Fate loves to play with figures! Shahjada Akbar, son of Aurangzeb and Sambhaji Maharaj’s lives show great resemblance with each other. Both of them were born in 1657. Both lost their mothers in early age. Sambhaji Maharaj’s coronation ceremony took place on 16 January, 1681(Julian Date) & on the same day Akbar dramatically escaped from the battlefield in Ajmer. Epitome of these coincidences…On 13th November both the successors of great powers joined the hands against Aurangzeb & on the same day Aurangzeb, on his mission to diminish his rebel son and destroy his arch foe, reached Burhanpur and knocked the door of Deccan. Akbar and Sambhaji Maharaj alliance brought about darker shades of politics, fading loyalties and yet brighter sacrifices.
Akbar rebelled against Aurangzeb. This very incidence triggered a war between Aurangzeb and Akbar in Ajmer. Rajputs were fighting for Akbar. Because of politics played by Aurangzeb Akbar had to abandon the battle field. With his worthy advisor ( Durgadas Rathore) he entered in to Maratha territory. Sambhaji Maharaj appointed his top officials Annaji Datto, Balaji Avji Chitnis and Hiroji Farjand for Akbar’s assistance. All though Sambhaji Maharaj extended a shelter for Akbar, he was skeptical about Akbar’s fidelity. But very soon an unfortunate incident happened that erased this doubt.
Annaji Datto, Balaji Avji Chitnis, Hiroji Farjand and Soyarabai once again planned to establish Rajaram Maharaj on the throne. They wrote to Akbar, “ If you can help us to install Rajaram Maharaj on the throne we are ready to compromise with our territory. Securing small part with us, you can get a possession of entire territory. ” Akbar sought an opinion of his advisor Durgadas Rathore. To prove his credibility Akbar showed this letter to Sambhaji Maharaj. Clandestine again got exposed. Sambhaji Maharaj’s anger knew no bounds when his credible ministers were caught red handed. Without any second thought Sambhaji Maharaj ordered to execute all the ministers involved.
According to Jedhe archives, under the influence of Kavi Kalash, Sambhaji ordered to whip all four of them. Annaji Datto Sachiv, Balaji Avji Chitnis, Somaji Datto and Hiroji Farjand were imprisoned and killed near Parali village in Pali.
Similar attempt by the same set of people failed couple of years back. Yet Sambhaji Maharaj generously pardoned them and awarded their original positions back to them. But now when history got repeated he showed no mercy. Annaji Datto, Balaji Avji Chitnis and Hiroji Farjand were whipped badly. Annaji Datto could not withstand dire physical torture. Rest of them were executed by elephant. Maratha history had never witnessed such an unfortunate murder episode.
All those killed were in good books with Shivaji Maharaj. These veterans were trained under the able guidance of Shivaji Maharaja and highly trusted by everyone. Annaji Datto served Swarajya as a Secretary of States. Balaji Aavji Chitnis earned the post of Foreign Minister on his own merits. All the well wishers of Swarajya were stunned to know this move. Yesubai, a woman of great foresight, Sambhaji Maharaj’s wife, condemned this decision in harsh words. “ This step caused great loss to Maratha kingdom at this hour. Shivaji Maharaj had great respect and regard for them. Without consulting anyone our eligible ministers are executed. Now, how can we preserve our nation’s interests? ”
It was December 1681, Swarajya was trapped in a crazy hellhole created by Aurangzeb. Mughals were well prepared to tear apart Maratha Kingdom. Drums of war were beaten. Samartha Ramdas Swami could sense the future threats to the empire because of Sambhaji Maharaj’s fiery temper. On this background Ramdas Swami wrote to Sambhaji Maharaj about behavioral patterns to be acquired as an emporer. His words of wisdom give code of conduct to be followed.
अखंड सावधान असावे | दुश्चित कदापि नसावे
तजविजा करीत बसावे | एकांतस्थळी ||
काही उग्रस्थिती सांडावी | काही सौम्यता धरावी
चिंता लागावी पराची अंतर्यामी ||
आहे तितुके जतन करावे पुढे आणिक मिळवावे
महाराष्ट्र राज्य करावे जिकडे तिकडे ||
(Always be cautious and circumspective. Formulate modulus operandi after deep thinking in solitude. Do not take decisions on the spur of moment. Acquire equanimous approach. Take sincere and dedicated efforts to preserve and expand the boundaries of Hindavi Swarajya. )
Consistent criticism by all the well wishers leaded to deep introspection. Marathas lost their ministers when they were needed the most. Sambhaji Maharaj was regretting his own decision. As guided by Samartha Ramdas, Yesubai asked Sambhaji Maharaj to spend some time in solitude. She told him to visit Udhar Rameshwar temple in Pali. At this critical situation Sambhaji Maharaj needed some time to build his plan of action. This quantum of solace gave him clarity of thoughts. Stay of few days at Udhar Rameshwar temple brought in paradigm shift in Sambhaji Maharaj’s approach.
Gradually Aurangzeb started flexing his military might. He sent out army to encircle Sambhaji Maharaj.
1. Khanjahan Bahadur was ordered to camp near Bahadurgad.
2. Naval powers were strengthened and Aurangzeb asked Siddi of Janjira to launch an offensive.
3. 14,000 soldiers under the leadership of Hasan Ali Khan started marching to the south Konkan, the stretch from Ratnagiri to Sindhudurga.
Hasan Ali Khan Deccan Campaign ( January and February 1682 )
While Sambhaji Maharaj was entangled in naval affairs Hasan Ali Khan Started infiltrating into Maratha territory. Roaring Mughal army faced first counterattack near Naneghat. Withstanding the same they could capture Kalyan. This mughal juggernaut was stopped by Maratha troops. Fierce battle took place between two forces. Such was an enthusiasm of Maratha soldiers and such was an aspiration of their leader that mughals were defeated. Dalpat Bundela, Raja Mahasingh, Hasan Ali himself and his son were seriously enjured. Hasan Ali withdrew his troops and headed towards Nashik. Immediately Marathas captured Kalyan. This is how Marathas successfully retaliated Mughal incursion.
Second campaign in Deccan by Randullakhan and Ranmastakhan ( September 1682- April 1683)
Aurangzeb dispatched army of 50,000 soldiers under Ranmastakhan. Ranmastakhan captured Kalyan with minimum resistance. On 8 january, 1683(Julian Date) face off took place between two giants. Maratha leader Tukoji was killed in this confrontation. Marathas then cut enemy supply lines. Insufficient food supply assuaged the killer instinct of rival forces. On 23 February, 1683(Julian Date) Aurangzeb sent out few battalions under Randullahkhan. Maratha officer attacked aggressively on Mughal troops. This battle caused 400 casualties on Marathas side. Hence, they decided to take one step back and abandoned the war field.
Few days later Commander in chief Hambirrao Mohite waged a war against Mughals. War terminated with no decisive victory. Maratha forces blunted every advance. Thus Aurangzeb called his troops back. On his way back, Randullahkhan was encircled and trapped by 20,000 cavalry and 10,000 Maratha infantry. In this battle Mughal officers with high perks were killed. They suffered great casualties and injuries. This joint venture by Randullah Khan and Ranmast Khan could not brought substantial victory for Mughals.
To sum up these expeditions, both the sides suffered great loss in terms of man power. But Mughals were left devoid of any territorial gains.
Amidst of turmoil, Aurangzeb continued writing to Akbar. Aurangzeb was incessantly trying to change Akbar’s mind. He requested Akbar to meet once. Akbar was well aware of his father’s double tongued personality. He refused to meet .Hence, Aurangzeb carried out extensive search operation. This Mughal war of succession had displayed darker shades of humanity. Few years back when Aurangzeb was aspiring to rule, he abducted his father to satisfy insatiable zeal for throne. Today, same was the situation but roles were different. Even after so many years there was no space to respect inter- person relations. What had prevailed over the years were Aurangzeb’s own interests.
Despite of the alliance with Sambhaji Maharaj, Akbar’s presence in Maratha Struggle was hardly visible. Although he helped Sambhaji Maharaj during the war against Siddi of Janjira, then his participation was nil. During the same time Sambhaji Maharaj wrote to Rajput Kingship and advised them to become a king maker. Sambhaji Maharaj was ready to escort Akbar till Gujrat. From there he asked Rajputs to the custody and place Akbar on throne. Then he planned to crush Mughals from both the sides. All though this political venture could not see the light of day.
In 1683, Akbar started building his own army. Sambhaji Maharaj then opposed him. Akbar furher wrote to Governor of Goa to accommodate him. But Aurangzeb got to know about this advancement and he forced Governor of Goa to deny political asylum. On top of it he asked Siddi to block all the waterways. In 1686 when Aurangzeb waged a war against Adilshahi and Kutubshahi Akbar tried to escape from north. Aurangzeb changed his direction but not the goal. Shah Alam blocked his way to north. Once again when Akbar tried to escape, he was attacked and defeated by Marhamatkhan. Akbar abandoned the battle field and reached Rajapur. In 1687, he purchased ships and headed towards Iran. Iran ruler extended a shelter for him. Akbar was in Iran for nearly 17 years. He died in 1704.
1682-1687 was an eventful period in Maratha history. The era started on a sad note, execution of worthy ministers. This very incident brought in great change in Sambhaji Maharaja’s life. For 4 to 5 years back to back attacks were taking place on Maratha territory. Sambhaji Mahraj was challenged at every front. This stoical leader fought and proved his military expertise as well as political wisdom. After Akbar escaped, only two protagonists left in Deccan. One was desperate to eradicate Hindavi Swarajya and one was committed to protect, preserve and expand Hindavi Swarajya.
Timeline of Events
Akbar Timeline(All dates are Julian Dates)
9 May 1681 – Akbar crossed Narmada river
18 May 1681 – Akbar came to Nashik
1 June 1681 – Akbar was accommodated near Pali
16 September 1681 – Ministers were executed
13 November 1681- Akbar and Sambhaji Maharaj First met
1684-1685 – Akbar stayed at Malkapur
1686 – Akbar defeated by Marhamatkhan
February,1687 – Akbar escaped to Iran
Hasan Ali Khan Timeline(All dates are Julian Dates)
30 January 1682 - Hasan Ali Khan captured Kalyan
Second week of February – Hasan Ali Khan withdrew troops
Ranmastakhan and Randullahkhan Offensive(All dates are Julian Dates)
28 September 1682 – Ranmastakhan invaded in Deccan
8 January 1683 – Tukoji was killed in war
23 February 1683 – Randullahkhan headed towards south
15 March 1683 – Vithoji launched an attack Randullahkhan
17 March 1683 – Hambirrao Mohite attacked Randullahkhan
April 1683 – Operation aborted
References
Marathyanche Swatantryasamar – Prof.S.S.Puranik
Bhatkanti Marathyanchya Dharatirthanchi – ParagLimaye
Sudhagad Darshan – Suresh Potdar
अदिती, तुझा लेख छान उतरला आहे..लेख या कालखंडातील गतिमानी घटनांप्रमाणे प्रवाही झाला आहे..शब्द आणि वाक्य रचना अतिशय समर्पक योजल्यामुळे त्यातून सारा कालखंड डोळ्यासमोर उभा राहतो..विशेषे करून समर्थांच्या पत्राचा इंग्रजी अनुवाद मला व्यक्तिशः खूप भावला..
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