On Aurangzeb’s invitation Shivaji decided to attend the court of the Mogul empire at least for one time. He wanted to assess the northern empire.Shivaji and his son, Shambhaji left Rajgarh for Agra accompanied by 350 soldiers. A royal welcome to him at Agra was rightfully expected. But his arrival was largely ignored.It angered the […]
Shivaji’s campaigns worried Aurangzeb. He knew that Shivaji had to be tamed.For this task, now Aurangzeb sought the services of Mogul empire’s most loyal soldier, Raja Jai Singh. As all Muslim commanders had failed he wanted to try Hindu commander. Raja was a shrewd military brain.Aurangzeb duly honoured Raja Jai Singh and formally gave him
When confusion cleared Moguls realised that Shivaji had struck and escaped. They regrouped to chase the marauders. Hundreds of soldiers raced out on their horses. They saw a trail of hundreds of torches moving southwards on the hilly track. Taking it for Shivaji’s escaping group they went in chase. Hours of galloping their horses brought
On the other side, Shaista Khan was living in Shivaji’s own ancestral home Lal Mahal with his family and was plotting the destruction of Swarajya. It hurt Shiva gravely. One lac strong Mogul army was camping at Poona.Shivaji thought of a plan to punish Shaista Khan for the practical insult he was heaping on Shivaji.
Meanwhile, the Mogul empire’s character had changed drastically. Aurangzeb, the Muslim fanatic had managed to descend on the throne of the Mogul empire by ruthlessly disposing off his brothers and imprisoning his father, Shahjahan. He was well aware of Shivaji’s cunning and daredevilry. By then, Shivaji had captured large areas and many forts of the
Siddi knew that Shivaji had escaped successfully duping them with a decoy. He ordered sub-commander Masood to go in chase of Shivaji.Meanwhile, the escaped Shivaji was being carried away in a palki by his trusted soldiers who were running as fast as they could to distance from the danger. As they entered a narrow valley,
But Shivaji this time had a surprise for the enemy. He had decided to change his tactics. He had deployed his army on the both sides of the path that led to the fort. The sides were high grounds. As Rustam’s army walked through the trap Shivaji soldiers pounced down on it from both sides.
A small clearing on the hilly climb to Pratapgarh fort was selected for the meeting of Shivaji and Afzal Khan. A royally decorated tent was pitched up there. The appointed day of the meeting was to be 10th November, 1659 with the agreement of the both sides.On the eve of the meeting, Shivaji held a
Shivaji’s spies were all over Wai. They were reporting the developments at Afzal camp everyday. He was waiting for the right movement to make his move. He spoke to his confidants, “Friends, Afzal Khan is the biggest challenge we are faced with. Bijapur has sent a very large army under him to destroy us. We
It should be noted that Afzal Khan had managed to slay Shahaji’s elder son, Shambaji in a battle near Bangalore. It was said that Afzal Khan had played a dirty trick to kill Shambaji. Thus, he was in a way sworn enemy of Shahaji family. He had played an important role even in the arrest
With Aurangzeb away now field was again open for Shivaji to play his games. He again turned his attention to Bijapur Empire. He attacked and captured Raibag and Adgal areas.Then, the ruler of Kudal sought protection from Shivaji. Under the command of Rustam Zaman Bijapur army was moving towards his state. For the help Shivaji
The recognition letter by Aurangzeb didn’t make Shivaji loyal protege. Shivaji had his own mind and own plans which included breaking into Mogul Empire regions.His informers reported that Moguls were weak in the area falling under Junner to Ahmadnagar. It was tempting target. So, on 30th April, 1657 Shivaji raided Junner at night with a
Before Shivaji could make new moves he met some setbacks. His trusted commander Mahadev Pant died. He had played a stellar role in beating back Fateh Khan’s large army when it attacked the fort of Purander. Shivaji sent condolence message to the family of Pant and invited his four sons to join the forces of
Thus, Shahaji’s two sons had dealt crushing defeats to Bijapur forces on two fronts. But it was not solving the main problem that their father Shahaji was the prisoner of Bijapur Empire. They could not take any drastic step lest Bijapur empire should torture their father or ill treat him. It was an excruciating dilemma.
The death of Balaji Haivatrao and subsequent loss of Subhan Mangal fort hit the Chief Commander of Bijapur forces, Fateh Khan like a mighty blow. The defeat of the warrior of Balaji Haivatrao’s stature was inconsolable. Fateh Khan regrouped his forces and prepared for a revenge battle. It was a known fact that Shivaji was