\\History Department\\ 'O' Round 2 pg. 68 - Page 4

Preparing for War and Battle of Sinhagad

In the years 1667–69, Shivaji adopted a low profile and began to actively build up his army. His army now consisted of about 40,000 cavalry, 60,000 infantry, a strong navy and a potent artillery. The Mughals had the impression that he was now a spent force and would not cause them any more trouble. But Shivaji was on a war footing and aimed to directly take on the combined might of the Mughal empire. In January 1670, Shivaji launched a multi-pronged assault on Mughal garrisons in the Deccan. Within six months he had regained most of his previously held territory and more.^[8] From 1670 to 1674 Shivaji expanded his kingdom to include the major portions of modern-day Maharashtra and far in to the south including parts of modern-day Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Yet, Kondana fort, on the outskirts of Pune, was still under Mughal control. Uday Bhan Rathod, the fort keeper, led an army of about 1,500 Rajputs and Mughals for the protection of the fort. On 4 February 1670 Shivaji deputed one of his most senior and trusted generals,Tanaji Malusare, to head a mission to capture Kondana. At that time, Tanhaji's son's (Raiba's) wedding plans were underway. However, putting his duty for the Maratha Kingdom over his family he said "Aadhi lagin Kondanyache, mag majhya Raibache" (First marriage of Kondhana, and then my son Raiba's).^[8]

The Maratha tropps led by Tanaji Malusare was assigned to capture the fort was much smaller than the Mughal forces posted at the fort. Tanaji Malusare surveyed the fort and its defenses for some days. The fort was well guarded. One very sheer cliff caught Tanaji's eye. This side was least guarded as one could not possibly imagine climbing the fort from this steep side. Tanaji decided to scale this cliff to enter the fort. The legend is that, he used amonitor lizard (known as a ghorpad in Marathi) named "Yeshwanti" with a rope tied around its body for climbing this cliff on a moonless night.^[8] The lizard was made to climb to the top of the fort. As is the characteristic feature of this lizard, it braced and lodged itself in a tight corner of the fort. Then a soldier climbed to the top and threw ropes for others to climb.

Meanwhile Tanaji's brother Suryaji moved close to the gates of the fort, namely Kalyan Darwaja, with another 300 Mavalas. The gates were soon opened and once inside, all his soldiers joined Tanaji in the surprise attack. Tanaji and Uday Bhan came face to face and a fierce fight ensued. Uday Bhan broke Tanaji's shield with a single blow, Tanaji was not deterred and continued to fight by wrapping his turban around his left hand for protection, to cover up his wounds and stanch the bleeding. Tanaji being grievously wounded, staggerred back and fell. Seeing their leader mortally wounded and dying before them, the Maratha soldiers started to back-up and retreat, Suryaji and Shelar Mama stepped up and assumed leadership.

Shelar Mama, an old Sardar aged 83, took charge and faced to challenge Uday Bhan and killed him in short order. Suryaji, then stepped in front and center to rally the troops and led them back on the offensive. Legend and folk lore has it that, after the fall of Tanaji, the mavlas panicked and made a hasty retreat. Seeing this, Suryaji commented, "Why are you running like sheep? I have cut the ropes and all the escape routes are gone. Now we either fight or die." Marathas now out of any other options, charged the Mughal defenders fiercely and succeeded in capturing the fort.^[8]

When Shivaji reached the fort after the victory, he was deeply bereaved at the loss of his good friend Tanaji. He sadly commented "Gadh ala puhn sinha gela" (The fort was won but the lion was lost). Thereafter Kondana Fort was renamed Sinhagad (Lion Fort) to honour Tanaji Malusare's sacrifice and bravery.^[8]

[edit]Battle of Nesari

In 1674, Prataprao Gujar, the then Commander-in chief of the Maratha forces, was sent to push back the invading force led by the Adil Shahi general, Bahlol Khan. Shivaji had directed Prataprao to finish off Bahlol Khan, who had proved to be treacherous in the past. TheMaratha army surrounded the camp of Bahlol Khan at the village of Nesari. Prataprao's forces defeated and captured the opposing general in the battle after cutting-off their water supply by encircling a strategically located lake, which prompted Bahlol khan to sue for peace. In spite of Shivaji's specific warnings against doing so Prataprao released Bahlol Khan. Days after his release Bahlol Khan started preparing for a fresh invasion.^[14]

When Shivaji heard of Prataprao's decision he was greatly displeased and sent a letter to Prataprao refusing him audience until Bahlol Khan was re-captured. Prataprao realised the full extend of his strategic error and was so upset about it, that he now desperately wanted to redeem himself. In the ensuing days, he learnt of Bahlol Khan having camped nearby. Prataprao decided to confront Bahlol Khan at Nesari near Kolhapur.

The potential battle would have had Gujar with 1,200 troops facings Khan with 15,000. Given the uneven match Prataprao reasoned that there was no point in leading his 1,200 cavalrymen into a suicide charge. So in a fit of desperation and anguish and in an over-reaction to Shivaji's letter, he left by himself, without asking his cavalry to accompany him. It was his personal honor at stake, not his army's. On seeing their leader head to certain death six other Maratha sardars joined him in the charge, they attacked the enemy camp and were cut down before they could reach Bahlol Khan.

Anandrao Mohite, though, stayed back. The seven Maratha officers were Prataprao Gujar, Visaji Ballal, Dipoji Rautrao, Vithal Pilaji Atre, Krishnaji Bhaskar, Siddi Hilal and Vithoji. It was an impulsive and seeemingly irrational decision, and the loss of Prataprao Gujar was a big loss to the Marathas. Anandrao Mohite managed to withdraw the army to safer areas.^[15]

This event was retold in the Marathi poem "Saat" (Seven). The poem was written by a well known poet, Kusumagraj and was also sung by the great Indian songtress Lata Mangeshkar.

Shivaji's army then avenged the death of their general, by defeating Bahlol Khan and capturing his jagir (fiefdom) under the leadership ofAnaji and Hambirao Mohite. Shivaji was deeply grieved on hearing of Pratprao's death. He arranged for the marriage of his second son,Rajaram, to the daughter of Prataprao Gujar, who was later to be the Queen of the Maratha Empire, Maharani Tarabai. Anandrao Mohite became Hambirrao Mohite, the new Sarnaubat(Commander-in-chief of the Maratha forces).

Coronation and Southern Expedition

Shivaji was formally crowned Chhatrapati (Chief, or King of the Kshatriyas), on 6 June 1674 at Raigad fort, and given the title Kshatriya Kulavantas Sinhasanadheeshwar Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Pandit Gaga Bhatt, a renowned Brahmin from Varanasi, officially presided over the ceremony declaring that Shivaji's lineage was a bonafide and recognized Kshatriya (A Sisodia Rajput from Mewar same Rajput clan as of Great Rajput warrior Maharana Pratap) .^{[8][16][17][18]} He was bestowed with the Jaanva, (in Hindi- Janeu, the sacred thread), with the Vedas and was bathed in an abhisheka. Shivaji had insisted on an Indrabhishekritual, which had fallen into disuse since the 9th century. Shivaji then had the title of "shakakarta" conferred upon him.

His mother Jijabai died on 18 June 1674 within a few days of the coronation. This was considered a bad omen. Therefore a second coronation was carried out in September 1674, this time according to the Bengal school of Tantricism and presided over by Nischal Puri.

In October 1674, the Marathas raided Khandesh. On 17 April 1675 Shivaji captured Phonda from Bijapuris. Karwar was occupied by mid 1675 and Kolhapur in July 1675. There were naval skirmishes with the Siddis of Janjira in November 1675. In early 1676, Peshwa Pingale engaged Raja of Ramnagar in battle en route to Surat. Shivaji raided Athni in March 1676. By the end of 1676, Shivaji besieged Belgaum and Vayem Rayim in current day northern karnataka.

At the end of 1676, Shivaji Maharaj launched a wave of conquests in southern India with a massive force of 50,000 (30,000 cavalry and 20,000 infantry).^[8] He captured the forts at Vellore and Jinji that belonged to the sultanate of Bijapur and are in modern-day Tamilnadu. In the run-up to this expedition Shivaji appealed to a sense of Deccani patriotsm (that is the idea that the "Deccan" or Southern India was a homeland that should be protected from outsiders).^[19] His appeal was somewhat successful and he entered into a treaty with the Qutubshah of the Golconda sultanate that covered the eastern Deccan. Shivaj's conquests in the south proved quite crucial during future wars.

Jinjee served as Maratha capital for 9 years during the War of 27 years. However, his main intention was to reconcile with his stepbrother Vyankoji (his father Shahaji's son from his second wife, who came from the Mohite family) who ruled Thanjavur after Shahaji. They had talks, Venkoji (Ekoji I) showed signs of uniting with Shivaji but then no concrete result was obtained.^[8] On return to Raigad, Shivaji seized most of Ekoji's possessions in the Mysore plateau. Ekoji's wife brought reconciliation between the two brothers so they were not enemies and maintained the status quo of co-existing independently.

[edit]Rule

Shivaji Maharaj was an able administrator who established a government that included modern concepts such as cabinet(Ashtapradhan mandal), foreign affairs (Dabir) and internal intelligence.^[20] Shivaji established an effective civil and military administration. He also built a powerful navy and erected new forts like Sindhudurg and strengthened old ones like Vijaydurg on the west coast.^[8] The Maratha navy held its own against the British, Portuguese and Dutch.^[21]

Shivaji is well known for his benevolent attitude towards his subjects. He believed that there was a close bond between the state and the citizens. He encouraged all accomplished and competent individuals to participate in the ongoing political/military struggle. He is remembered as a just and welfare-minded king. He brought revolutionary changes in military organisation, fort architecture, society and politics.^[8]

Shivaji's approach to leadership was that of a champion for his people, he sought independence and self rule for his Vatan (Homeland). The Maratha's respected and looked up to his high ideals and noble character and were unwavering in their dedication to achieving these goals. Their loyalty and determination helped Shivaji to withstand, to cope and to finally overcome succeeding waves of, well co-ordinated and unrelenting enemy attacks and invasions spanning several decades. An example of this is how readily his men like Baji Prabhu Despande and others volunteered to face even the likelihood of certain death at Ghod Khind to help Shivaji continue the fight of independence – eliciting such heroism from followers cannot be mandated, it can only be inspired by, purity of character, noble and awe inspiring leadership and a truly shared vision for homeland.

He was also an innovator and an able commander, he successfully used effective tactics including hit-and-run, strategic expansion of territories and forts, formation of highly mobile light cavalry and infantry units, adaptation of strategic battle plans and formations, whereby he succeeded in out-manoeuvering, time and again, his vastly bigger and highly determined enemies. Towards the end of his reign he had built up the Maratha forces to be over one hundred thousand strong. He was able to effectively keep the Mughal forces in check and on the defensive while expanding his kingdom southwards to Jinji, Tamil Nadu.^[8] Shivaji Maharaj's kingdom served as a Hindu bulwark against Mughal powers within India. His brilliant strategic and tactical maneuvering on battlefields, acute management and administrative skills helped him to lay the foundations of the future Maratha empire in India.

[edit]Character

During his long military career and various campaigns his strong religious and warrior code of ethics, exemplary character and deep seated and uncompromising spiritual values directed him to offer protection to houses of worship, non-combatants, women and children. He always showed respect, defended and protected places of worship of all denominations and religions. He is known as aRajyogi

He boldly risked his life, his treasure, his personal well being and that of his family, to openly challenge his immensely larger enemies to defend and achieve freedom and independence for his country. He unflinchingly defied overwhelming odds stacked against him by the mighty Mughal Empire and the regional sultanates. He overcame and succeeded in the face of an unprecedented level of difficulties and challenges unrelentingly posed by his enemies.^[8] He did not spend any resources on projects designed for self-aggrandizement or vanity, instead he was propelled by his deeply held sense of Dharma (sacred duty) to his people and country.^[8]

A Maratha folklore tells of an event when Shivaji was presented a beautiful Muslim princess (daughter of amir of Kalyan, Maharashtra) as a trophy by one of his captains. Shivaji was reported to have told this lady that if his mother was as strikingly beautiful as she was, perhaps he would have been handsome as well. He wished her well and allowed her to return to her family unharmed and under his protection. In that instance, the true nobility of his character was plainly revealed to all that were present there.

Military

Shivaji's genius is most evident in his military organisation, which lasted till the demise of the Maratha empire. He was one of the pioneers of commando actions, "Ganimi Kava" a term used for such a warfare, (though the term "commando" is modern).^[22] His Mavala army's war cry was 'Har Har Mahadev' (Hail Lord Our God).^[8] Shivaji was responsible for many significant changes in military organization. These include –

• A standing army belonging to the state called paga;
• All war horses belonged to the state; responsibility for their upkeep rested on the Sovereign.
• Creation of part time soldiers from peasants who worked for eight months in their fields and supported four months in war for which they were paid.
• Highly mobile and light infantry and cavalry were his innovations and they excelled in commando tactics;
• The introduction of a centralized intelligence department, (Bahirjee Naik was the foremost spy who provided Shivaji with enemy information in all of Shivaji's campaigns)
• A potent and effective navy.
• Introduction of field craft viz. Guerrilla warfare, commando actions, swift flanking attacks;
• Innovation of weapons and firepower, innovative use of traditional weapons like tiger claw or 'Vaghnakh'. 'Vita' was a weapon invented by Shivaji ;
• Militarisation of almost the entire society, including all classes, with the entire peasant population of settlements and villages near forts actively involved in their defence.^[8]

Shivaji realized the importance of having a secure coastline and protecting the western Konkan coastline from the attacks of Siddi's fleet. His strategy was to build a strong navy to protect and bolster his kingdom, he was also concerned about the growing dominance of foreign British India naval forces in Indian waters and actively sought to resist it. For this very reason he is also referred to as the "Father of Indian Navy".

Forts of Shivaji

Shivajicaptured the forts of Murumbdev,Torana,Kondhana and Purandar and laid the foundation of swaraj.Shivaji had control of 360 forts when he died.Shivaji constructed a chain of 300 or more forts running over a thousand kilometres across the rugged Western Ghats. Each were placed under three officers of equal status lest a single traitor be bribed/tempted to deliver it to the enemy. The officers (Sabnis, Havladar, Sarnobhat) acted jointly and provided mutual checks balance.

Promotion of Sanskrit

The house of Shivaji Maharaj was one of the Indian royal families who were well acquainted with Sanskrit and promoted it. The root can be traced from Shahaji who supported Jayram Pindye and many like him. Shivaji Maharaj's seal was prepared by him. Shivaji continued this trait and developed it further. He named his forts as Sindhudurg, Prachandgarh, Suvarndurg etc. He named the Ashta Pradhan(council of ministers) as per Sanskrit nomenclature viz. Nyayadhish, Senapati etc. He got Rajya Vyavahar Kosh (a political treatise) prepared. His Rajpurohit Keshav Pandit was himself a Sanskrit scholar and poet.^[26] After his death, Sambhaji, who was himself aSanskrit scholar (his verse – Budhbhushanam), continued it. Serfoji II from the Thanjavur branch of the Bhosale continued the tradition by printing by modern methods, first book in Marathi Devnagari.

Sambhaji issued one danapatra (donation plaque), which is in Sanskrit composed by himself in which he writes about his father as:

1. Yavanarambha gritat mlechakshaydiksha: – Shivaji had taken a sacred oath and was on mission to defeat foreign invaders
2. Dillindraman pradhvanspatu: One who has defeated the Mughal Emperor of Delhi
3. Vijayapuradhishwar prathtarmanya bhujchachayay: One whose help was sought by Adilshahi King of Vijaypur

Religion

Shivaji was a devout Hindu and he respected all religions within the region. Shivaji had great respect for other contemporary saints, most notably Tukaram and also saits from other religion.

Shivaji allowed his subjects freedom of religion and opposed forced conversion.The first thing Shivaji did after a conquest was to promulgate protection of mosques and Muslim tombs.

He commanded the respect and fealty of the Muslims under his command by his fair treatment of his friends as well as enemies.^[8] Kafi Khan, the Mughal historian and Bernier, a French traveler, spoke highly of his religious policy. He also brought back converts like Netaji Palkar and Bajaji back in to Hinduism. He prohibited slavery in his kingdom.^[8] Shivaji Maharaj applied a humane and liberal policy to the women of his state.^[29] There are many instances in folklore which describe Shivaji's respect for women, irrespective of their religion, nationality, or creed.

Shivaji's sentiments of inclusivity and tolerance of other religions can be seen in an admonishing letter to Aurangzeb, in which he wrote:'

Legacy

Statue of Shivaji mounted on a horse at Gateway of India

Because of his struggle against an imperial power, Shivaji became an icon of freedom fighters in the Indian independence struggle that followed two centuries later. He is remembered as a just and wise king and his rule is called one of the six golden ages in Indian history. School texts in India describe Shivaji Maharaj's rule as heroic, exemplary and inspiring and he is considered the founder of the modern Marathi nation; his policies were instrumental in building a distinctMaharashtrian identity and infusing it with strong martial and moral traditions.

A regional sectarian political party, the Shiv Sena, claims to draw inspiration from Shivaji Maharaj. The World Heritage site of Victoria Terminus and Sahar International Airport in Mumbaiwere renamed Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Chatrapati Shivaji International Airportrespectively in Shivaji Maharaj's honour, as have many public buildings and spaces in recent years. The School of Naval Engineering of the Indian Navy is named as INS Shivaji.

Swami Vivekananda also said the following: "Shivaji was one of the greatest national saviours who emancipated our society and our Dharma when they were faced with the threat of total destruction. He was a peerless hero, a pious and God-fearing king and verily a manifestation of all the virtues of a born leader of men described in our ancient scriptures. He also embodied the deathless spirit of our land and stood as the light of hope for our future."

[edit]Depiction in popular culture

Shivaji is a source of inspiration for a number of artists, directors, actors, writers, shahirs (ballad composers), poets and orators.

[edit]Films

• 'Raja Shivaji' (Marathi): directed by Bhalaji Pendharkar and the main role was played by Marathi actor Chandrakant Mandare.
• 'Maratha tituka melawawa' (Marathi)
• 'Gad ala pan sinh gela' (Marathi)
• Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy, a Marathi film released in 2009

[edit]Literature

• Chatrapati Shivaji: biography authored by Setu Madhavrao Pagdi (Devanagari: ???? ??????? ????) (1910–1994) a historian from India.'Chhatrapati Shivaji' is a comprehensive biography of Shivaji Maharaj covering all the chronological historic events with supportive reference from various literature chronicles(Bakhars)available in various languages i.e. English, Marathi, Urdu Hindi, Persian manuscripts etc. All the factual aspects related to Shivaji Maharaj are described with due importance. The events covered give a realistic idea of Shivaji's life, performance and struggle for freedom(Swarajya). Shivaji's childhood, Afzalkhan episode, shaistekhan, relation with Jaising, visit to Agra, war with the Mughals, Coronation, Campaign of Jinjir and the last two years before death of Shivaji are also property illustrated.
• 'Sriman yogi': novel written on Shivaji Maharaj's life by Ranjit Desai.
• Shivaji The Great: English translation of 'Shriman Yogi' by Dr. V. D. Katamble

Poetry and music

• 'Shivraj Bhushan' (Hindi) by Kavi Bhushan
• 'Vedat Marathe vir daudale sat': poem composed by Kusumagraj on Shivaji Maharaj's general Prataprao Gujar, performed Lata Mangeshkar and Hridayanath Mangeshkar.
• ballads by Tulsidas and Agandas
• 'Jay Dev, Jay Dev Jay Jay Shivraya' and 'He Hindu Nrusinha Prabho Shivaji Raja' composed by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, performed by Lata Mangeshkar and Hridayanath Mangeshkar.^[32][33]

[edit]Theatre

• 'Raigadala Jevha Jaag Yete' (When Raigad awakes): by Marathi playwright Vasant Kanetkar based on the complex relationship between Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji.
• 'Jaanata Raja' (????? ????),a musical tale of Shivaji Maharaj's life based on Raja Shivachhatrapati by Babasaheb Purandare

Television

• Raja ShivChhatrapati: TV serial on Star Pravah, a Marathi channel of Star India Network. The serial was launched in November 2008 and is expected to run for more than 100 one-hour episodes, in which the role of Raja Shivaji is played by Dr. Amol Kolhe

Associates

Under Shivaji Maharaj, many men of talent and enterprise rose into prominence. They carried forward his mission and ensured the defeat of the Mughals in the War of 27 years. These include Santaji Ghorpade, Dhanaji Jadhav, and Kanhoji Angre.Some of Shivaji's close associates were also his primary army chieftains, and have entered folklore along with him. Notable ones include: Antaji Konde-Deshmukh, Baji Prabhu Deshpande, Bapuji Mudgal Deshpande, Chimanaji Deshpande, Dhanaji Jadhav, Firangoji Narsala, Gomaji Naik, Hambirrao Mohite, Kanhoji Jedhe, Murarbaji Deshpande, Netaji Palkar, Prataprao Gujar, Rango Narayan Orpe,Santaji Ghorpade, and Tanaji Malusare.

[edit]Accounts of contemporary foreign travellers

Many foreign travellers who visited India during Shivaji Maharaj's time wrote about him.

• Abbe Carre was a French traveller who visited India around 1670; his account was published as Voyage des Indes Orientales ml de plusieurs histories curieuses at Paris in 1699. Some quotes:

• The French traveller Francois Bernier wrote in his Travels in Mughal India:

• Cosme da Guarda says in "Life of the Celebrated Sevaji":

Originally posted by: megha01

di...............thnx fr dis info

i m reading it

btw der is a show on chhtrapati shivaji on star pravah......its a marathi show but very lavish one

Originally posted by: BhartiKhushi909

yes i listen abt that u noe JKR original was very influence by shivaji maharaj

yes di.......i read it sumwhere but dont know much details abt dat

Originally posted by: nanditasingh

This is simply AWESOME.
i'd would be glad to be part of this ... innovative , educational & wise..coolest thing on IF.
thanks for the pm buddy..ADD ME to the list.
Currently i'm caught up with my pre-boards Join you guys as soon as i'm done...

Originally posted by: megha01

yes di.......i read it sumwhere but dont know much details abt dat