended on a happy note.<br /><br /><em>Details of the next painting<br /></em><br />There is a spacious enclosure of the <em>kanats</em>. In the center of the enclosure is an open tent from which furious fight on the slopes of the Purandar fort can be seen. Armed Rajput warriors have formed a ring outside the <em>kanat</em> enclosure. Shivaji is accompanied by 2 Brahmins. His <em>palquin</em> is placed inside the enclosure at some distance. Mirza Raja is shown welcoming Shivaji. Mriza Raja is accompanied by his son Kirat Singh, Manucci (an Italian, then in Mirza Raja's service as chief gunner, and the author of <em>Storia Do Mogor</em>). Shivaji's high spirit is evident from his personality.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-85469637409450636752009-02-19T03:42:00.000+05:302009-02-19T03:44:48.841+05:30<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HMUUt4JKbr5wkqEx9A6Vuutqd3nb8hJ8A_U7br5ybtjmHxZmF-sGeuIPty312V_GVVi14crv8JyWSDe124Nk7M2ZA_Da4s0nRSiMYZjdN45OPIUSM_hZjf1pvPPnY6AnWkB3CXaboZ0/s1600-h/14.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304264101432692450" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 291px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HMUUt4JKbr5wkqEx9A6Vuutqd3nb8hJ8A_U7br5ybtjmHxZmF-sGeuIPty312V_GVVi14crv8JyWSDe124Nk7M2ZA_Da4s0nRSiMYZjdN45OPIUSM_hZjf1pvPPnY6AnWkB3CXaboZ0/s400/14.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Mirza Raja Jai Singh of Amber receiving Shivaji Maharaj a day before concluding the Treaty of Purandar (12 June 1665)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-8324751835337065582009-02-19T03:34:00.004+05:302009-02-19T03:40:08.704+05:30Shivaji visits Agra<div align="justify">On 14th June 1665 Shivaji concluded the Treaty of Purandar with Mirza Raja Jai Singh after approval of the terms by Emperor Aurangzeb. By this Treaty Shivaji had to surrender two-third of his important forts. The Treaty was a set-back to him and he had to take stock of his position vis-avis the Mughal government. But how he could do that without personally assessing the actual state of the Mughal power.<br /><br />It was natural for Shivaji to feel great hesitation in agreeing to visit Agra to meet the Emperor for which Mirza Raja Jai Singh was insisting so much and was urging the Emperor with equal force to receive a visit from the Maratha hero. "Test his hearty goodwill and convert him into a powerful supporter for the peace in the southern dominion", he had urged the Emperor. Jai Singh and his eldest son, Kunwar Ram Singh, stood guarantee for Shivaji's life and safety. The visit, though not without hazards in view of Aurangzeb's known character and dubious record, offered Shivaji an opportunity to get a 'realistic' idea of the power of the Mughal Empire and held forth other opportunities as well, making it worth a trial.<br /><br />After making as perfect arrangements as possible for his work being carried in his absence, Shivaji set out from Raigad on 5 March 1666, with his son Shambhaji, and a select following of officials and servants and an escort of about 4000 men, for Agra. His arrival in Agra was to coincide with the 50th lunar birthday of Aurangzeb on which occasion a grand <em>darbar</em> was to be held on 12th May 1666. Emperor Aurangzeb had not visited Agra after wresting the crown from his father Shah Jahan till after the latter's death and hurried and unceremonial burial on 22nd January1666.<br /><br />When presented before the Emperor, the latter did not exchange a word with Shivaji who was conducted to stand in the line of the <em>mansabdars</em> of 5000 rank. When <em>Khilats</em> were presented to Maharaja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur and two or three other nobles of high rank, Shivaji was ignored. Shivaji angrily left the Court, loudly exclaiming words of displeasure at being slighted, and refused to see the Emperor again, or accept a <em>mansab</em> or a <em>khilat</em>. There are a number of cotemporary letters in Rajasthani which describe the whole sequence of developments. Shivaji remained in Agra till 18th August in virtual confinement till he managed to regain his freedom outwitting the most wily Emperor ever to occupy the Mughal throne.<br /><br />Shivaji's captivating personality, courage, manliness and the manner he had remained unaffected by the Emperor's awe and defied his authority, raised his prestige immensely. Parkaldas, the Amber State official, who was present in Agra at that time wrote <strong>"….. Shivaji is a very brave highsouled man. The people had been praising his high spirit and courage before. Now that after coming to the Emperor's presence he has shown such audacity and returned such harsh and strong replies, the public extols him for his bravery all the more".</strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-32857061728923323692009-02-19T03:22:00.000+05:302009-02-19T03:34:16.955+05:30Shivaji at Agra<div align="justify"><strong>How Shivaji looked like and his image among the people (<em>khalq</em>)<br /></strong><br />We have very few accounts of <strong>how Shivaji looked like</strong> but none more detailed and informative than the one given by Parkaldas, an Amber State official, posted at Agra during the days when Shivaji arrived there, and later when he remained in strict confinement for more than three months. (11th May – 18th August 1666) there.<br /><br />In his letter of 29 May 1666 from Agra, Parkaldas wrote to Kalyandas, the <em>Diwan</em> of Amber (later Jaipur State).<br /><br />"….. You have asked me to let you have <strong>details regarding Shivaji's visit here</strong>. Well, he has come alone, with only one hundred retainers and his escort numbers from 200 to about 250 men in all. Among the latter, one hundred are <em>silehdars</em> (mounted on their own horses) and the rest are <em>bargirs</em> of the <em>paga</em> (mounted on horses supplied by the State). In his train, the camels are few, and are only meant for carrying baggage. The <em>Banjaras</em> are one hundred each with a pair of pack-oxen.<br /><br /><strong>“When Shivaji rides out in a <em>palki</em> (in Agra), many footmen wearing Turkish caps, big like <em>Khadauts</em>, go before him. His flag is orange and vermillion coloured, with golden decorations stamped on it. At sight Shivaji's body looks lean and short. His appearance is wonderfully fair in complexion, and even without finding out who he is, one does feel instinctively that he is the ruler of men. His spirit and manliness are apparent. He is a very brave, high-souled man and wears a beard ….. The people had been praising Shivaji's high spirit and courage before. Now that after coming to the Emperor's presence he has shown such audacity and returned such harsh and strong replies, the public extols him for his bravery all the more …..”</strong><br /><br />In another letter dated 7 June 1666 Parkaldas informed his Diwan (Prime Minister) of Amber State, various <strong>news circulating in the Agra among the people (<em>khalq</em>)</strong> such as that <strong>Maharaja Jaswasnt Singh</strong> told the Emperor that <strong>Shivaji can fly at a height of 14-15 <em>hath</em> from the ground and can cover 40-50 <em>kos</em> on foot</strong>" whereupon the <strong>Prince</strong> (<strong>Muazzam</strong>) said, "I too had heard so at Aurangabad". People also say, wrote Parkaldas that "<strong>Shaista Khan</strong> has written to the Emperor from the east (Bengal)"Your Majesty! Shiva is a great disturber of peace (<em>bada ghanim</em>). You (must) put him to death. <strong>If Your Majesty does not kill him, I will give up my <em>mansab</em> and become a <em>faqir</em> (medicant)"</strong>. According to one news current among the people, the <strong>Princess (Jahanara Begum)</strong> told the Emperor, <strong>"Shiva has come (to Agra) trusting the word of a Rajput (Jai Singh) and the <em>tek</em></strong> <strong>of a Rajput has hitherto been respected the Emperors and it becomes of you also to do the same"</strong>. And lastly, <strong>Parkaldas</strong> added one <strong>juicy news</strong>. He wrote that <strong>a popular gossip current in Agra</strong> was that <strong>on account of Shivaji's fear, the Emperor goes for the Friday prayers under heavy security cover. Guards are posted at every step</strong> when he goes for the prayers".<br /><br />Such was the image of Shivaji in the minds of the people, both discreet and judicious and also the common folk. <strong>His visit to Agra, though seemed at one time to be a fatal blunder, ultimately proved beneficial not only for Shivaji's high reputation but also for the lofty aim he wished to fulfil.</strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-28770047861385939692009-02-19T03:14:00.004+05:302009-02-19T03:21:11.164+05:30High esteem in which Shivaji was held by the Rajput nobles<div align="justify">Shivaji had won the hearts of one and all at Agra by his courage, dignified bearing, manliness and the principles and values which he symbolized and tried his best to uphold. One of the senior most officer of the Amber (later Jaipur) State who had immense curiosity about Shivaji at Agra as to how he looked like, in what manner he had come to Agra etc. etc., was Kalyandas, the Prime-Minister or <em>Diwan</em> of the State, who found in his own junior official Parkaldas, posted at Agra with Kunwar Ram Singh, a keen observer and a gifted narrator with fondness to describe in minute detail everything relevant to Shivaji's Agra visit (11th May – 18th August 1666). The result is a couple of remarkably informative letters in Rajasthani, like of which are not found in any other language, including Marathi, so far as Shivaji's visit to Agra is concerned.<br /><br />In his letter of <em>Shravan Vadi</em> 12, S. 1723 (18 July 1666), Parkaldas narrated to his master the conversation between the Amber <em>thakurs</em> (feudal chiefs of Amber).<br /><br />"One day, when Ballu Shahji, Tej Singhji and Ran Singhji were sitting together, <strong>Maha Singh Shekhawat</strong> <strong>said:<br /></strong><br /><strong>"Shivaji is very wise, he speaks the right word, after which no one need say anything more on the subject. He is a genuine Rajput and we have found him just what we had heard about him. He tells us such appropriate things marked by characteristic qualities of a Rajput that if they are kept in mind, they will prove useful someday".</strong> Then addressing Tej Singhji, Maha Singh said <strong>"It is sheer destiny that has brought him (Shivaji) here, but when there were a number of good men of high rank like you with the Maharaja, why did you not speak to him (against sending Shivaji to Agra).</strong> You should have reasoned and dissuaded the Maharaja". Upon this Tej Singhji said <strong>"The Maharaja listens to only one man, his Secretary, Uderaj ….."<br /></strong><br /><strong>Note :</strong><br /><br />1. <strong>Uderaj</strong>, the author of the letter-book "<em>Haft Anjuman</em>", and Secretary of Mirza Raja Jai Singh, <strong>turned a Musalman</strong> after the death of the Maharaja, whom he was suspected to have poisoned, to save himself from the anger of the Rajputs.<br /><br />2. The aboe letter shows that Uderaj had played an important part in convincing his master Mirza Raja Jai Singh, the desirability of Shivaji's visit to Agra. Was he one of the conspirators to contrive Shivaji's visit to Agra so that he is finished off there, a conspiracy that failed due to the firm stand taken by Mirza Raja Jai Singh and his son Kunwar Ram Singh, and Shivaji's own ingenuity, and courage.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-12411196400236400232009-02-19T03:00:00.000+05:302009-02-19T03:13:32.120+05:30Chronology of developments during Shivaji's Stay at Agra based on contemporary Amber Records<div align="justify"><strong>(12 May – 17 August 1666)</strong><br /><br /><em>6th March 1666</em> : Shivaji sets out for Agra to meet Emperor Aurangzeb<br /><br /><em>11th May 1666</em> : Reaches outskirts of Agra<br /><br /><em>12th May 1666</em> : Kunwar Ram Sinh of Amber receives Shivaji; Shivaji in Aurangzeb's Court (<em>Diwan-i-Khas</em>), where his famous encounter with the Emperor took place.<br /><br /><em>13th-15th May 1666</em> : Begum Sahiba, Nawab Jafar Khan, Maharaja Jaswant Singh (the last one perhaps tauntingly) ask Aurangzeb to punish Shivaji, otherwise Hindus and (particularly) <em>bhumias</em> will be emboldened and become defiant. Aurangzeb decides to put Shivaji to death. When Ram Singh comes to know it, he firmly says, <strong>"First kill me and my son and only after that Shivaji. He has come on our solemn assurance". Aurangzeb asks if Ram Singh would stand surety for Shiva. Kunwar Ram Singh readily agrees. </strong><br /><br />Aurangzeb orders that the Kunwar Ram Singh and Shivaji should proceed to <strong>Kabul</strong>.<br /><br /><em>15th-20th May 1666</em> : Shivaji declines to go to Kabul, Departure for Kabul is postpond<br /><br /><em>16th May 1666</em> : Ram Singh made to sign a <strong>bond</strong> that Shiva would not leave Agra.<br /><br /><em>19th May 1666</em> : Proposal regarding Kabul posting of Ram sigh and Shivaji completely dropped.<br /><br /><em>29th May 1666</em> : <strong>Shivaji offers to pay to the Emperor two crores of rupees if all the forts surrendered by him by the Treaty of Purandar are restored to him and he is allowed to return</strong>. Aurangzeb curtly declines saying, "He has gone off his head … How can he be given leave to depart. Tell him firmly that he must not visit anybody, not even Kumar's camp". Strong patrols are posted around his residence.<br /><br /><em>7th June 1666</em> : Emperor asks Shivaji to handover all his forts. He offers to grant him <em>mansab</em>. <strong>Shivaji says, "I do not want a <em>mansab</em> and I have no control over the forts"</strong>.<br /><br />To pressurize Shivaji, the Emperor orderes Faulad Khan and his artillery men, <strong>"Go and finish off Shiva"</strong>. Emperor also strongly objects to the news that troops are coming from Amber and also Shivaji's <em>mulk</em>. Kunwar Ram Singh explains, "They were called in view of posting at Kabul. Now they will all return".<br /><br /><strong>One day Shiva came to Ram Singh and said</strong> "I thought your word carried much weight, but here you are requesting so much to the Emperor for me, but he is not accepting any thing. Hence you tell the Emperor, <strong>"Here is Shiva, He is no longer under my care. If you wish you may kill him". Kumar, "I will not leave you like that"</strong>.<br /><br />Two days ago (<em>5th June</em>) Kumar ordered his men to be on guard duty around Shivaji, and so they also are there.<br /><br />[It was a clever move of Ram Singh to ensure safety of Shivaji. By posting his own guards on the ground that if Shiva ran away or committed suicide, he would be answerable, he ensured that no foul play was attempted by Faulad Khan etc.. "So Kumar goes and personally keeps a watch on Shiva's bed while Tej Singh and his Rajput retainers Arjunji, Sukh Singh Nathawat and other Rajput Thakurs patrol on all sides of him".]<br /><br /><strong>Shiva tells Kunwar Ram Singh to take back the bond</strong> he (Ram Singh) had given. <strong>"Let the Emperor do what he likes with me"</strong>, Shiva says, Kunwar Ram Singh tries to reassure and reason with Shivaji saying, "A letter has been sent to the Maharaja. Please wait till the reply comes".<br /><br />Shivaji sends word directly to the Emperor through Siddi Faulad Khan that <strong>he had given leave to his troops and that they be given passport</strong>.<br /><br /><em>12th June 1666</em> : Orders are issued that if Shiva were to escape from Agra to Maujabad <em>pargana</em>, he be detained.<br /><br /><em>16th June 1666</em> : Shiva conveys to Emperor, "I wish to turn a <em>faqir</em>. Permit me to go to Banaras". Aurangzeb, "Very well, let him turn <em>faqir</em> and remain in Prayag fort. Bahadur Khan is <em>Subahdar</em> of that place, he will watch over him".<br /><br />Aurangzeb had written to Mirza Raja Jai Singh about Shivaji but no reply has yet come.<br /><br />(From <em>Haft Anjuman</em> – Mirza Raja Jai Singh to Kunwar Ram Singh <strong>c. July 1666</strong>.]<br /><br /><strong>Tell Emperor that Shivaji should be detained there in a worthy manner (i.e. not as a prisoner) so that his officers may not despair of his return and they be induced to join Adil Shah (of Bijapur) and create disturbances against us; this policy will avoid the necessity of His Majesty sending a (fresh) army to this side. Press these points strongly with the Emperor".</strong><br /><br /><em>13th July 1666</em> : "The Kunwar pays some money to Shiva as per <em>hasb-ulhukm</em> (of Mirza Raja Singh). Emperor's and Kunwar's patrols are around Shivaji. ….. I hear that Shiva has offered to give up all forts to the Emperor, "But let the Emperor give me congee for my country. My officers will not obey any letter from me. I shall go there for taking the forts", says Shivaji. The Emperor has declined. "This is what I have heard only just now. When Kumar asked Shivaji to surrender his remaining forts, Shiva replied "Your father gave the Emperor 23 of my forts and got Tonk <em>pargana</em> (as reward). You are now trying to give my other forts to the Emperor. Tell me what <em>pargana</em> you are thinking of gaining by it. Will it be Toda? On hearing this, Kumar remainedsilent".<br /><br /><em>18th July 1666</em> : <strong>"Affairs of Shiva continued to be just the same. Patrols are posted all round who are keeping a vigil on him with the same care. Sobha Chand Bakshi and Vimaldas check the patrols at night. Shivaji will continue to live like this for a good many days.</strong> Shiva says, "Emperor is not settling my matter. Otherwise I shall die and the Emperor would not get the forts". Kumwar has promised (Shivaji) to make a request again. Kunwar has paid Rs.66,000 to Shivaji to cover which the latter has issued a <em>Hundi</em> payable in the Deccan", writes Parkaldas.<br /><br /><em>22nd July 1666</em> : Shivaji gives away a horse, a <em>saropao</em>, male and female elephant and 1000 rupees to <strong>Kavindra Kavishvar</strong> with a promise to give one more elephant.<br /><br />(There is no Rajsthani letter after 22nd July till 18th August 1666. During this period, Shivaji feigned illness and began to send out in the evening large baskets containing sweets for distribution among the Brahmins, medicants and poor. As days passed, the <em>sentries</em> became lax in checking the baskets. This gave an opportunity to Shivaji and his son, Shamhaji, to make good their escape by crouching down in separate baskets).<br /><br /><em>18th August 1666</em> : Ballu Shah to Kalyandas, the <em>Diwan</em> of Amber State, <strong>"This very morning Shivaji fled away from Agra. Orders be issued to all. All ghats are to be closed. If any one in the garb of a jogi or sanyasi passes that way, he should be questioned and searched".</strong> (Ballu Shah's letter was despatched four and half hour after day-break on the 18th August and was expected to reach Amber after three days at the earliest).</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-8370299618547302772009-02-19T02:40:00.004+05:302009-02-19T02:52:02.373+05:30Shivaji in confinement at Agra - The six rings of guards<div align="justify">Four days prior to Shivaji's flight from Agra on 18th August 1666, his confinement was made all the more strict. Shivaji came to know that Emperor Aurangzeb had again ordered that he (Shiva) be put to death but later decided to keep him in the <em>haveli</em> of Raja Vitthaldas. When Shivaji paid a visit to Kunwar Ram Singh of Amber, who had stood by Shivaji till now and had agreed to stand as his (Shivaji's) surety also, the Kunwar did not meet him. Shivaji now understood that it was time to put his plan of escape in action before it was too late. To do so, surrounded as he was by six rings of guards to keep vigil on him, was no easy task. The sketch based on a contemporary Rajasthani letter shows the manner of his confinement thus:<br /><br />1. In the <strong>innermost patrol</strong> or <em>chauki</em> were <strong>four Brahmins – Ram Kishan Brahman, Jevo Joshi, Shri Krishna Upadhyaya and Purohit Balram</strong>, all Kunwar Ram Singh's men. They were posted nearest to Shivaji's bed-chamber to attend upon him. From time to time, they used to go inside the room to have a look at him. On the18th August, when one <em>ghari</em> of night had remained, i.e. about 3.30 a.m., Shivaji had asked <strong>Purohit Balram</strong> to bring dry fruits for him which he ate, told the Purohit when questioned searchingly soon after Shivaji's escape.<br /><br />2. Outside the entrance gate or <em>deorhi</em> of the <em>haveli</em> was posted a <strong>guard of musketeers</strong> with their guns loaded.<br /><br />3. All around the <em>haveli</em> were posted <strong>Mina</strong> <em>Chowkidars</em> <strong>of Amber</strong> (later Jaipur), known to be expert watchmen.<br /><br />4. Behind the Mina <em>Chowkidars</em> (watchmen) were <strong>Imperial troops ('Bagsaryas'</strong> in Parkaldas' letter of c. 23 August 1666). They formed the <strong>fourth ring of guards</strong>.<br /><br />5. Behind them were posted Agra's dreaded <strong>Kotwal Faulad Khan's</strong> <em>ahdis</em> or gentlemen troopers.<br /><br />6. And finally, there were Kunwar Ram Singh of Amber's <strong>Rajput Thakurs – Rin Singh and others</strong>.<br /><br />"But Shivaji, in spite of all these guards escaped is a matter of real astonishment", writes the Amber official Parkaldas in his letter dated c.23 August 1666 to Kalyandas, the <em>Diwan</em> of Amber.<br /><br />The adjoining sketch shows the arrangement of <strong>the six concentric circles of guards</strong> to keep vigil on Shivaji at the time of his flight from his confinement at Agra, as described by Parkaldas, an eye witness to the dramatic development there during 11th May – 18th August 1666. <strong>Emperor Aurangzeb acted as host of Shivaji during this period</strong>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-69677309011053936702009-02-19T02:38:00.004+05:302009-02-19T02:40:07.611+05:30<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKA3OobhFsMl5Qe43G1r_sxNElLn1AD3G4sutDZ6UnOPFvvjwSx-mEa1nAMcghl0XM7vX6IJ8QPa6NONwhfvUaUaa0QPDRzaeV0zWSm_oZLrgyS5JRzTqlbDEZBU6kYDanqj-cinlqiw/s1600-h/21.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304247430239200626" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKA3OobhFsMl5Qe43G1r_sxNElLn1AD3G4sutDZ6UnOPFvvjwSx-mEa1nAMcghl0XM7vX6IJ8QPa6NONwhfvUaUaa0QPDRzaeV0zWSm_oZLrgyS5JRzTqlbDEZBU6kYDanqj-cinlqiw/s400/21.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Shivaji in strict confinement at Agra (June-August 1666); the six rings of guards (Sketch based on a contemporary Rajasthani letter)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-48973462445891261572009-02-19T02:32:00.004+05:302009-02-19T02:37:36.196+05:30Shivaji's escape from Agra, flight in the garb of a Bairagi and arrival at Rajgarh which takes Jija Bai by surprise<div align="justify">On 18th August 1666, Shivaji escaped from almost a fatal trap laid by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb at Agra. He had met his arch enemy Aurangzeb for the first and the last time on the 12th May in <em>Diwan-i-Khas</em>. After that, net closed round him till he was entirely hemmed in a series of concentric circles of guards. His escape in these circumstances was nothing less than a miracle and a stunning blow to Emperor Aurangzeb. Which route he actually took for his flight is still debated but his safe arrival at Rajgarh, had an extremely happy and interesting ending. Dattaji Waqnis writes, "He went to the gate of Rajgarh, where his mother Jija Bai resided, and requested admittance to her presence. The guards informed her that some strangers Bairagis (religious mendicants) were at the gate of the fort and demanded to meet her. She ordered them to be admitted. When they came into her presence, Niraji Pant blessed her after the manner of the Bairagis; but Shiva came closer and threw himself at her feet. She did not recognize him and was surprised that a Bairagi should place his head on her feet. Shiva then laid his head on Jija Bai's lap and took off his cap. She immediately perceived by a mark on his head that he was her lost son, and clasped him to her bosom".<br /><br /><em>Details of the next painting</em><br /><br />Shivaji and his son Shambhaji are being carried in large baskets out of a <em>haveli</em> at Agra. The guards fail to detect him and his son. Shambhaji was being left at Mathrua in safe protection of three Maharashtrian Brahmins, brothers-in-law of Moro Trimbak, the Peshwa.<br /><br />A party of Bairagis seeks to meet Jija Bai at Rajgarh. Shivaji who had shaved off his head and moustaches at Mathura comes closer and throws himself at her feet. She recognizes him when he removes his cap.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-22974027908464945732009-02-19T02:29:00.000+05:302009-02-19T02:32:03.812+05:30<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupBjB7ZAwTovDz2mKU7VhFvIU0gliJ_-a8F3891UiCHc7WFTjBlbCl0mVqlmSn2tlHnL5ghFK5t5EisBktZkMkZoyHoDhbpek_sq09rsQeIYARfjAaoTEdp2czfaJ3rTTKpOMhO-G794/s1600-h/23.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304245331392052594" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupBjB7ZAwTovDz2mKU7VhFvIU0gliJ_-a8F3891UiCHc7WFTjBlbCl0mVqlmSn2tlHnL5ghFK5t5EisBktZkMkZoyHoDhbpek_sq09rsQeIYARfjAaoTEdp2czfaJ3rTTKpOMhO-G794/s400/23.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">Shivaji and his son escaping from Agra in baskets (18 August 1666) and later Shivaji's arrival at Rajgarh dressed as a Bairagi takes Jija Bai by surprise.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563455835586104759.post-49308029859710516342009-02-19T02:21:00.000+05:302009-02-19T02:28:30.208+05:30The Route of the Great Escape<div align="justify">(The route taken by Shivaji after his flight from confinement at Agra, 18th August 1666)<br /><br />Till today no one knows the exact route which Shivaji took for reaching Rajgarh after a successful and sensational escape through six rings of guards as shown in the adjoining sketch. Rajgarh is 670 miles from Agra in a straight line but he must have covered nearly a thousand miles in reaching the safety of his home. The <em>Akhabarat</em> of 4th November 1666 mentions the news received from the Deccan that Shivaji and his son had reached Rajgarh.<br /><br />The accompanying diagram shows the routes which different sources suggest Shivaji took in returning safely to Maharashtra.<br /><br /><strong>Route No.I</strong> shown in <strong>Red</strong> is the one suggested by Sir Jadunath Sarkar. According to him, from Agra Shivaji first went in the opposite direction to Mathura to confuse his pursuers. Here he left his son (Shambhaji) under the care of trusted Maratha priests, reached Allahabad and then passing through Gondwana and the less inhabited areas of Golkonda and Bijapur, reached Rajgarh (12th September 1666) to the great surprise and happiness of Jija Bai, his mother.<br /><br /><strong>Route No.II</strong> shown in <strong>Blue</strong> incorporates the information from the Marathi sources and is merely an extension of the first. According to it Shivaji also visited Varanasi, Gaya and Puri on the way and thereafter the route which he took passed through territories of Golkonda and Bijapur and ended at Rajgarh.<br /><br /><strong>Route No.III</strong> shown in <strong>Green</strong> seems, the more likely route taken by Shivaji. It passed through Mathura, Dausa, Shahpura, Banswara, Rajpipla and Saler. About fifteen years later (1681 AD), when Durgadas Rathor escorted Prince Akbar (rebel son of Aurangzeb), to Shambhaji, he had taken the route which passed through Banswara, "Bharvargar Ghat" on the Narmada, Rajpipla and reached Saler on <em>Jyestha Vadi</em> 5, V.S. 1737 (29 April 1681) in "Shambhaji's <em>mulak</em>". This was the safest and the shortest route, the only dangerous area being that around Ahmedabad.<br /><br />This route was safest as travelling through Rajasthan, even in the disguise of a <em>Bairagi </em>was more safe than covering more than 462 km. – the distance from Mathura to Allahabad in a straight line – <strong>and passing through three Mughal provinces, and then through none too friendly Golkonda and Bijapur States, to reach Rajgad</strong>. Shivaji had immense goodwill and respect for him among the Rajputs and who knows what arrangements Kunwar Ram Singh had made to facilitate Shivaji's escape and his safe return to his home land, to keep the '<em>tek</em>' or pledge of his father, about which he was extremely sensitive, as the contemporary letters of Parkaldas from Agra amply show.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0