Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj tales. Tales of Shivaji

 INTRODUCTION

These are some of the stories about Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji was the first ruler of the Maratha kingdom. He was the founder of swarajya. In this story, you will read about his life. There was enmity between Marathas and Mughals. Adilsha was the king of Bijapur. Shivaji's mother's name was Jijabai and his father's name was Shahaji who was a Maratha general in the court of Adilsha. Shivaji did not like it when his father bowed before Adilsha. when he visited once, his father bowed to Adilsha, but, Shivaji did not like it again. When some ministers told Shivaji to bow before Adilsha, Shivaji replied fearlessly, " I do not bow before anyone except my mother". This made Adilsha furious. But he controlled his anger.

Shivaji was born on 19 February 1630 in the hill fort of Shivneri near the city of Junnar (now Pune district)  He was the founder of the Maratha kingdom. He founded Swarjya (Indian self-rule). This kingdom became very big. At the time of Shiva's birth. the rule of Adilsha grew more and more.

  Shivaji's mother Jijabai was a clever mother she taught Shivaji many things. Shivaji carefully studied the two Hindu books Mahabharata and Ramayana and asked Jijamata many questions. Jijamata would always love to answer Shivaji's questions.

The immorality and spiritual messages were written by rushis (sage) left a great impression on Shivaji. He married Saibai in 1640. Shahaji then appointed a teacher in order to teach Shivaji, the teacher's name was Dadoji Konddeo. he taught Shivaji many things, and Shivaji learned them quickly. His first mavlas( soldiers) were his friends including Yesaji Kank, Suryaji Kakade, Baji Pasalkar, Baji Prabhu Deshpande, and Tanaji Malusare.

                                 ATTACK ON TORNA      

At the age of 15, Shivaji persuaded Inayat Khan. The commander of Torna, a Bijapur commander. To hand over the fort a Maratha, Firangoji Narsala, who was the commander of the Chakan fort, showed his loyalty towards Shivaji. And, Kondhana fort was brought by awarding the Bijapur governer. They put their flag, bhagwa, on Torna. The mavlas were celebrating. But, Shivaji said, don't be too happy my friends. We still have to win hundreds of forts like this, be aware, the enemy can attack anytime."

On 25 July 1648, Shahaji the father of Shivaji was imprisoned by Baji Ghorpade by the orders of Adilsha to crush Shivaji.

Around 1664-1665 in a hunting accident, Shahaji died. But, Shivaji resumed his training. A person in the Maratha kingdom killed Chandrarao and more and died while fighting with the Mughals. Having a great opportunity to kill Shivaji, Adilsha sent a general to attack Shivaji his name was Afzal Khan. 

ADILSHA SENDS AFZAL KHAN

Afzal Khan was a general who served the Adilshahi dynasty, in Bijapur (present-day Karnataka). He was 7 feet tall and used to bend iron bars. Adilsha wanted to kill Shivaji, so he sent Afzal Khan who took a huge army with him, and set his journey to Wai.

Afzal Khan was on his way to Wai. He looted as many villages that came in his way, he destroyed many villages and killed countless people. Finally, he reached Wai. Shivaji got all the news of the destruction Afzal Khan committed on his way.

 

At that time, Shivaji's wife Saibai was seriously ill and was on her death bed. Afzal Khan broke down the temple of goddess Bhavani at Tulzapur and the Shiva temple at Mandkeshwar. Afzal Khan had crossed his limits. Shivaji wanted to avenge Afzal Khan for all the lives he has taken. He wanted to avenge him for the destruction he had caused.

Shivaji went to Jijamata before meeting Afzal Khan. She blessed him and said, "Be victorious, my son, teach Afzal Khan a lesson, avenge him, my son, avenge him". Shivaji came back to Pratapgad. Khan was at Wai at that time. Khan asked Shivaji to come and meet him. But, Shivaji was sure that Afzal Khan would trick him in some way.

So, he decided to ask Afzal Khan to come and meet him at Pratapgad. He smartly sent a reply to Afzal Khan," Khan Saheb, I do not have the courage to face you. I am too afraid of you. Khan Saheb I request you to come and meet me at Pratapgad". Afzal Khan thought that Shivaji was such a brave guy and he is scared of me. It will be easy to kill Shivaji. Finally, Khan decided to meet Shivaji at Pratapgad. Afzal Khan had already started dreaming about his easy victory over Shivaji. Shivaji had a huge tent built up. He also got chandeliers, soft carpets spread on the floor. Fine good wit curtains all over. The next morning Shivaji worshipped Lord Shiva. 

Then, Shivaji put on his chain armor and on top, he put his coat. He wore a metal crown, tied his turban took a sword, a small knife, and tiger nails were what he was armed with. He prayed to Lord Ganesha and set out to his meeting. Shivaji went to the meeting place with 10 mavla soldiers. Afzal Khan reached the meeting place well before time. 

He was unaware of the mavla soldiers hiding in the nearby forest waiting for their signal. Afzal Khan was slowly becoming over-confident about his victory. Everybody on Pratapgad was fully tensed. Every security was set up on the fort. Shivaji had made all arrangements as per the plan. He slowly started proceeding towards the meeting place. He was supposed to halt at the tent with the yellow flag as decided in the agreement. 

Shivaji reached the foothill of Pratapgad. Many mavla soldiers gathered around Shivaji. They pleaded with Shivaji to take them along with him. Shivaji saw the concern in their eyes and said," My brothers, you have to stay back and protect the fort. You have to protect my son Sambhaji". Shivaji reached the meeting place but did not go inside. It was decided that no soldier was allowed inside the tent. But Afzal Khan's bodyguard Sayyad Banda accompanied him.

Shivaji sent a messenger to Khan. The messenger went inside the tent and said," Khan Saheb, Shivba (Shivaji Maharaj) is very scared of you, so please send your bodyguard Sayyad Banda outside the tent". Afzal Khan sent his bodyguard outside. The messenger left the tent and went to Shivaji and told him that Sayyad Banda has gone outside the tent. Then, Shivaji came inside the tent. He didn't get scared of Afzal Khan, he looked at him peacefully. Shivaji was like a hill and Afzal Khan was like a big mountain in front of Shivaji. 

Khan then yelled at Shivaji, "How dare you disobey the Mughals, how dare you disobey Adilsha, Qutub Shah, and Aurangzeb. Give me all your forts, and become my slave you will be brided with 50,000 gold coins, leave your Swarajya, and come and embrace me, Shivaji, come and embrace me". Shivaji went front and embraced him. Suddenly, Afzal Khan held Shivaji tight in his arms, he took out a dagger and stabbed Shivaji in the back. Shivaji was alarmed. Shivaji was saved because of his chain armor he wore inside his coat. Shivaji understood it was time to attack, so, he took out his tiger nails and thrusted them into Afzal Khan's stomach.

Afzal Khan started screaming," Ya Allah! Kill him, kill Shivaji, cut him into pieces, cut him. Afzal Khan ran outside the tent sat in his palanquin. Sayyad banda saw Afzal khan wounded. He went inside the tent and saw Shivaji with tiger claws. He raised his long sword to kill Shivaji. Suddenly, a mavla, Jiva Mahal comes inside the tent and kills Sayyad Banda in one slash. He was the one who saved Shivba's life.

Shivaji then fired a cannon to signal his hidden troops to attack the Bijapur army. A fierce war was fought. This  Battle of Pratapgarh fought on 10 November 1659, made history. Shivaji's troops were less but they defeated Afzal Khan's huge army easily. 3,000 soldiers of Afzal Khan's army were killed. Some of the Mughals even ran away. Suddenly Shivaji notices Khan sitting in his palanquin and running away. He chased Afzal Khan and hit the people who were carrying the palanquin. The palanquin fell down and even Khan fell down. Shivaji raised his sword and cut off Afzal Khan's head with a single strike. Shivaji won the war and returned to Pratapgad.

And ordered his men to bury Afzal Khan with full honor and respect. The men were shocked and told among themselves," What a good man he is, even giving respect to the enemy. Before burying Afzal Khan's head was presented before goddess Bhavani and jijamata as a very big victory. And afterward buried under the 'Abdullah tower' in Pratapgad. His rest of the body was buried in Javli.

This was the fort where Afzalkhan was attacked:

                                              PRATAPGAD FORT

After defeating the Bijapur forces sent to kill him, Shivaji’s army went towards Kolhapur, capturing the Panhala fort, and defeating more forces in 1659.

In 1660, Shivaji was trapped in the Panhala fort under siege by Siddi maud's army. Read about Pavan Khind here:

PAVAN KHIND

Hazel Khan has routed the court of Bijapur. The disturbed Adilsha was red with rage, his mother mary Sahiba was extremely worried. She was like an angry cobra ready to strike. She sent Sidney Shaw to attack Shivaji back. Sidney Shaw was a very ruthless leader. He had a very vast army at his disposal Johar's army. His army consisted of 10,000 cavalries and 14,000 to 15,000-foot soldiers. Sidney Shaw destroyed temples, houses, fields on his way.

At that time, Shivaji Maharaj was at Panhala fort. He had a handful of soldiers with him while traveling to Panhala. Cities were overlaid siege around it. Sidney Shaw encircled and surrounded the fort like a serpent. It was raining. Maharaj was stuck in Panhala. What could be done Maharaj was thinking. "What was the way to escape from here now?". Maharaj was thinking. Shivaji Maharaj decided to use his brain instead of brawn. He thought of an idea. He prayed to Goddess Bhavani, and sent a message to Sidney Shaw." Please forgive me, I am guilty. I want to surrender and seize the fort to you."  Shaw was overjoyed! Shivaji is surrendering. Johar's army was joyous. The guards were surprised when they heard Shivaji was surrendering. It was night and it was dark. It was raining heavily. There was a strong wind blowing like a big storm. Thundering blazed across the sky. 

And here at Panhala, 600 mavlas, were crouching in the darkness, ready to attack. Shivaji was accompanied by Baji Prabhu Deshpande. Deshpande was a resident of the village. He was one of the diamonds in Shivaji's necklace. He was very courageous. Maharaj set out with him. It was around 10 o'clock. The moon was hiding behind the dark clouds. The mavlas lifted the palanquin of Shivaji Maharaj followed by the mavlas. 

Shivaji was surrendering the next day, where the guards need to be alert to suit Maharaj's escaped in the palanquin through the space that was unguarded. The mavlas were running with the balance in the ranch. The thick bushes crossed, the uneven terrain towards Vishalgad. Meantime, Shah somehow got the news of the escape. He bit his lips in iron. The soldiers started chasing Shivaji. Maharaj had reached a dead rabbit body place where was a narrow place to cross. Baji said, "Raje I will block the Mughal soldiers from entering this rabbit. You may proceed to Vishalgad. Don't worry if you lose one Baji Prabhu Deshpande. You will get many more". But before Shivaji could say anything further, Baji bowed before him, Hugged Maharaj. But one more love alerted them," Mirage Gagene is coming sir."

"Shivba, you must proceed. As soon as you reach Vishalgad safely, fire a cannon. Till this time Baji will block this raven. With a heavy heart, Maharaj proceeded. Baji holding swords in both of his hands he stood at the mouth of the rabbit. " Har-Har Mahadev " the mavlas yelled. The angry soldiers were closing to the rabbit. The brave mavlas pelted stones in a severe fight. Baji appeared to be possessed like lord Shiva. He was wielding his swords with both hands. He was striking down each soldier. The angry soldiers tried to enter the raven. Baji Prabhu stood his ground. Baji's ears were waiting to hear the cannon. Then Baji was struck by a swarm. Baji's body was soaked in blood. But how could he surrender his position without hearing the cannon fire? He could not give up his life without knowing of the safe arrival of Maharaj. Like we shall. He kept on fighting with this thought in his mind," not one, not two, but four, seven cannons are being fired. Maharaj had reached Vishalgad safely. Baji's body was full of injuries, yet Baji Prabhu was joyful after paying avenge to Maharaj in his mind, body, soul. He left his body. He had finished his duty towards his raje. 

War raven was blessed with the blood of the faithful Baji Prabhu Deshpande. The blessed raven and Baji Prabhu Deshpande will be remembered forever in the history of independent India. Shivaji reached Vishalgad in the evening on 13 July 1660.

 ARGUMENT WITH THE MUGHALS

Until 1657, Shivaji maintained peace with the Mughals. He suggested Aurangzeb, the Mughal ruler of the Deccan and the son of the Mughal emperor. In conquering Bijapur in return for formal recognition of his right to the Bijapur forts

Dissatisfied with the response from the Mughals, and receiving a good offer from Bijapur he sent a raid in the Mughal Deccan. Shivaji’s argumentative situation with the Mughals began in March 1657, when two of Shivaji’s officers raided the Mughal area near Ahmednagar. This was followed by raids in Junnar. 

ATTACK ON SHAHISTE KHAN

When Aurangzeb heard the slaying of Afzal Khan, he was furious and disturbed. He was sure that now Shivaji was a strong enemy of the Mughal empire. Therefore, he sent for his uncle Shahiste Khan." Do whatever you can, but, I want Shivaji out of my way. I will provide you with as many military powers that you need. But Shivaji should be defeated. And remember, if you cannot defeat him, don't show your face to me again." Aurangzeb said. Shahiste Khan set out for Pune. Accompanied by huge military forces, countless war elephants, war camels, cannons, and cavalry headed for Pune.

His army looked like a huge ocean. But still, they can't do it. It would be impossible to defeat Shivaji in the mountainous cuts or reached his forts. Shivaji must be brought out in the open for war so that he cannot hide and can be defeated easily. Shahiste Khan finally reached Pune and stayed in the Lal Mahal. He took over Lal Mahal hill. Shivaji's mavlas couldn't do anything. Shivaji was disturbed. He had to get rid of Shahiste Khan. But he knew he could not win in an open battle against the forces. He suddenly had a bold plan. He went to Jija Mata for her advice. Jija Mata learned of Shivaji's plan and took a deep breath. Then she asked him," Do you realize how risky your plan is? You could lose your life if you fail. Shivaji replied," When I have yours and Goddess Bhavani's blessings with me, nobody will be able to defeat me. Jija Mata nodded. Shaiste Khan had placed his soldiers all over Pune, nobody could come inside the town or go out unnoticed. Shivaji sent a message to Shahiste Khan, the messenger asked Khan's general the permission of the marriage procession of one of his mavla soldiers. It was late in the evening when the marriage procession entered the town limits. The bridegroom rode a horse and his face was covered with flowers. Musicians were playing their musical instruments and were heading the procession.

Shivaji and his mavla soldiers walked in unnoticed in the crowd. Each one was disguised so the Mughal soldiers could not recognize them. A huge crowd of people gathered to watch the passing procession. The bride and the bridegroom were welcomed inside the house. Once inside the house, the crowd split quickly into the dark corners of the house. They all took off the disguises. Each of them drew out their swords and got ready for the attack. Quietly Shivaji instructed his soldiers as he knew every of the Lal Mahal. Shivaji climbed inside Lal Mahal to the kitchen window. The cook was busy making preparations for the next day. He was stunned on seeing Shivaji. Shivaji broke his neck and killed him. 

Then, they all reached Shahiste Khan. The Khan was snoring away to glory and was unaware of the fate awaiting him. Suddenly, there were some noises. Khan woke up and ran to see what was happening. He looked out of the window and saw the mavlas standing outside the compound. He panicked, "Ya Allah, mavlas!" He was so scared with his thoughts, that he did not notice Shivaji coming into his room. He ran to the window. Before he could jump off the window, Shivaji with a single blow of his sword, Shivaji cut of Khan's fingers. Shahiste Khan jumped off the window and ran for his life. 

He ran to the woman's quarters in a Burqa and hid among the ladies. Shivaji came in and asked," Who's there in the Burqa?" " I'm the Khan's Begum came a voice from inside." The voice sounded manly. So, Shivaji looked closely and noticed the trembling Shahiste Khan inside the Burqa. The Khan was almost scared to death. Shivaji said to the Khan," I am the Shivaji you have heard of, I give you one chance to run for your life. But, remember do not come back. The Khan fled away, and Shivaji too escaped with the darkness. 

The mavlas got into the music room, catch the musicians, and forced them to play their instruments. In the confusion, that was the cause Shivaji and his mavlas escaped. Shivaji tied the torches to the horns of bulls and set them on fire in the darkness. He sent the animals in one direction, and he went in the opposite way. The Mughal soldiers thought that they were Shivaji's mavlas, so they chased the animals! They rushed to the valley. Only to find that the flames were torches tied to the horns of grazing cattle. They realized they had been tricked, but it was too late. Shivaji and his men had reached the fort already. 

ATTACK ON SURAT

       In 1664 Shivaji sacked the port city of Surat, a wealthy Mughal trading center. He attacked Shaihste,

as you people have read before. So now, read about the Invasion of Surat.

INVASION OF SURAT

    Inayat Khan worked to Shivaji's advantage, but this was not enough. Shivaji decided to teach one more lesson to Inayat. He set his sight on Surat. Surat was a very prosperous city of petra ships bearing various kinds of markings dropped at this port. Judith was a very good trading center. It was the pride of the Mughal empire. the rich traders owned beautiful mansions and royal gardens. This city was a good source for the income of the Mughal empire. Bahirji Naik was Shivaji's spy. He passed a lot of important information about the city to Maharaj.

    Shivaji gathered 4,000 of his hand-picked soldiers. He ensured that the enemy did not get even an inkling of his intentions. Maharaj neared Surat. He called the commander of Surat to his tent and demanded a ransom. The commander was scared out of death. He went and hid in the port instead of fighting with Shivaji face to face. He decided to use treacherous means to kill Maharaj.

    He sent a youth named Inayat Khan to Maharaj. Instead of talking on the relevant subject, Inayat Khan started talking nonsense. Maharaj rebuked him, " Come to the point, will you give us the ransom or not."  When Inayat Khan said," I want to say something very important, but, only to you Maharaj.

Maharaj permitted him to come closer. On coming closer, Inayat Khan pulled out a dagger and tried to stab Maharaj. Maharaj saved himself by jumping aside in the nick of time. He was slightly injured. At that moment, Maharaj's bodyguard moved forward and quickly chopped off Inayat Khan's hand in the midair. The news of the attack on Maharaj spread in the army. 

    The mavlas were engaged. There was no other option, but to attack. So engraved soldiers said to Maharaj," Maharaj, allow us to deface the city of Surat ." Maharaj replied," Don't harass the poor women and children. Don't touch the temples, mosques, or churches. Our enemy is Aurangzeb. The Marathas went on a rampage. Surat was set on fire. Hidden treasures were dugout. Treasures piled up diamonds. Pearls, gold, silver were collected by the Marathas as their treasure. Maharaj returned with the loot loaded on horses. Surat was taught a proper lesson. The owner of the emperor was ground to dust by the Maharaja. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was snapped and humiliated.

BATTLE OF THE PURANDAR FORT

    Shahiste Khan was presented before Aurangzeb, in a humiliating condition, Aurangzeb was enraged at his defeat. His eyes were bloodshot. He threw his rosary to the ground and screamed," Shahiste Khan, go away. Get out of my sight with your shameful face, send him to Bengal. Shahiste Khan left for Bengal. Aurangzeb then planned a new scheme to defeat Shivaji Maharaj. He chose one of his Rajput leaders, Mirza Raje Jai Singh. To put the plan into practice, Mirza Raje Jai Singh was a ruler of Rajashthan. He was very courageous at the age of 56 years.

    He had been in service of the king for 47 years. He had fought many battles. He was in the habit of always winning battles. He declared war against the invincible Shivaji Maharaj. This time he should win or else his record of wins would be in vain. With this determination, Maharaja Jai Singh started out. He was accompanied by a leader called Diler Khan. Shivaji's state of self-rule came under a dark cloud. On reaching the fort of Panhala, Diler Khan laid siege on it.  Under the fort was a very prominent part of Maharashtra. It was very near to Purandar fort where prince Sambhaji was born. Here Murarbaji was the keeper of the fort. 

    Diler Khan had aimed his cannons at this fort. Due to this observation, the point of the fort was crumbling. Murarbaji was surveying the area from atop the observation point. He noticed the cannons of Diler Khan. And the camp of his soldiers, at the base of the fort, were waiting. He gathered his mavlas, and said," We should make their cannons redundant." The mavlas smiled at each other. In the darkness of the night, a group of Marathas started out stealthily. Khan's soldiers were deep in sleep. The steady chirping of the glowworms could be heard in the darkness. This Maratha group reached the cannons. They drove nails into the mouths of the cannons. Then shouted slogans of Har Har Mahadev.

    They rushed into the tents. Before Khan's soldiers could realize what was happening, they massacred 100 to 200 soldiers and disappeared into the darkness. By the time the soldiers woke up and took their swords, the mavlas had returned to the fort. The next morning, Diler Khan aimed the cannons at the fort and loaded them. There was a BOOM! and the cannon got fired up on the spot. The faces of the soldiers firing the cannons were blackened. On seeing this from the fort, Murarbaji and his men started laughing. Now, Diler Khan's anger was out of control. He sent 5,000 Mughals to attack the fort. When Murarbaji saw this, he did not fear. He protected the fort with only 700 mavlas. He had swords in both his hands. The swords were glistening in the morning light like flames of fire. Shouting slogans of Har Har Mahadev, Murarbaji and his mavlas killed many like balls of fire they fought. 

    A terrible battle ensued between them. Many Mughals were being massacred like trees being chopped down. Murarbaji whirled his swords in all directions. He killed many Mughals like a storm. When Baji was moving among the soldiers with the speed of god Shankar doing the war. Each store of Baji's sword was beheading an enemy. Diler Khan saw this and was filled with rage and stopped in his tracks. He was watching Murarbaji's bravery in amazement. He called out," O brave Murarbaji, I am very impressed with your bravery. You come away with me, I will value your bravery, and reward you with the principality. 

Murarbaji replied," Diler Khan, anyway compared to serving Shivaji a principality of the Mughals is a piece of trash. I will never be a traitor. I may lose my life, but not my integrity." Seeing this he attacked Diler Khan with the swords. He started coming towards him, but, Diler Khan shot an arrow at him. Wounded by the arrow, Murarbaji fell down." Oh God, Oh God, what a soldier you have created." Khan said. 

    Khan was stunned on the scene. One more great warrior sacrificed his life for Shivaji Maharaj.

    In the Treaty of Purandar, signed between Shivaji and Jai Singh on 11June 1665, Shivaji agreed to give up 23 of his forts, keeping 12 for himself, and pay compensation of 400,000 gold to the Mughals.

ESCAPE FROM AGRA

    Shivaji could not bear the increasing atrocities that Aurangzeb soldiers were inflicting on his fellow people. He decided to withdraw his attacks on the Mughals for some time till everything cooled down. He went to see Raja Jai Singh who approached him on Aurangzeb's behalf for a settlement. Jai Singh gave Shivaji a warm welcome. During their discussion, Shivaji politely asked Jai Singh whether he liked to work for the Mughal emperor. Jai Singh had no answer to this question. In their agreement, Shivaji agreed to hand over 23 of his forts to Aurangzeb, and also accepted to work for the Mughal emperor.

    Along with his nine-year-old son, Sambhaji, and with his most trusted mavlas, he started for Agra to see the emperor. No sooner he reached the beautiful city. He became the topic of discussion for everybody. Everybody wanted to see this great man who defied the rule of the emperor. When Shivaji arrived, Aurangzeb, made him and his men stand amongst common. So, Shivaji was furious." How dare you insult me, do you remember it is me who made your life hell!" Shivaji turned his back to the emperor and barged off to the palace along with his men and returned to his camp.

    The emperor was furious. Shivaji had insulted him. He immediately ordered Shivaji to be put under house arrest in his own camp. Shivaji realized that they were trapped.

    He was constantly trying to figure out ways to get out of the emperor's imprisonment along with young Sambhaji. His most trusted people were trying to talk out a plan to escape. Shivaji suddenly had an idea. He told his followers his plan. It was a big risk. There was no other way. As decided, he sent a message to Aurangzeb, asking him to release his men. He said you don't need them here, you need me. Moreover, you will incur more expenses for their food and other things if they stay here. Let them go. I will stay back. 

    Aurangzeb tried to figure out if Shivaji was planning something. But when he could not, he finally agreed to Shivaji's request. When one step of the plan was complete, Shivaji moved on to the next. He pretended to fall ill, severely ill. So much, that even he could not get up from his bed. One day, he pretended to have severe pain in his stomach. Physicians came to see him, but, could not treat him. 

    His pain kept increasing. Aurangzeb heard about Shivaji's illness. Even he believed, that Shivaji was seriously ill. Nobody had an idea about the plan had in mind. Aurangzeb received a message from Shivaji." I feel, my end is near. I don't think I will ever recover. I want to do something for the needy. I want to offer them food and sweets. I request your kind permission" Aurangzeb agreed to this too. 

    Huge baskets filled with sweets started moving out of Shivaji's camp to be sent to the poor. They were checked thoroughly by the guards at the exit. The guards also used to pick up some sweets for themselves in the process. This became a regular habit. After some days, the guards got tired of checking the baskets and even eating sweets. They became careless.

    This was the time Shivaji was waiting for. As usual, one day the baskets came, two of them remained empty. Shivaji handed over his bracelets to Hiroji Farzand. He then got into one of the baskets, and Hiroji took Shivaji's place on the bed.

    Young Sambhaji got into another basket. Then, one by one the baskets started moving out of the camp. after checking a couple of them, the guards let the others pass without inspection. Once outside the village, Shivaji and young Sambhaji got out of the baskets. His men were already waiting there with horses ready for the escape. Here, at the camp, the security in-charge, Faulad Khan, and his men used to occasionally peep inside Shivaji's tent. And on seeing Hiroji lying on the bed, they mistook him for Shivaji.

    After a while, Hiroji and Madari got ready for their next move. They placed cushions on the bed and covered them with blankets. Both of them came out of the tent. The guards. stopped them and asked them," Where are you both going?" They explained, That Shivaji's pain had increased and that they were going to the village to fetch the medicines. Quickly, they dispersed into the night. The next day, when the guards came inside to check. They found nobody there! They were taken aback. Shivaji had disappeared. 

    They searched every corner, but, it was of no use. Faulad Khan was dumbfounded when he realized what had happened. He couldn't figure out how Shivaji had escaped. He still could not believe that Shivaji had escaped. He was trembling at the thought of how Aurangzeb would react. When Aurangzeb got the news, he was flabbergasted. He screamed," How on earth could Shivaji get past such heavy security."

    But, it was too late. Shivaji had made a fool out of them he and his men were safe on their way towards Pune. 

When he had given 23 forts to the Mughals, he recaptured them back let's give you and story of Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. Read about it here:

TANAJI: THE BRAVEHEART

Tanhaji was the subedar of the Maratha kingdom and a close friend of Shivaji. He was born in the year 1600 in Godavli, Javali Taluka (Satara, Maharashtra, India). 

    He was born into a Maratha family. His father's name was Kaloji Malusare and his mother's name was Parvati Bai. He is famous for his mission on Kondhana. Readout to see what happens to Tanhaji.

It was twilight. Jijamata was standing on the balcony. 

    She was gazing at the strategic fort at a distance. She could see the green flag of the Mughals flattering over the fort. Just then, Shivaji came there. 

    He noticed that Jijamata was looking at the fort and that something was disturbing her. He asked her," Mother, what is it?" Jijamata said," The green flag over that Kondhana fort is disturbing me Shivba." Shivaji replied, "It is disturbing me too" He called for a meeting with his trusted soldiers. 

    Shivaji said," We need to capture the Kondhana fort. Who amongst you would volunteer to win over the fort for us?" Everybody was quiet. All of a sudden, somebody from the crowd stood up and said," I shall win Kondana for you" Shivaji noticed, it was Tanaji Malusare who had volunteered. Tanaji was Shivaji's childhood friend and indeed a brave soldier. 

    Tanhaji had actually come there along with his brother Suryaji to invite Shivaji for his son, Raiba's marriage. 

    Shivaji said," I shall appoint somebody else for this mission". Tanhaji replied," No Raje, I shall go and win Kondhana for you. Raiba's wedding can be postponed. Shivaji was touched by his loyalty.

    He finally appointed Tanhaji Malusare for the dangerous mission. At midnight, Tanhaji reached near the foot-hill of Kondhana along with 500 soldiers. They all accumulated in the dense forest. Uday Bhann Rathore was a Rajput general in-charge of the fort. 

    The fort was almost impossible to scale. There were only two entrance doors. There was a steep cliff on one side where there was no guard. 

    Tanhaji chose this unguarded side for his entry into Kondhana. He had brought along a Ghorpad. A reptile that can cling on to rocks. Tanaji tied a rope to this Ghorpad named Yeshwanti and threw it on the fort. Twice, the Ghorpad slipped. 

    Tanhaji was furious. He spoke to her angrily," Yeshwanti, don't make me angry. Or I will eat you up" This time, she clung to the rocks. 

    Quickly, the Mavlas started climbing up the fort and reached the top. It took the Mughal soldiers by surprise. Then began a fierce battle between the Mavlas and the Mughals. Tanaji was indulged in a fierce attack when Uday Bhann joined the scene. They were like two storms trying to cut through one another. 

    Uday Bhann struck so hard on Tanaji's shield that it broke into two. Tanaji pulled off his turban and wrapped it around his hand. He started fighting again. They fought and finally, severely injured, both the valiant fighters died. 

    Seeing Tanaji dead, the Mavlas started fleeing. Tanaji's brother Suryaji, cut off the rope that they were trying to escape. He said to them," Can you face Shivaji Maharaj and tell him that you all are cowards?  You have only one choice- be brave and finish this mission". Motivated by his words, the Mavlas attacked the Mughal guards, but, even more fiercely. Finally, the Mavlas had taken over the fort. 

Shivaji was waiting at his balcony. When he saw a bonfire on the fort. He knew his soldiers had won the fort of Kondana. The next day, when the report of the victory came to Shivaji he asked Suryaji," Where is Tanaji? " With tears in his eyes, Suryaji said," Maharaj, we have won the fort, but, we have lost a Tanaji". Shivaji could not believe it. He had lost Tanaji. He said," We have won the fort, but lost the lion". 

Tanaji won Kondana and made his place in the hearts of all people. this fort he won was named by Shivaji as Sinhagad on the name of Tanaji.

DEATH OF SHIVAJI MAHARAJ

Shivaji did many things throughout his life. He saved many innocent people and was a very good king. He died in 1680. Then his successor was Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj who ruled for 9 years and died in 1689.