HINDUS
(Part 6)
The Legend of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Part 2)
HINDUS
(Part 6)
The Legend of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Part 2)
Invitation to Agra and arrest at Mughal Court
After the treaty of Purandar, Shivaji had to wait till his next big step. Although he wasn’t planning anything. His nine year old son Sambhaji was also eager with his father’s activities and he had shown his full support to his father at that young age.However, after some time in 1666, Shivaji got an invitation from Agra, from Mughal Court. Emperor Aurangzeb invited him to join them in Mughal Court. Aurangzeb had plans to send Shivaji at Kandahar (now in Afghanistan) as a governor. However he knew that Shivaji was not the man who could just leave his motherland for him.
Shivaji went Agra along with his nine years old son, Sambhaji. When Shivaji arrived at the rich Mughal Court, he was given seat behind the military commanders. Well, that was not the way Shivaji should be treated. He had agreed on the treaty, he was not less than a viceroy. To give seat behind military commanders was an insult. Therefore Shivaji lost his temper and stormed out from the court before every courtier. He didn’t care what Aurangzeb would feel. Apparently, Aurangzeb ordered to imprison them in charges of disgracing the Mughal Emperor. Shivaji and Sambhaji were apparently alone and couldn’t fight back. The Mughal Soldiers imprisoned them in Agra.
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| Shivaji at Aurangzeb' court |
After few weeks, Shivaji feigned of illness in the prison. So he requested to allow him to send some gifts and sweets to his military in Deccan. He was allowed to do so. Sambhaji was just a child, so he had no restriction to wander around. On the day of 17th August, 1666, Shivaji wore up clothes of servant and carried a basket of sweets on his shoulder, in which Sambhaji sat quietly. Shivaji broke out very cleverly and disappeared for a while. He fled away from boundaries of Agra disguised as Saints.
The breakout of Shivaji made Aurangzeb angry, while Shivaji went into Deccan and assembled his army for heavy attacks. This time he won’t make it light. This time Mughals had to pay what they had done to Hindus. In 1670, Tanaji Malusare launched at attack on Sinhgadh Fort and won it. Meanwhile, Shivaji launched an attack on Surat one more time and sacked it once again. Every time something happened to Surat, both Mughals and British lost their tempers. However, Shivaji was well-aware with the movements of British. Every conquest of Shivaji had been enraging Mughals more and more.
For heavy attacks on Mughals, Marathas needed heavy war materials. And Shivaji exactly knew who could help them. He sent his men to Bombay to convince the British to sell them war materials. Apparently, British refused as Shivaji had sacked Surat one more time.
This made Shivaji angrier than ever, and he sent his forces to Bombay to harass British and fetch materials. And they got materials. However, in 1671, they again required more materials. This time, Shivaji sent his ambassador to talk peacefully and make dealings with British. Meanwhile, British knew if they disagreed, they would lose the chances of getting Rajapur Factories as Maratha wouldn’t give away anything. They had no choice but to negotiate. However, the negotiation failed on the topic of Rajpur Factories, as Shivaji refused to give away Rajapur Factories.
In 1674, Shivaji sent Prataprao Gujar, the commander-in-chief of Maratha Forces to fight against Bahlol Khan, the adilshahi governor. Prataprao defeated them after cutting off the water supply. However, he released Bahlol Khan despite the orders of Shivaji not to do so.
Apparently, Shivaji was unpleased with this activity of Prataprao, as he knew that Bahlol Khan shouldn’t be trusted in any way. Therefore, Shivaji wrote a letter to Prataprao, while Bahlol Kahn assembled army of 150000 to avenge his defeat. Prataprao and other Maratha leaders led the suicide mission to defeat the Adilshahi Army and capture Bahlol Khan. However, Prataprao was killed during the battle, but after that Maratha avenged his death and seized Bahlol Khan’s jagir. Death of Prataprao was a very sad news for Shivaji. He grieved on his death, and then he arranged the wedding of his second son Rajaram with daughter of Prataprao.
Hambirrao Mohite was appointed a new commander-in-chief of Maratha Army. And by then, the Raigad Fort was ready. A new capital of Marathas.
Shivaji had conquered many lands and had acquired enough Jagirs. However, technically, he was still a son of Mughal Jagirdar or Adilshahi Governor, and he had no right to rule all these lands. And the solution to that problem was any kingly title that would make Shivaji a king and eventually, could give him right to rule everything he had owned.
Maratha Leader had their right to appoint their king, who could rule the land and be a monarch to defend them in wars. Besides, the Hindu Monarch was the need in Muslim ruled nation, where Hindus had all the rights to rule their own land. Shivaji was the only and best choice for this title of Monarch.
On 6th June, 1674, Marathas arranged a grand coronation ceremony for their beloved warrior Shivaji at Raigad Fort. Pandit Gaga Bhatt officiated, holding the gold vessel filled with water of seven sacred rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, Indus, Godavari, Kaveri, Narmada and Krishna) over Shivaji’s head and chanted the coronation mantras. Then Shivaji bowed to his mother Jijabai’s feet to receive her blessings. Approximately, fifty thousand people had gathered to enjoy the coronation ceremony. Then Shivaji was bestowed with sacred thread of Janva and then he bathed with Abhisheka. He was entitled as Shakakarta (Founder of an era), Kshatriya Kulavantas (Head of Kshatriyas) and Chhatrapati (Paramount sovereign). He also accepted the title of “Haindava Dharmoddharka”.
Thus the brave Maratha Warrior became the monarch of the Marathas, head of the Kshatriyas. He established the strong Hindu Empire, the Maratha Empire. The monarch with the dream of Hindu Nation was now known as CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ.
However, after 12 days of his coronation, his mother Jijabai died on 18th June, 1674. Considering this as a bad omen, the second coronation was held on 24th September, 1674. This time it was done according to Bengali School of Tantricism.
Shivaji was a Hindu Monarch, but respected all religions. No Maratha King ever harassed Muslims in their land. This land has always belonged to Hindus, and only they have right to rule it. For more than 2000 years, Hindus have made Indian Subcontinent wide and cherished it. And then some refugees came and destroyed the glory of golden nation. India might be known due to Taj Mahal these days, but we had glorious temples before they destroyed them. Rise of Maratha Empire was the first step towards the ambitious Hindu Nation. This land of Hindustan is called so because this land belongs to Hindus.
After establishment of Maratha Empire, the next step was expanding the boundaries. Shivaji expanded Maratha Empire in all the directions towards Khandesh, Deccan, Vellore, Belgaum by defeating the Muslim Rulers and establishing the new Hindu Rule. These conquests actually showed Hindus a new ray of happiness in their land. The Saffron Flag was again waving in the sky. This saffron flag was sign of happiness for all religion, where everyone would get equal respect and equal justice. Apparently, Hindus were happier as they could see 500 years of slavery ending now.
Shivaji had become the national hero. Hero to Hindus. Hero to Kshatriyas. And eventually, the pillars of Mughal Sultanate had started shaking. Meanwhile, in 1675, Aurangzeb did a dreadful act by beheading the Sikh Leader, Guru Teg Bahadur by inviting him in Delhi. He was the leader of Sikhs who also protested against the Mughal Sultanate. However, the west and south had only one name… SHIVAJI
In March 1680, 52 years old Shivaji fell ill. The high fever won’t go away. After few weeks, the situation even became worse. Critical, you might say. In entire Maratha Empire, that was an atmosphere of sorrow and worship together. People were worshipping for Shivaji’s good health and recovery. Hindus had seen such a great after so many decades. They didn’t want to lose him. All the lands under saffron flag were worshipping for this one man who had shown them a pursuit of happiness.
However, the more complicated question was the throne of Maratha King. The throne of Chhatrapati. Shivaji was people’s king and if he died, who would succeed him? The only option was Sambhaji, Shivaji’s eldest son. However, his misbehaviour was a big question. But Marathas believed that he would do great if responsibilities would be given to him.
In the first week of April, 1680, on the eve of Hanuman Jayanti, Shivaji took his last breath. He died quite young. Mughals thought that his death would be the open invitation to invade the Maratha Empire, but they didn’t know that Sambhaji had Shivaji’s blood.
However, the second wife of Shivaji, Sooryabai made plans with ministers to make her son, Rajaram the Chhatrapati. And he was actually made the Chhatrapati, who was too young to rule this strong Maratha Empire. This was Sambhaji’s right. So, Sambhaji came in two months and killed the commander of Raigad Fort and possessed the throne of Chhatrapati. The destiny had chosen the appropriate man to lead this empire. And Sambhaji became Chhatrapati and led the Maratha Empire.
Quickly after Shivaji’s death, Aurangzeb declared war against Marathas which lasted for 27 years. British also participated. Sambhaji’s reign remained only for 8 years. However, during his reign, he and Rajaram invaded the western kingdoms of Muslim Rulers and eastern kingdoms too. The Maratha-Mughal war was the busiest in these years. In 1689, he and his son Shahu was captured by Aurangzeb. Mughal Documents says that Aurangzeb ordered Sambhaji to embrace Islam and he would release him. But Sambhaji was the son of Shivaji, his own blood. He refused to convert in Islam. He had accepted the dream of his father. He also wanted to see this land as Hindu Nation. Sambhaji was very quick-answering person. He said, “I wouldn’t convert into Islam even if the emperor tried to bribe me with his daughter.” A sign of true Maratha Blood. Nothing would be more precious than to see the saffron flag all over the Hindustan.
Aurangzeb ordered to execute him. And as per his orders, Sambhaji was cut into pieces and thrown into the river. His son Shahu was released after Aurangzeb’s death, while Rajaram became the 3rd Chhatrapati. He died of illness in 1700 and his son, Shivaji II became the 4th Chhatrapati of Maratha Empire. Aurangzeb’s death had weakened the Mughal Sultanate. However, Mughal Empire still had wealth and soldiers which could be enough to fight against Maratha Empire.
Peshwas were the Prime Ministers of Maratha Empire. In 1707, Shahuji became the 5th Chhatrapati after the sudden death of his nephew Shivaji II.
Meanwhile, Maratha Empire had expanded its boundaries even further. And Marathas started their rule by divisions. Holkars ruled Indore. Scindias ruled Gwalior and Ujjain. Gaekwads ruled the western state called Baroda. And finally the capital of Maratha Empire, Pune, was ruled by Peshwas.
The Dawn of Maratha vs Mughal on extreme base
The breakout of Shivaji made Aurangzeb angry, while Shivaji went into Deccan and assembled his army for heavy attacks. This time he won’t make it light. This time Mughals had to pay what they had done to Hindus. In 1670, Tanaji Malusare launched at attack on Sinhgadh Fort and won it. Meanwhile, Shivaji launched an attack on Surat one more time and sacked it once again. Every time something happened to Surat, both Mughals and British lost their tempers. However, Shivaji was well-aware with the movements of British. Every conquest of Shivaji had been enraging Mughals more and more.
Contracts with British
For heavy attacks on Mughals, Marathas needed heavy war materials. And Shivaji exactly knew who could help them. He sent his men to Bombay to convince the British to sell them war materials. Apparently, British refused as Shivaji had sacked Surat one more time.
This made Shivaji angrier than ever, and he sent his forces to Bombay to harass British and fetch materials. And they got materials. However, in 1671, they again required more materials. This time, Shivaji sent his ambassador to talk peacefully and make dealings with British. Meanwhile, British knew if they disagreed, they would lose the chances of getting Rajapur Factories as Maratha wouldn’t give away anything. They had no choice but to negotiate. However, the negotiation failed on the topic of Rajpur Factories, as Shivaji refused to give away Rajapur Factories.
Battle of Nessari
In 1674, Shivaji sent Prataprao Gujar, the commander-in-chief of Maratha Forces to fight against Bahlol Khan, the adilshahi governor. Prataprao defeated them after cutting off the water supply. However, he released Bahlol Khan despite the orders of Shivaji not to do so.
Apparently, Shivaji was unpleased with this activity of Prataprao, as he knew that Bahlol Khan shouldn’t be trusted in any way. Therefore, Shivaji wrote a letter to Prataprao, while Bahlol Kahn assembled army of 150000 to avenge his defeat. Prataprao and other Maratha leaders led the suicide mission to defeat the Adilshahi Army and capture Bahlol Khan. However, Prataprao was killed during the battle, but after that Maratha avenged his death and seized Bahlol Khan’s jagir. Death of Prataprao was a very sad news for Shivaji. He grieved on his death, and then he arranged the wedding of his second son Rajaram with daughter of Prataprao.
Hambirrao Mohite was appointed a new commander-in-chief of Maratha Army. And by then, the Raigad Fort was ready. A new capital of Marathas.
CORONATION
Shivaji had conquered many lands and had acquired enough Jagirs. However, technically, he was still a son of Mughal Jagirdar or Adilshahi Governor, and he had no right to rule all these lands. And the solution to that problem was any kingly title that would make Shivaji a king and eventually, could give him right to rule everything he had owned.
Maratha Leader had their right to appoint their king, who could rule the land and be a monarch to defend them in wars. Besides, the Hindu Monarch was the need in Muslim ruled nation, where Hindus had all the rights to rule their own land. Shivaji was the only and best choice for this title of Monarch.
On 6th June, 1674, Marathas arranged a grand coronation ceremony for their beloved warrior Shivaji at Raigad Fort. Pandit Gaga Bhatt officiated, holding the gold vessel filled with water of seven sacred rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, Indus, Godavari, Kaveri, Narmada and Krishna) over Shivaji’s head and chanted the coronation mantras. Then Shivaji bowed to his mother Jijabai’s feet to receive her blessings. Approximately, fifty thousand people had gathered to enjoy the coronation ceremony. Then Shivaji was bestowed with sacred thread of Janva and then he bathed with Abhisheka. He was entitled as Shakakarta (Founder of an era), Kshatriya Kulavantas (Head of Kshatriyas) and Chhatrapati (Paramount sovereign). He also accepted the title of “Haindava Dharmoddharka”.
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| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's coronation |
Thus the brave Maratha Warrior became the monarch of the Marathas, head of the Kshatriyas. He established the strong Hindu Empire, the Maratha Empire. The monarch with the dream of Hindu Nation was now known as CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ.
However, after 12 days of his coronation, his mother Jijabai died on 18th June, 1674. Considering this as a bad omen, the second coronation was held on 24th September, 1674. This time it was done according to Bengali School of Tantricism.
Shivaji was a Hindu Monarch, but respected all religions. No Maratha King ever harassed Muslims in their land. This land has always belonged to Hindus, and only they have right to rule it. For more than 2000 years, Hindus have made Indian Subcontinent wide and cherished it. And then some refugees came and destroyed the glory of golden nation. India might be known due to Taj Mahal these days, but we had glorious temples before they destroyed them. Rise of Maratha Empire was the first step towards the ambitious Hindu Nation. This land of Hindustan is called so because this land belongs to Hindus.
Expansion of Maratha Empire
After establishment of Maratha Empire, the next step was expanding the boundaries. Shivaji expanded Maratha Empire in all the directions towards Khandesh, Deccan, Vellore, Belgaum by defeating the Muslim Rulers and establishing the new Hindu Rule. These conquests actually showed Hindus a new ray of happiness in their land. The Saffron Flag was again waving in the sky. This saffron flag was sign of happiness for all religion, where everyone would get equal respect and equal justice. Apparently, Hindus were happier as they could see 500 years of slavery ending now.
Shivaji had become the national hero. Hero to Hindus. Hero to Kshatriyas. And eventually, the pillars of Mughal Sultanate had started shaking. Meanwhile, in 1675, Aurangzeb did a dreadful act by beheading the Sikh Leader, Guru Teg Bahadur by inviting him in Delhi. He was the leader of Sikhs who also protested against the Mughal Sultanate. However, the west and south had only one name… SHIVAJI
Set of the brightest sun
In March 1680, 52 years old Shivaji fell ill. The high fever won’t go away. After few weeks, the situation even became worse. Critical, you might say. In entire Maratha Empire, that was an atmosphere of sorrow and worship together. People were worshipping for Shivaji’s good health and recovery. Hindus had seen such a great after so many decades. They didn’t want to lose him. All the lands under saffron flag were worshipping for this one man who had shown them a pursuit of happiness.
However, the more complicated question was the throne of Maratha King. The throne of Chhatrapati. Shivaji was people’s king and if he died, who would succeed him? The only option was Sambhaji, Shivaji’s eldest son. However, his misbehaviour was a big question. But Marathas believed that he would do great if responsibilities would be given to him.
In the first week of April, 1680, on the eve of Hanuman Jayanti, Shivaji took his last breath. He died quite young. Mughals thought that his death would be the open invitation to invade the Maratha Empire, but they didn’t know that Sambhaji had Shivaji’s blood.
However, the second wife of Shivaji, Sooryabai made plans with ministers to make her son, Rajaram the Chhatrapati. And he was actually made the Chhatrapati, who was too young to rule this strong Maratha Empire. This was Sambhaji’s right. So, Sambhaji came in two months and killed the commander of Raigad Fort and possessed the throne of Chhatrapati. The destiny had chosen the appropriate man to lead this empire. And Sambhaji became Chhatrapati and led the Maratha Empire.
Sambhaji’s reign:
Quickly after Shivaji’s death, Aurangzeb declared war against Marathas which lasted for 27 years. British also participated. Sambhaji’s reign remained only for 8 years. However, during his reign, he and Rajaram invaded the western kingdoms of Muslim Rulers and eastern kingdoms too. The Maratha-Mughal war was the busiest in these years. In 1689, he and his son Shahu was captured by Aurangzeb. Mughal Documents says that Aurangzeb ordered Sambhaji to embrace Islam and he would release him. But Sambhaji was the son of Shivaji, his own blood. He refused to convert in Islam. He had accepted the dream of his father. He also wanted to see this land as Hindu Nation. Sambhaji was very quick-answering person. He said, “I wouldn’t convert into Islam even if the emperor tried to bribe me with his daughter.” A sign of true Maratha Blood. Nothing would be more precious than to see the saffron flag all over the Hindustan.  |
| Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje |
Aurangzeb ordered to execute him. And as per his orders, Sambhaji was cut into pieces and thrown into the river. His son Shahu was released after Aurangzeb’s death, while Rajaram became the 3rd Chhatrapati. He died of illness in 1700 and his son, Shivaji II became the 4th Chhatrapati of Maratha Empire. Aurangzeb’s death had weakened the Mughal Sultanate. However, Mughal Empire still had wealth and soldiers which could be enough to fight against Maratha Empire.
Peshwas were the Prime Ministers of Maratha Empire. In 1707, Shahuji became the 5th Chhatrapati after the sudden death of his nephew Shivaji II.
Meanwhile, Maratha Empire had expanded its boundaries even further. And Marathas started their rule by divisions. Holkars ruled Indore. Scindias ruled Gwalior and Ujjain. Gaekwads ruled the western state called Baroda. And finally the capital of Maratha Empire, Pune, was ruled by Peshwas.
Chhatrapati Shahuji moved his residence to Satara, while he appointed a brave Maratha Warrior Balaji Vishwanath as the Peshwa of Pune. Balaji Vishwanath had shown his capabilities during Maratha-Mughal war. And Shahuji believed that no one could lead Marathas better than Balaji Vishwanath Bhat Ballal. Though he was a Hindu Brahmin, he was a great warrior like Kshatriyas. And he would lead the Kshatriyas.
In 1713, Balaji Vishwanath Bhat was made the first Peshwa of Maratha Empire, who led the Maratha Forces during the Maratha-Mughal Civil War. In 1707, when the war ended after 27 years with Maratha’s triumph, Balaji Vishwanath was the only choice for the Peshwa.
However, in 1720, when he returned from Delhi to Satara after triumph, his health failed him. He fell ill despite of age 58. Chhatrapati Shahuji was well-aware that it was Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath who had the vast Maratha Army under control. He must recover, or this army would perish. Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath finally died on 12th April, 1720, and the chair of Peshwa became empty. His death was unpredictable that no one had ever wondered about his successor.
After Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath Bhat’s death, there was chaos to make a new Peshwa. Many Maratha Leaders suggested their own names for Peshwa at the Satara Court. Mughal Sultanate had been defeated, but the Muslim Kingdoms had started rebelling. The death of Balaji Vishwanath was relief for Islamic Kingdoms. Mughals, Adilshahs, Nizams everyone were all set to rebel against Marathas. But Maratha destiny had an answer ready for them. The Eldest son of Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath. However he was too young to rule. No one could believe that only 20 year old warrior could become Peshwa and lead the army.
After examining the capabilities of that 20 year old son of Balaji Vishwanath, Chhatrapati Shahuji saw the extreme wittiness and bravery in his eyes. His fearlessness, courage and wisdom was answer to all the questions. So, he made him Peshwa at once.
After Shivaji’s bravery and wisdom, he was the only man who led Marathas to the most extreme triumphs. Peshwa Bajirao Ballal Bhatt. Those Mughals, Nizams, Adilshahs didn’t know that they were going to face one of the bravest and wittiest warriors of the history. 20 year old Peshwa Bajirao quickly accepted the leadership of extremely strong Maratha Army and started his invasion in the Hindustan. From Satara to Delhi, from Ujjain to Baroda, and even towards the Deccan, he waved saffron flag over the 60% Hindustan. Hindustan was becoming the HINDU NATION day by day. The Hindu rule was again in power, this time under the leadership of Peshwa Bajirao Ballal Bhatt.
PESHWAS
In 1713, Balaji Vishwanath Bhat was made the first Peshwa of Maratha Empire, who led the Maratha Forces during the Maratha-Mughal Civil War. In 1707, when the war ended after 27 years with Maratha’s triumph, Balaji Vishwanath was the only choice for the Peshwa.  |
| Maratha-Mughal Civil War and British Participation |
However, in 1720, when he returned from Delhi to Satara after triumph, his health failed him. He fell ill despite of age 58. Chhatrapati Shahuji was well-aware that it was Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath who had the vast Maratha Army under control. He must recover, or this army would perish. Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath finally died on 12th April, 1720, and the chair of Peshwa became empty. His death was unpredictable that no one had ever wondered about his successor.
 |
| Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath Bhat |
After Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath Bhat’s death, there was chaos to make a new Peshwa. Many Maratha Leaders suggested their own names for Peshwa at the Satara Court. Mughal Sultanate had been defeated, but the Muslim Kingdoms had started rebelling. The death of Balaji Vishwanath was relief for Islamic Kingdoms. Mughals, Adilshahs, Nizams everyone were all set to rebel against Marathas. But Maratha destiny had an answer ready for them. The Eldest son of Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath. However he was too young to rule. No one could believe that only 20 year old warrior could become Peshwa and lead the army.
After examining the capabilities of that 20 year old son of Balaji Vishwanath, Chhatrapati Shahuji saw the extreme wittiness and bravery in his eyes. His fearlessness, courage and wisdom was answer to all the questions. So, he made him Peshwa at once.
Shrimant Peshwa Bajirao Ballal Bhatt
After Shivaji’s bravery and wisdom, he was the only man who led Marathas to the most extreme triumphs. Peshwa Bajirao Ballal Bhatt. Those Mughals, Nizams, Adilshahs didn’t know that they were going to face one of the bravest and wittiest warriors of the history. 20 year old Peshwa Bajirao quickly accepted the leadership of extremely strong Maratha Army and started his invasion in the Hindustan. From Satara to Delhi, from Ujjain to Baroda, and even towards the Deccan, he waved saffron flag over the 60% Hindustan. Hindustan was becoming the HINDU NATION day by day. The Hindu rule was again in power, this time under the leadership of Peshwa Bajirao Ballal Bhatt.
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