Shivaji, also known as Shivaji Shahaji Bhonsale, was a historical figure who lived from c. 19 February 1630 to 3 April 1680. He is renowned as the founder of the Maratha Empire in the 17th century. Today, Shivaji remains a popular figure in India and is associated with current political ideologies. Several films have been made about him, celebrating the Maratha Revolt against the Mughals while portraying the Mughals as antagonists. Indian people often chant his name in remembrance of his bravery, courage, and struggle. However, is Shivaji truly deserving of his reputation? Let's explore further.
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| Portrait of Shivaji Bhonsale |
Shivajis Apology Letters
Shivaji wrote 5 apology letters in total to the Emperor Aurangzeb;
The first letter was written in 1658 when Aurangzeb was the viceroy of Deccan under his father Shahjehan’s rule. In the letter, Shivaji apologized for his offenses and pledged his loyalty to the Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb responded by saying that although Shivaji's actions did not deserve forgiveness, he was willing to pardon him as he had shown remorse for his actions.
Apology To Aurangzeb After Battle Of Purandar
Also, Shivaji agreed to become a Mansabdar(the mansabdars were military commanders, high civil and military officers, and provincial governors) under the banner of the Mughal Empire. Which took place in the aftermath of his defeat against the Mughals, in June 1665.
The situation in Deccan at that time was complex and cannot be oversimplified. While the focus was mainly on the relationship between the Mughal Empire and Shivaji, there were other powerful parties involved as well, including the Sultanates of Bijapur and Golconda. Shivaji played a major role, but the Mughal Empire had already made long-term plans to invade the Deccan Sultanate. This is evident from the letters sent by Jai Singh to Aurangzeb. However, the Mughals realized that they needed to deal with Shivaji first. Jai Singh believed that Shivaji might form an alliance with Bijapur and Golconda if not dealt with. His campaign against Shivaji had been successful in the past. This was also when the Mughals were in a superior position to negotiate terms on their behalf. This is apparent from the fact that Jai Singh refused to negotiate with Shivaji until he appeared unarmed in the camp.
It is important to consider the Treaty of Purandar, signed in June 1665, in the context of the situation in the Deccan. This agreement should not be viewed as Shivaji's surrender to Mughal authority, but rather as a negotiation between the two sides. It is worth noting that the initial treaty did not require Shivaji to become a Mansabdar or join the Mughal fold, but he had to surrender most of his forts and accept the Mughal emperor's suzerainty. Additionally, Shivaji agreed to act as a military commander for the Mughals in the region, while his son Sambhaji Bhosale was given the post of five thousand Mansabdar. Shivaji himself was exempted from attending the Mughal court. This agreement was mutually beneficial for both parties. For the Mughals, it meant that they could continue with their more extensive plan of conquering the Deccan Sultans.
After suffering this devastating defeat at the Battle of Purandar against the Mughals, Shivaji wrote a letter to Aurangzeb. In the letter, he surrendered himself to the Mughals. Jai Singh, a Mughal official, offered Shivaji a deal to join Aurangzeb's army and participate in the invasion of the Bijapur Sultanate. In return, Jai Singh promised to pardon Shivaji for the death penalty he was facing. Shivaji accepted the offer and wrote a letter apologizing to the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir.
According to the sources and chronicles, Shivaji wrote a letter to Aurangzeb, seeking forgiveness, pardoning his offenses and actions taken against the Mughals, bestowing his life, and granting security to his family. In the letter, Shivaji wrote with great humility, calling himself a slave, offender, and sinner who would perform services under Aurangzeb with his life.
Aurangzeb, impressed by Shivaji's flattery, sent a royal decree to Shivaji on 15 September 1665, pardoning him on the terms given by Jai Singh and honoring him with robes of honor.
Shivaji, pleased with the response, wrote back to Aurangzeb, thanking the emperor for conferring upon him a new life and permitting him to be the Emperor's life-devoting slave.
It should not really be surprising that Shivaji was willing to negotiate and join the Mughal Empire. Such decisions by the nobility were made based on pragmatism. Note that Shivaji had earlier written to Aurangzeb in 1658-1659 and offered to join Mughal service as stated in the article earlier.
Apology Letter After The Incident Of Diwan-I-Khas
When Shivaji was conducted to the Imperial Darbar Aurangzeb had taken the seat in Diwan-i-Khas. It was Alamgir's 50th birthday (12 May 1666). As they saw each other Aurangzeb said "Come Shivaji Raja". He was asked to stand near Jaswant Singh of Marwar and therefore, became furious. Chand Kavi describes this incident as follows:- 'As Shivaji was proceeding to Diwan-i-Khas he was reflecting in his mind as to what would happen. Shivaji was presented with a dress but he did not accept it. Emperor Aurangzeb was highly angered but did not say anything because Ram Singh was with Shivaji. Ram Singh then obtained leave from the Emperor because the Emperor's face had become red with anger.
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| A portrait of Shivaji in Aurangzeb's court in Agra 1666. Photo |
According to sources, Parkaldas says that after that incident Shivaji said to
Ram Singh, "I came here because I expected that the King
would show kindness and favour to me, and think that you
have done him a good turn. But this is the favour and
kindness shows to me. It is on account of me that the
Emperor has begun to feel ill-disposed towards you. If your
interests are to suffer I should not be a party to it. I have
come here to die. Let me go to Zafar Khan". Shivaji went
to the Khan and said,
"I am a servant of the Emperor.
Kill me if he wants it or imprison me if he so desires." The
Khan promised to speak to the Emperor and advised Shivaji
to return to his camp.
Also In March 1675, when the Mughals and the Marathas were in a bloody war, Chhatrapati Shivaji wrote a letter to Bahadur Khan, the Mughal viceroy of the Deccan, pleading that he was fed up with the constant warfare, apologizing and pleading for his past actions against the Mughals. Cessation of hostilities while seeking certain privileges.
Also Shivaji Touched the Emperor's Feet
On 8th June 1666, Shivaji and his son Sambhaji paid the annual taxes of 1500 gold pieces and 6000 rupees to the Emperor on behalf of the Marathas. Aurangzeb was pleased with Shivaji and exclaimed, "Come up, Shivaji Rajah." Shivaji was then escorted to the foot of the throne and performed three salams.
Shivaji's Escape From Agra
In 1666, Shivaji Maharaj escaped from Agra using a clever plan. He pretended to be ill and requested an audience with Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor who had imprisoned him. Shivaji's associates smuggled a basket of sweets into the palace, which Shivaji hid in. Once inside, he emerged from the basket, attacked the guards, and fled the palace disguised as a beggar. To ensure his safe passage, Shivaji adopted various disguises, such as that of a Sufi saint, a beggar, and a gardener. These disguises helped him evade detection and travel incognito. These acts of Shivaji suggest that he wasn't a heroic figure but rather a coward.
Later, Aurangzeb dismissed Shivaji's son, Shambhuji, from the Imperial Court. Later, Shivaji wrote another letter begging to assign his son again to the previous position and also pledged for jaygir, calling himself a slave of Mughal authorities.
Plunder and Loot by Shivaji in Surat
The Mughals had gained tremendous power and reputation over time, and eventually became the supreme rulers of the Indian subcontinent. During their prolonged conflicts with the Marathas, they aimed to expand their control over new territories, thus draining the Marathas of their financial and material resources. With the Mughals constantly posing a threat at their borders in Deccan, Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhonsle, the Maratha king, devised a cunning and diabolical plan to gain the upper hand in the war and replenish his depleted treasury.
The Maratha forces, led by Shivaji, clashed against the Mughal forces, under the leadership of Inayat Khan, a Mughal captain. The small garrison of Mughals was soon defeated and couldn't hold their ground. On 6th January 1664, Shivaji attacked Surat unexpectedly, while being ambushed. This caused fear and chaos in the city, and the populace was left alone and helpless. For four days, the Maratha army looted and vandalized the city, destroying almost two-thirds of it, killing innocent children and raping women, and later killing them brutally.
Vincent Arthur Smith mentions that Shivaji ordered the cutting off hands and legs of those who concealed their wealth. Interestingly, while Shivaji took all he could - cash, gold, pearls, emeralds, etc., from Surat, he did not spend much time looting from the Britishers. Notably, in a hurry to finish the attack before the empire at Delhi could be notified he could not afford much time to loot everybody in the city. He is also noted for sparing the foreign missionaries.
On the fourth day, Shivaji rushed back to the Deccan with his army and loot. By the time the news reached Delhi, it was already too late. Aurangzeb was enraged by the cause of terror and widespread looting atrocities among the innocent people!
