Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 1.18

Siva Chhatrapati (S. N. Sen) 1.18

Language: English

1.18.1

Then the Raje (duly) installed on his throne, ruled his kingdom. He conquered the Nizamsahi provinces and seized the Mughal territories. The Badshah of Bhaganagar (Golkonda) concluded a treaty with the Raje, accepted Prahlad Pant, son of Niraji Pant, a highly intelligent man, as envoy (at his court), and secured the friendship of the Raje by paying a tribute. There were other insignificant principalities, these were annexed. Some principalities paid tribute and became dependent. The Raje entertained in his heart the desire of conquering the Karnatak from the Tungabhadra valley, to the Kaveri. It would cause delay, if the army was sent for the conquest; so the Raje decided to go in person. But Bahadur Khan, (was) at Pedganv, and the enemy might fall upon his rear, Niraji Pant the Nyayadhish was therefore sent (to him). Some presents and gem-studded ornaments were sent. Secret amity was made with him (Bahadur), "It will take us a year to conquer the Karnatak. Do not commit any disturbance to (our) kingdom (during that period)." So was he (Bahadur) told, and he was kept (inactive) at his station. And for accompanying him to Karnatak the Raje selected from the Royal Cavalry (Paga) regiments, (that had in all) twenty five thousand horsemen, and he took with him the Sarkarkuns Raghunath Narayan and Janardan Narayan, who had local knowledge of Karnatak.

1.18.2

The rest (of the Sarkarkuns), the Peshwa and the Surnis and the Vaknis and the rest of the forces were kept for the defence of the kingdom. And the Raje thought (that) "Money will be required for conquering the Karnatak; the cash (accumulated) in the treasury should not be spent for that (purpose). The extra (money) should be procured from new sources and the province should be conquered by spending it." While making such considerations, (he thought that) there was an abundance of wealth in the Badshahi of Bhaganagar. Money could be procured by violence from there; but the Sultan of Bhaganagar used to pay a tribute annually. Cruelty should not be committed there. An interview with him (Sultan) should be obtained by friendly means. After the interview he would give every friendly help. [86] Having deliberated in this manner, the Raje decided to have the interview arranged, by writing about it to Prahlad Pant who was his envoy at Bhaganagar. Tana Shah, the Badshah of Bhaganagar, entertained in his mind a strong suspicion, — "As Afzal Khan was destroyed, or Saista Khan was ruined, or as the Raja had exhibited his valour to the Badshah Alamgir after going to Delhi, what should be done if he similarly commits some mischief? (I) should have no interview with the Raje, I shall give him whatever he demands." — So said (the Shah).

1.18.3

Then Prahlad Pant by taking many oaths and (offering to undergo) many ordeals assured the Badshah, and (his) Karbharis Akanna Pant and Madanna Pant, that there was no evil (intention,) that the Raje would go away after a friendly visit. To this effect was a friendly agreement made with the Raje. Then with the aim that the two should meet, the Raje proceeded to Bhaganagar, marching stage by stage with his army. A strict warning was issued after (he) had entered the Bhaganagar territory. The Raje ordered that the Rayats should not be given the least trouble. He intimidated (intending offenders) by beheading some (miscreants) and (when he) arrived at the halting places he procured everything by peaceful purchase there (and then) went forward. There was no plunder. As he proceeded in this manner, the Badshah became very pleased as he learnt the news (of his strict discipline). The Badshah intended to come forward to a distance of two to four gaucs (to receive him). (But) the Raje was a highly courteous man; he sent the following verbal message with assurances of oaths — "You should not come. You are (my) elder brother, I am (your) younger brother. You should not come forward." The Badshah was very pleased at the Raje's sending such a verbal message. And Madanna Pant and Akanna Pant, the virtual (?) sovereigns and the real masters of the whole Badshahi, these two, came forward, received the Raje and conducted him to the city.

1.18.4

The Raje had formerly furnished his army with rich gold embroidered accoutrements. He entered the city at an auspicious moment to see the Badshah. The Badshah had adorned the whole city. Streets and lanes were all around coloured with a thin layer of kunkum powder and saffron. Festive poles and triumphal arches were erected and flags and standards hoisted in the city. Krors of citizens stood (by the roads) to have a look at the Raje. The ladies welcomed him by waving innumerable lamps round him. Gold and silver flowers were showered upon the Raje. The Raje distributed much wealth beyond measure and countless dresses among the people in charity and reached the Dad Mahal with all his forces. He sent the following verbal message, confirmed by oaths to the Badshah; — "Do not come down stairs — I am going (to you) in person." The Padshah remained in the palace. The Raje made the men of his army gird their waist, and sit down below the palace, and (he) proceeded up the stairs. The Raje himself and Janardan Narayan and Prahlad Pant and Sonaji Naik the Royal Door Keeper and Babaji Dhandhere, these five alone ascended (the stairs) and entered the palace. The Badshah came forward and gave (the Raja) a friendly embrace. The two sat on the same seat. Madanna Pant, and Akanna Pant and Janardan Pant, Prahlad Pant, Sonaji Naik (the Royal Door Keeper) and Babaji Dhandhere, these were (present). The Badshah and the Raje and Madanna Pant these three sat down, the rest remained standing.

1.18.5

There was very great affection between the two, (and they) had a conversation. The ladies of the Badshah's harem looked at the Raje through the latticed window and were much astonished. The Badshah was highly pleased, for three hours he listened to the stories of the Raje's heroism. Then he presented some ornaments set with jewels, robes, horses, and elephants to the Raje and to all his men, (and) dismissed them. The Raje and the Badshah descended from the palace, and the Raje went to his quarters. Raghunath Pant and Hambir Rav and other Sardars had been left below the palace. Taking them in his company, the Raje came to his place. On his way back he (again) distributed alms among the citizens. After the Raje had left, the Badshah was convinced that he was honest, and had protected him (the Badshah), (and the Raje) had respected his oath. Wondering in this manner, the Badshah gave some rewards to Prahlad Pant (saying), "You are honest." Saying so and exalting (him) the Badshah sent Prahlad Pant to the Raje. The next day Madanna Pant took the Raje to his house to be his guest. And getting the dishes prepared by their Lady Mother, [88] Madanna Pant and Akanna Pant sat near the Raje and (saw) him feeding. All other men of the Raje's party were also fed, and after presenting (to the Raje and his party) ornaments, robes, elephants and horses, (Madanna and Akanna) conducted them to their place.

1.18.6

The Badshah summoned Madanna Pant and (the two) settled that "The Raje should be given whatever he wanted, he should be pleased (in that manner and then) sent away." Having come to this decision, (they) selected an auspicious moment (and) again brought the Raje for a second interview and gave him innumerable jewels, ornaments inlaid with gems, elephants, and horses. Then the two Chhatrapatis sat on the (terrace) of the palace and received the obeisance of all the Sarkarkuns and Hambir Rao and other military officers, and ornaments, robes, elephants, and horses were presented to them all, each individually according to his valour and fame. And the Badshah said, "You should help me on every occasion." After confirming (the alliance) in this manner, and taking oaths in the Raje's favour, (the Badshah) gave him leave. "I shall regularly pay the stipulated tribute every year, and you should keep in our connection, Prahlad Pant always with me." So suggested the Badshah. The Raje returned to his place.

1.18.7

After this the principal officers of Bhaganagar entertained the Raje as (their) guest. In this manner he spent a month at Bhaganagar. With the treasures and provisions of that place he led his army towards Jinji. Then he went to Sri Sailya. He bathed in the Nilganga and saw the god (of the place). The rites of the holy place were performed. The Raje was highly pleased with this sacred place, it seemed to be a second Kailas to him. He felt disposed to offer his body to the god there and to sacrifice his head. At that time Sri Bhavani took possession of his body and said, — "Thy salvation does not lie in such things. Do not commit this act. There are many duties to be performed by thy hands in the future." So saying the Sri departed. When the Raje regained consciousness the Karkuns delivered the message. Then the idea of sacrificing his head to the god was kept in abeyance.