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Shivaji could not be contended with these acquisitions. He began to cast covetous eyes on the Konkan, the fertile low country lying between Ghats and the sea. These pastures were under the control of Mohammedan governor Mulana Ahmad. These were the rich areas for trade. To capture it was as to have a never-ending flow of finance in their hands. Spies announced to the Maratha leader that some treasure was about to be shifted from Kalyan to Bijapur. It was supposed to travel through the Par pass, halting at the town of Wai. Shivaji, who had become an expert Mavli, managed to ambuscade the convoy as it climbed up the hill and captured the treasure. He had to pay the price of 10 lives for the treasure. This was the first blood spill, as Shivaji’s other captures had been done by bribery, tack or surprise.
Shivaji had a great influence on his subjects and they were dedicated to him. They readily laid their lives for him. Shivaji equally reciprocated these favors. He liberally rewarded those who had shown gallantry on the field and made ample provision for the families of those who had fallen.
Very soon Shivaji’s officers, Abaji Sondev attacked Kalyan and captured the governor and his family and took over the town. This was a magnificent exploit and it marked the beginning of Shivaji’s career as the champion of Hinduism in the Deccan.
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Abaji sent the daughter-in-law of Mulana Ahmad, to Shivaji as a gift. She was a young woman of striking grace and beauty. The great Maratha merely remarked with a laugh that had his mother been half so beautiful, he himself might have been a little less ugly and returned her with respect and Mulana Ahmad was also allowed a safe passage. This chivalrous deed fetched him enormous prestige.
Capture of Kalyan and setting Mulana free made him popular even in the hearts of the subjects of even the Mohammedan rulers. The people were tired of Mohammedan maladministration and Shivaji prudently established wise revenue system in the provinces.
Forts after forts opened their gates and the entire Konkan was soon under control of the Marathas. Other strongholds, which refused to surrender, were also taken over by simple stratagem. Shivaji was now riding the horses and leaving his mark behind. Next, the azure of Surgad turned orange when Shivaji hoisted the orange Maratha flag on the fort. |
It was however difficult to maintain his firm hold over his conquest, because the Siddi or Abyssinian ruler was a powerful chief. Shivaji erected new fortifications, and appointed a chief at Birwadi. The fortification of Kairi was also strengthened and the fort of Lingana was built thereupon. The fort was afterwards further entrenched and became famous under the name of Raigad.
It was in this campaign that Shivaji obtained his famous sword Bhavani. He is said to have paid 300 hons (a hon was worth 3½ rupees) for it. The historic weapon seldom left his side and it is said that he regularly worshipped it at the time of the great festival of Dasara, when all the Hindus pay respect to the implements of their trade. After his death it passed in the hands of Rajas of Satara and it is still in the possession of their descendants, who pay it divine honors. |
