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
Dadoji was also incharge of the Kondana fort which belonged to Bijapur court. After the death of Dadoji, Bijapur court appointed Miyan Rahim Mahmood Khan as the new incharge commander of Kondana fort. It was not acceptable to young Shivaji. He wanted his saffron flag over that fort.He asked his confidant, Bapuji Mudgal to capture
Now Shivaji was taking over Dadoji’s responsibilities more and more gradually. Dadoji was getting older and older. Shivaji was doing the entire planning and executing them. It was decided by Shivaji and his young commanders to capture the nearby forts of the Muslim empires. But the task was not easy. Muslim empires were very strong
Now Shivaji was back again with Dadoji. The visionary old man had already crafted a political agenda for his charge, young Shiva to build him up into a valiant crusader for Hindu revival.The basic ideal was to create a large Hindu welfare state called ‘Swarajya’. The task was to begin with the merger of 24
During Shiva’s stay at Bangalore Shahaji had appointed a teacher to teach him letters. In Poona, Dadoji arranged for the continuation of that education besides warfare, use of weapons and public relations.From Dadoji Shiva continued to get good moral education by example. His mother and the grandfather provided cultural and religious feed in.Dadoji took upon
Dada Kond Dev was the biggest asset Shahaji possessed. Shahaji could afford to live away from his state to serve the empires continuously leaving the Poona state and his family in the care of the trusted Dada Kond Dev. Dada Kond Dev popularly called ‘Dadoji’ was a serious person, a good planner and able manager.
Emperor Mohammad Shah Adil of Bijapur was holding his grand court. It was a dazzling show. The emperor sat on a high throne bedecked with jewels. The ministers, courtiers, scholars, commanders, chieftains and men of art were in their respective seats.The court singers had just finished their songs of the greatness of Shah Adil. The