It had been five years. The greatest conqueror Aurangzeb was in Maharashtra. His voracious army launched attacks on Hindavi Swarajya over and again. Every Mughal advance was blunted. Marathas annoyed Mughal forces by harassing raids, they made Mughals cry for their lives by acquiring scorch earth policy, and they left Mughals stunned by unexpected yet powerful counterattacks. Marathas did not bow beneath the sceptre of Delhi. Despite the five years of incessant expeditions Aurangzeb could not attain any territorial gain. All his plans were fell through. With every advance Mughal economy was weakening. Hence to strengthen his treasury and acquire stable financial position Aurangzeb changed his focus. Adilshahi and Kutubshahi which were already on their last legs then came under the his radar. On 24 May 1685, Mughal encamped on Vijapur border. All though Aurangzeb changed his direction but definitely not the goal. His distinguished and circumspective officers were still in Maharashtra keeping a vigilant eye on every Maratha move.
Situation was fragile during initial period of Sambhaji Maharaj’s reign. Despite of all odds this shrewd leader and his brave army proved their mettle. Maratha emperor could sustain because Shivaji Maharaj planted these men. All these guardians of Swarajya were trained under the guidance of Shivaji Maharaj. He was one such visionary who could predict future threats and hence, he did not just give rise to dexterous officers but also planted future leaders who could then preserve Swarajya.
Shivaji Maharaj in his reign discarded the system of awarding lands as reward. Even during his period it was difficult to imbibe the centrally managed system in the heart of vatan loving Marathas. Shivaji Maharaj took harsh steps against the hereditary nobles such as Chandrarao More family of Jawli, Sambhaji Mohite of Supe province. Rightly said by Surendranath Sen “ In that age idea of nationality was yet unborn.” Still Shivaji Maharaj successfully brought about a wave of nationality.
After his death war theatre was set on the soil of Maharashtra. In such situation loyalty of some landholders started fading. Shivaji Maharaj’s strategy was helpless against human treachery. Aurangzeb had this peculiar genius of pursuing such people. He acquired this policy the moment he entered into Deccan. Yesubai ( Wife of Sambhaji Maharaj ) a lady with great vision, at the age of just 20 she had got deep understanding of politics and administration. Aurangzeb had managed to change the minds of her brother and her paternal cousin namely Ganoji Shirke and Kanhoji Shirke. Despite of close realtions with Yesubai they dared to cheat with central power. Those who should have stood firmly defending our borders, joined the hands with Mughals.
Immediately Aurangzeb honoured Shirkes by appointing 5000 cavalry under their command. The unfortunate episode of human treachery broke out. In 1683 Kazi Haider loyal servant of Shivaji Maharaj joined Mughals. Next year Sambhaji’s Paternal cousin assented Mughal Supremacy. Achloji Raje Mahadik ( Shivaji Maharaj’s son in law ) deceived central power and followed the same path as Shirkes. Aurangzeb extended warm welcome to these kingpins. He offered them jewellery, rare gems, elephant and further empowered them by deploying some troops under their commands. Aurangzeb was distinguished general as well as cunning leader. He took utmost advantage of disloyal Marathas. He was making hay while sun shines.
During this time Sambhaji Maharaj was busy in Goa campaign. While launching offensive operation he charged his troops to cross vigorously flowing Mandavi river. When his own horse could not withstood turbulent flow, Khando Ballal dived and saved his ruler. Khando Ballal whose father was executed by Sambhaji Maharaj became his saviour and his blood relatives became ally of his destroyer. What an irony of life! Really, this era was perfect blend of fading loyalties and supreme sacrifices. Sambhaji Maharaj left no stone unturned to stop Mughal intrusion. His perseverant officers fought till last breath to safeguard forts of Maharashtra. Their efforts were ineffective against treacherous Killedars. Mughals were fighting for 5 years to capture Ramshej fort yet could not attain decisive victory. But newly appointed Killedar was bribed. He handovered Ramshej to Mughals. Asoji Krishnaji gave possession of Mulher fort. Forts were important assets of Swarajya. These mute spectator of history were then witnessing most unfortunate deceitful episodes. Nashik - Baglan province adorned with towering high forts. Trimbak, Harishchandragad, Tringalwadi, Madangad, Mordatta, Aundha, Mahuli these were real gems of Sahyadari ranges. Mughals captured them without any resistance. Mahuli fort was a gateway to the southern stretches. Maatbarkhan lured killedars with expensive gifts, money and more importantly vatan. Love for fiefdoms was beyond everything.
After Goa expedition, Portugese were looking for an opportunity to pounce back and to take revenge. Desai community had strong presence in Goa – Fonda – Kudal region. All though they did not express openly dissent with Sambhaji Maharaj but Potugese assured them of all kinds of support. Portugese abetted rebel very soon turned into violent agitation. Desais of Sakhali, Pedhe, Dicholi, Fonda formed an alliance and Khem Sawant lead this armed revolt. Khem Sawant had two thousand armed soldiers under his command. Portugese and Desai planned to capture region ranging from Banda to Ankola. Agreement was made stating that one third of this region will be with Desais and rest will be controlled by Portugese. Their aspirations went a step beyond to target Kudal to Chaul region. According to the agreement one third of this sector secured with Potugese and Desais get possession of rest of the part. Covetous Portugese strengthen their establishment with the help of Desai community. As per the plan of action, Desai raised armed revolt. They launched attacks on various places simultaneously. Except Fonda southern alliance got possession of all the important posts.
Khem Sawant, Dalvi hereditary owner of Shringarpur, Dulaba Nayak from Fonda gathered an army of 15000 armed soldiers. They carried out harassing raids even on innocent people. Even traders were not spared. Gradual rising of enemy within completely disturbed social fabric. Aurangzeb extended helping hands to rebels. Without any regret they surrendered Fonda fort to Aurangzeb for which Sambhaji Maharaj and his troops fought an unparalleled battle. Real power in the southern stretches of Maharashtra was resided at the hands of rebels, Marathas had loose control over this territory. 1682 – 1685 was not a tranquil time for Marathas. Various incidences of betrayal aggravated situation even further. Continuous instances of human treachery stirred the deepest chord of the emperor Sambhaji Maharaj.
Ever since he came to power he tried to established peace and harmony. But after the execution of eligible ministers political situation started declining. Sambhaji Maharaj gradually brought the situation under control. He redefined Astapradhan Mandal ( council of ministers ). After Moropant Pingale, Peshve post was gained by his successor Nilo Moreshwar. Hambirrao Mohite was commander in chief since Shivaji Maharaj’s reign. After the death of Nilo Sondeo his son was installed at the post of Minister of land and Revenue. After Dattaji Trimal , Ramchandra Trimal became Minister of Internal and External Intelligence . Annaji Datto was succeeded by Raghunath Hanmante as Finance Minister. Pralhad Niraji was appointed as Chief Justice . Sambhaji Maharaj made sure that all the posts are inherited by respective successors. Sambhaji Maharaj introduced new post ‘ Chandogomatya ’, Kavi Kalash entered into Maratha Politics as Chandogomatya. This term was newly formed by Sambhaji Maharaj. All these ministers were the pillars of governance. Sambhaji Maharaj envisaged to unify all of them under one single agenda. But he could never stabilised growing conflicts between his ministers. Lot of prejudices involved between Kavi Kalash and rest of the ministers. There was no break through this political turmoil.
On the other hand, Aurangzeb successfully destroyed Adilshahi and Kutubshahi. This triumph propelled his confidence to high level. He played cards defty, his every trick played a magic and gradually Sambhaji Maharaj’s helpers started decieving. It was 1688, noose was now closing around Marathas. After diminishing Adilshahi and Kutubshahi once again Aurangzeb encircled Swarajya. Huge army under the command of Azam was set ready near Chakan. Shekh nizam was on his toes to launch attack on Kolhapur and nearby important posts. Itikadkhan headed towards Raigad to hit the heart of the Swarajya. On top of it, Hambirrao Mohite backbone of Maratha army attained martyrdom in 1687 while fighting against Sarjakhan. Portugese abetted southern alliance continued aggravating the situation. Sambhaji Maharaj trapped into deadly plot. All grounds were set to launch final attack. Now it was just a lull before storm!....
Council of Ministers: ( During Sambhaji Maharaj’s reign )
Chandogomatya – Kavi Kalash
Peshva – Mukhya Pradhan – Prime Minister – Nilo Moreshwar
Sarnaubat - Senapati – Commander in Chief - Hambirrao Mohite
Vakennis – Mantri – Minister of Internal and External intelligence – Ramchandra Trimal
Muzumdar - Amatya – Finance Minister - Raghunath Hanmante
Surnis – Sachiv – Minister of land and Revenue – Abaji Sondeo
Dabir – Sumant – Minister of External Affairs - Janardanpant
Nyayadhish – Chief Justice – Pralhad Nirji
Panditrao – Head of Religious Affairs – Moreshwar Raghunath
Series of betrayals ( list of families and officers who joined Mughal forces)
( List goes even beyond, below mentioned are the people whose disloyalties caused irreparable loss. Julian dates are specified below. )
18 August 1682 – Shirke family
29 June 1683 – Kazi Haider ( loyal servant )
30 April 1685 – Arjunji Bhosle ( Sambhaji Maharaj’s first cousin )
1686 – Achloji Mahadik ( Shivaji Maharaj’s son in law )
1688 – Khem Sawant, Ram Dalavi, Dulaba Naik.
References –
Marathyanche Swatantryasamar – Prof. G.S.Puranik
The Era of Bajirao – Dr. Uday Kulkarni
New History of The Marathas – G.S.Sardesai
Aditi Kajrekar
Situation was fragile during initial period of Sambhaji Maharaj’s reign. Despite of all odds this shrewd leader and his brave army proved their mettle. Maratha emperor could sustain because Shivaji Maharaj planted these men. All these guardians of Swarajya were trained under the guidance of Shivaji Maharaj. He was one such visionary who could predict future threats and hence, he did not just give rise to dexterous officers but also planted future leaders who could then preserve Swarajya.
Shivaji Maharaj in his reign discarded the system of awarding lands as reward. Even during his period it was difficult to imbibe the centrally managed system in the heart of vatan loving Marathas. Shivaji Maharaj took harsh steps against the hereditary nobles such as Chandrarao More family of Jawli, Sambhaji Mohite of Supe province. Rightly said by Surendranath Sen “ In that age idea of nationality was yet unborn.” Still Shivaji Maharaj successfully brought about a wave of nationality.
After his death war theatre was set on the soil of Maharashtra. In such situation loyalty of some landholders started fading. Shivaji Maharaj’s strategy was helpless against human treachery. Aurangzeb had this peculiar genius of pursuing such people. He acquired this policy the moment he entered into Deccan. Yesubai ( Wife of Sambhaji Maharaj ) a lady with great vision, at the age of just 20 she had got deep understanding of politics and administration. Aurangzeb had managed to change the minds of her brother and her paternal cousin namely Ganoji Shirke and Kanhoji Shirke. Despite of close realtions with Yesubai they dared to cheat with central power. Those who should have stood firmly defending our borders, joined the hands with Mughals.
Immediately Aurangzeb honoured Shirkes by appointing 5000 cavalry under their command. The unfortunate episode of human treachery broke out. In 1683 Kazi Haider loyal servant of Shivaji Maharaj joined Mughals. Next year Sambhaji’s Paternal cousin assented Mughal Supremacy. Achloji Raje Mahadik ( Shivaji Maharaj’s son in law ) deceived central power and followed the same path as Shirkes. Aurangzeb extended warm welcome to these kingpins. He offered them jewellery, rare gems, elephant and further empowered them by deploying some troops under their commands. Aurangzeb was distinguished general as well as cunning leader. He took utmost advantage of disloyal Marathas. He was making hay while sun shines.
During this time Sambhaji Maharaj was busy in Goa campaign. While launching offensive operation he charged his troops to cross vigorously flowing Mandavi river. When his own horse could not withstood turbulent flow, Khando Ballal dived and saved his ruler. Khando Ballal whose father was executed by Sambhaji Maharaj became his saviour and his blood relatives became ally of his destroyer. What an irony of life! Really, this era was perfect blend of fading loyalties and supreme sacrifices. Sambhaji Maharaj left no stone unturned to stop Mughal intrusion. His perseverant officers fought till last breath to safeguard forts of Maharashtra. Their efforts were ineffective against treacherous Killedars. Mughals were fighting for 5 years to capture Ramshej fort yet could not attain decisive victory. But newly appointed Killedar was bribed. He handovered Ramshej to Mughals. Asoji Krishnaji gave possession of Mulher fort. Forts were important assets of Swarajya. These mute spectator of history were then witnessing most unfortunate deceitful episodes. Nashik - Baglan province adorned with towering high forts. Trimbak, Harishchandragad, Tringalwadi, Madangad, Mordatta, Aundha, Mahuli these were real gems of Sahyadari ranges. Mughals captured them without any resistance. Mahuli fort was a gateway to the southern stretches. Maatbarkhan lured killedars with expensive gifts, money and more importantly vatan. Love for fiefdoms was beyond everything.
After Goa expedition, Portugese were looking for an opportunity to pounce back and to take revenge. Desai community had strong presence in Goa – Fonda – Kudal region. All though they did not express openly dissent with Sambhaji Maharaj but Potugese assured them of all kinds of support. Portugese abetted rebel very soon turned into violent agitation. Desais of Sakhali, Pedhe, Dicholi, Fonda formed an alliance and Khem Sawant lead this armed revolt. Khem Sawant had two thousand armed soldiers under his command. Portugese and Desai planned to capture region ranging from Banda to Ankola. Agreement was made stating that one third of this region will be with Desais and rest will be controlled by Portugese. Their aspirations went a step beyond to target Kudal to Chaul region. According to the agreement one third of this sector secured with Potugese and Desais get possession of rest of the part. Covetous Portugese strengthen their establishment with the help of Desai community. As per the plan of action, Desai raised armed revolt. They launched attacks on various places simultaneously. Except Fonda southern alliance got possession of all the important posts.
Khem Sawant, Dalvi hereditary owner of Shringarpur, Dulaba Nayak from Fonda gathered an army of 15000 armed soldiers. They carried out harassing raids even on innocent people. Even traders were not spared. Gradual rising of enemy within completely disturbed social fabric. Aurangzeb extended helping hands to rebels. Without any regret they surrendered Fonda fort to Aurangzeb for which Sambhaji Maharaj and his troops fought an unparalleled battle. Real power in the southern stretches of Maharashtra was resided at the hands of rebels, Marathas had loose control over this territory. 1682 – 1685 was not a tranquil time for Marathas. Various incidences of betrayal aggravated situation even further. Continuous instances of human treachery stirred the deepest chord of the emperor Sambhaji Maharaj.
Ever since he came to power he tried to established peace and harmony. But after the execution of eligible ministers political situation started declining. Sambhaji Maharaj gradually brought the situation under control. He redefined Astapradhan Mandal ( council of ministers ). After Moropant Pingale, Peshve post was gained by his successor Nilo Moreshwar. Hambirrao Mohite was commander in chief since Shivaji Maharaj’s reign. After the death of Nilo Sondeo his son was installed at the post of Minister of land and Revenue. After Dattaji Trimal , Ramchandra Trimal became Minister of Internal and External Intelligence . Annaji Datto was succeeded by Raghunath Hanmante as Finance Minister. Pralhad Niraji was appointed as Chief Justice . Sambhaji Maharaj made sure that all the posts are inherited by respective successors. Sambhaji Maharaj introduced new post ‘ Chandogomatya ’, Kavi Kalash entered into Maratha Politics as Chandogomatya. This term was newly formed by Sambhaji Maharaj. All these ministers were the pillars of governance. Sambhaji Maharaj envisaged to unify all of them under one single agenda. But he could never stabilised growing conflicts between his ministers. Lot of prejudices involved between Kavi Kalash and rest of the ministers. There was no break through this political turmoil.
On the other hand, Aurangzeb successfully destroyed Adilshahi and Kutubshahi. This triumph propelled his confidence to high level. He played cards defty, his every trick played a magic and gradually Sambhaji Maharaj’s helpers started decieving. It was 1688, noose was now closing around Marathas. After diminishing Adilshahi and Kutubshahi once again Aurangzeb encircled Swarajya. Huge army under the command of Azam was set ready near Chakan. Shekh nizam was on his toes to launch attack on Kolhapur and nearby important posts. Itikadkhan headed towards Raigad to hit the heart of the Swarajya. On top of it, Hambirrao Mohite backbone of Maratha army attained martyrdom in 1687 while fighting against Sarjakhan. Portugese abetted southern alliance continued aggravating the situation. Sambhaji Maharaj trapped into deadly plot. All grounds were set to launch final attack. Now it was just a lull before storm!....
Council of Ministers: ( During Sambhaji Maharaj’s reign )
Chandogomatya – Kavi Kalash
Peshva – Mukhya Pradhan – Prime Minister – Nilo Moreshwar
Sarnaubat - Senapati – Commander in Chief - Hambirrao Mohite
Vakennis – Mantri – Minister of Internal and External intelligence – Ramchandra Trimal
Muzumdar - Amatya – Finance Minister - Raghunath Hanmante
Surnis – Sachiv – Minister of land and Revenue – Abaji Sondeo
Dabir – Sumant – Minister of External Affairs - Janardanpant
Nyayadhish – Chief Justice – Pralhad Nirji
Panditrao – Head of Religious Affairs – Moreshwar Raghunath
Series of betrayals ( list of families and officers who joined Mughal forces)
( List goes even beyond, below mentioned are the people whose disloyalties caused irreparable loss. Julian dates are specified below. )
18 August 1682 – Shirke family
29 June 1683 – Kazi Haider ( loyal servant )
30 April 1685 – Arjunji Bhosle ( Sambhaji Maharaj’s first cousin )
1686 – Achloji Mahadik ( Shivaji Maharaj’s son in law )
1688 – Khem Sawant, Ram Dalavi, Dulaba Naik.
References –
Marathyanche Swatantryasamar – Prof. G.S.Puranik
The Era of Bajirao – Dr. Uday Kulkarni
New History of The Marathas – G.S.Sardesai
Aditi Kajrekar
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