English Shivchhatrapati 4rth

Education Department’s Sanction Number :
Pra Shi Sa / 2014 -15 / 2102 / Manjuri / D - 505 / 755 Dated 4.2.2014

SHIVACHHATRAPATI

(ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES - PART TWO)

STANDARD FOUR

Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production
and Curriculum Research, Pune.

First Edition : 2014 © Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research, Pune - 411 004.
Revised Edition :
September 2016 The Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research
Reprint : July 2020 reserves all the rights relating to the book. No part of this book should be
reproduced without the written permission of the Director, Maharashtra State
Bureau of Textbook Production and Curriculum Research, Pune.

History Subject Committee : Preface
Dr A. H. Salunkhe, Chairman
Dr Somnath Rode, Member The ‘Primary Education Curriculum - 2012’ was prepared
Dr Neeraj Salunkhe, Member in the State of Maharashtra following the ‘Right of Children
Shri Bapusaheb Shinde, Member to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009’ and the
Shri Mogal Jadhav, Member-Secretary ‘National Curriculum Framework 2005’. The syllabus is being
implemented serially from the academic year 2013-2014.
Co-ordination : The syllabus includes the subjects General Science, Civics and
Shri. Mogal Jadhav Geography under ‘Environmental Studies-Part 1’ from Standard
Special Officer, History and Civics III to Standard V. It specifies that the subject History will be
independent under ‘Environmental Studies-Part 2’.
Illustrations : Prof. Dilip Kadam,
Shri. Devdatta Balkawade, The Textbook Bureau has prepared this textbook for Std IV
Shri. Sanjay Shelar according to the syllabus approved by the State Government.
Photographs : Shri. Pravin Bhonsale
Our approach while designing this textbook was that the
Cartographers : Shri Ravikiran Jadhav entire teaching-learning process should be child-centred, the
Dr Neeraj Salunkhe method of self-study should receive more emphasis, at the
end of Primary Education the students should have attained
Translation : Prof. Pratap P. Shirole the desired competencies and the process of education in
Scrutiny : Dr Ganesh Raut general should become enjoyable and interesting.
Co-ordination : Dhanavanti Hardikar
Academic Secretary for Languages This textbook attempts to present the inspiring history
Santosh Pawar of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in an easy and effective
Assistant Special Officer, English manner. The life and work of Shivaji Maharaj is a source of
inspiration for the entire State of Maharashtra and the country.
Production : Many inspiring episodes related to his personality have been
Sachchitanand Aphale, included here. This book was rewritten after properly screening
Chief Production Officer the complaints and suggestions received from various social
Prabhakar Parab, Production Officer organizations, institutes and individuals. Also, some suitable
Shashank Kanikdale, changes were made where necessary.
Assistant Production Officer
The book scrutinized by many educationists and subject
Typesetting : experts from all parts of the State to make it as flawless and
DTP Section, Textbook Bureau, Pune standard as possible. The comments and suggestions received
have been duly considered while finalizing the book. The
Paper : 70 GSM Creamwove History Subject Committee, the artist, and the photographer
have taken great pains to prepare this book.The Bureau is
Print Order No. : N/PB/2021-22/Qty.- 1,00,000 thankful to all of them.

Printer : M/s.Kalyani Corporation, Pune. We hope that this textbook will receive a warm welcome
from students, parents and teachers.
Publisher :
Shri. Vivek Uttam Gosavi, Controller Pune (C.R.Borkar)
Maharashtra State Textbook Bureau, Date : February 19, 2014 Director
Sayani Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 25.
Maharashtra State Bureau of
Textbook Production and

Curriculum Research, Pune.





English Environmental Studies - Part 2 - Standard IV

Suggested Pedagogical Processes Learning Outcomes

The learner may be provided opportunities in The learner-
pairs / groups / individually and encouraged to :
04.95B.01 identifies relationship with and
• ask questions and discuss with family members/ among family members in extended
elders as to why some family members stay family.
together and others are away, interact with
relatives, friends etc. and understand who stay 04.95B.02 voices opinion on issues observed/
at far off places, about the houses/ transport and experienced in family/ school/
life in their place of residence. neighbourhood for example,
on stereotypes, discriminatory
• frame the questions on the basis of experience practices, child rights.
and reflect it without any fear or hesitation.
04.95B.03 participates actively and
• discuss with the parents/guardians/
grandparents/elders in the neighbourhood and undertakes initiatives of care, share
compare the life style of past and present and
daily used items e.g. (clothes, vessels, nature of empathy, leadership by working
work, skills, games); inclusion of children with
special skills, needs. together in groups for example, in

• role play based on events in Chhatrapati Shivaji different indoor/ outdoor/ local/
Maharaj's life.
contemporary activities and games,
• find how to overcome problems with the help
of courage, hard work and presence of mind carries out projects/ role play for
through group discussion.
taking care of a plant/s, feed birds/
• develop an awareness regarding the
conservation of environment, water literacy, animals, things/ elderly/ handicap.
equality and justice with the help of examples
in the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. 04.95B.04 tells the thrilling incidences of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life/
• participate in different cultural/national/ personality.
environmental festivals/occasions organised
in/at home/school/community, for example, 04.95B.05 assimilates the teachings from
morning or special assembly/ exhibition/ Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s
Diwali, Onam, Earth Day, Eid etc. Do creative biography that one can overcome
writing in events of celebrations, dance, drama, the problems with wits, courage and
theatre, etc. (for example, diya/rangoli/kite conscience.
making/ models of buildings/bridges etc. and
sharing experiences through stories, poems, 04.95B.06 tells the variety of clothings based
slogans, reports the events narration/creative on geographical and cultural
writing (poem/story) or any other creative tasks. parameters.

• explore/read books, newspaper clippings,
audio, stories / poems / pictures / videos/tactile
/raised material/web resources/ library and any
other resources besides textbooks.

• understanding the difference between the
traditional and modern costumes.

• collecting information reagarding languages
dialects, festivals and celebrations in the State.

CONTENTS

Sr.No. Name of the Lesson Page No.

1. Maharashtra before Shivaji 1
2. Work of the Saints 3
3. Maratha Sardars -
The Famous House of the Bhonsales 8
4. Shivaji’s Childhood 12
5. Shivaji’s Education 17
6. The Oath of Swaraj 21
7. Swaraj : First Conquest 25
8. Defeat of Internal Enemies 29
9. Pratapgad makes History. 32
10. Baji Prabhu and the Memorable Battle of Ghodkhind 37
11. The Discomfiture of Shaistakhan 42
12. The Siege of Purandar and the
Treaty with the Moghul Emperor 45
13. Shivaji gives the slip to the Emperor. 50
14. The Fort is captured but the Lion is dead. 53
15. A Memorable Ceremony 57
16. Campaign in the South 60
17. Management of Forts and the Navy 65
18. Management of the Welfare State of Swaraj 70

“Shivaji did not belong to Maharashtra
alone; he belonged to the whole Indian nation.

Shivaji was not an ambitious ruler
anxious to establish a kingdom for himself
but a patriot inspired by a vision and
political ideas derived from the teachings
of the ancient philosophers. He studied
the merits and faults of the systems of
administration in kingdoms existing at the
time and determined his own policies and
administration in the light of that knowledge.

A devout Hindu, he was tolerant of
other religions and established a number
of endowments for maintaining sacred
places belonging to them. As a general
he was undoubtedly one of the greatest in
Indian history ; he saw the need for and
raised a navy to guard his coastline and
to fight against the British and the Dutch.
Pratapgad Fort built in 1656 stands today
as a monument to his military genius.

Shri Shivaji is a symbol of many
virtues, more especially of love of country.”

- JAWAHARLAL NEHRU

A Painting of Shivaji Maharaj by Mir Mohammad, a Painter of Shivaji’s Time
(From the original in Paris Museum)

1. Maharashtra before Shivaji

Shivaji Maharaj was a great man. the people suffered and were harassed.
We celebrate his birth anniversary with The people could not get enough to eat,
great pomp and reverence. It is a happy nor could they celebrate their festivals
day for you children. You sing songs and or worship their gods openly and freely.
‘powadas’ in his honour. You garland his They were not sure of safety even in
picture and say ‘Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai’. their own homes. There was injustice
Who was this Shivaji Maharaj ? What was everywhere. In Maharashtra, there were
the great work he did that we celebrate his many Watandars like Deshmukhs and
birthday every year ? Deshpandes who owned Jagirs. They
loved only their Jagirs and not their
The time in which Shivaji Maharaj country. The constant fighting among
lived was that of the medieval period. them brought great misery to the people.
In those days, monarchy or the rule of There was misrule everywhere. People
kings prevailed everywhere. Many of were tired of this oppression and were
the kings pursued their own pleasures very unhappy.
and enjoyments instead of the welfare
of their subjects. But even in those days, Shivaji Maharaj saw all this. He
there were some kings who looked undertook the noble task of establishing
after the welfare of their subjects. The Swaraj in Maharashtra which would bring
Moghul Emperor Akbar in the North and happiness to the people. He first brought
Emperor Krishnadevraya of Vijaynagar to book the Watandars who fought among
in the South are famous in history for themselves. He then used them in his plan
their benevolent rule. Likewise, Shivaji to establish Swaraj. He fought against the
Maharaj also commands great respect Powers that oppressed the people, and
even today. defeated them. He established ‘Hindavi
Swaraj’ based on justice, fair play and
Shivaji Maharaj established Swaraj equal treatment to people of all castes
in Maharashtra. Swaraj means self- and religions. Shivaji Maharaj made no
government, our own rule. For about four distinction between Hindus and Muslims.
hundred years before Shivaji Maharaj, He honoured the saints of all religions.
Maharashtra was not free. A large portion We draw inspiration from these noble
of it was under the rule of the Nizamshah deeds of Maharaj.
of Ahmadnagar and the Adilshah of
Bijapur. These two Sultans had divided During a period of about three to four
Maharashtra among themselves. They hundred years before Shivaji Maharaj,
were not liberal in their outlook. They many saints were born in Maharashtra.
oppressed the people over whom they Their work helped Shivaji Maharaj in his
ruled. They were also sworn enemies successful effort of establishing Swaraj.
of each other. They constantly fought We shall see in the next chapter, what
against each other with the result that these saints did.

1

EXERCISES

1. Fill in the blanks choosing the correct 3. Write the answer in one sentence.
option. (a) Name the kings who looked after the
welfare of their subjects.
(a) The time in which Shivaji Maharaj lived (b) What noble task did Shivaji Maharaj
was that of the .......... period. undertake ?
(c) Who did Shivaji Maharaj fight against ?
(ancient, medieval, modern)
4. Find the odd-man-out.
(b) Shivaji Maharaj established Swaraj in (a) Swaraj, slavery, freedom
.......... . (b) People, subjects, king

(Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Activity
Uttar Pradesh) (a) Celebrate Shivajayanti in your class.
(b) Present historical songs and ‘Powadas’ in
2. Match the pairs. ‘B’
(1) Nizamshah the cultural programmes held in your school.
‘A’
(2) Adilshah
(a) Emperor of
Vijaynagar (3) Krishnadevraya
(4) Emperor Akbar
(b) Sultan of
Ahmadnagar

(c) Sultan of Bijapur

2

2. Work of the Saints

The tradition of Sants that began in Shri Chakradhar Swami : Shri
Maharashtra with Shri Chakradhar, Sant Chakradhar Swami was originally a prince
Namdeo, Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Chokha from Gujarat. He became an ascetic, and
Mela was continued by Sants coming came over to Maharashtra. He moved all
from various strata of society. In this over Maharashtra preaching equality. He
group of Sants are included Sant Goroba, did not believe in any discrimination based
Sant Sawata, Sant Narhari, Sant Eknath, on gender or caste. So, several men and
Sant Shaikh Mahammed, Sant Tukaram, women became his followers. The sect he
Sant Niloba etc. Similarly, Sant Janabai, established is known as ‘Mahanubhav’
Sant Soyarabai, Sant Nirmalabai, Sant sect. Memorable incidents from his life
Muktabai, Sant Kanhopatra and Sant have been compiled in a book titled
Bahinabai Shiurkar are also included. ‘Leelacharitra’.

They taught people various virtues Sant Namdeo : Sant Namdeo was a
like compassion, non-violence, charity, great devotee of Vitthal. He lived in the
service, equality and brotherhood. No village Narasi. He composed numerous
one is inferior, no one is superior. All are songs in praise of god, performed
equal. Such was the sentiment that was
created by Sants in the minds of people.
Similarly, Samarth Ramdas also rendered
his work in Maharashtra.

Shri Chakradhar Swami Sant Namdeo

3

‘Keertans’ (songs and stories based on a Dnyaneshwar was deeply pained by this
religious theme) everywhere and brought incident. He entered his hut and locked
about general awakening among the the door from inside to grieve over his lot.
people. He moved all over Maharashtra Muktabai came and knocked at the door.
to spread Bhagwat dharma and taught She said, “Open the door, Dnyaneshwar.
the people deep devotion to God. He How can we remain drowned in our
instilled in them the desire to protect their own sorrow ? Who will then look to the
religion. Sant Namdeo later travelled welfare of the world ?” These words of his
all over India spreading the message of sister gave new hope to Dnyaneshwar. He
humanity. He travelled to the Punjab and forgot his personal sorrow and started his
spread the message of equality among work. Everywhere, the poor and backward
the people there. He composed songs in people were being oppressed in the name
Hindi. Even today, some of his verses are of the religion. Dnyaneshwar went among
included in ‘Guru Granth Sahib’, the holy the people and taught them to have faith
book of the Sikhs. His songs are still sung in God. ‘Give equal treatment to all. Help
all over Maharashtra with great love and those in trouble and allay their misery.’
devotion. This was the gist of his advice to the
people. Dnyaneshwar’s words are heard
Sant Dnyaneshwar : Sant in every nook and corner of Maharashtra
Dnyaneshwar’s family belonged to for the last seven hundred years.
Apegaon. Nivruttinath and Sopandeo
were his brothers. Muktabai was his sister. In those days, all religious teaching
Bigoted men of the time used to look down was confined to Sanskrit books. The
upon these children because they were language of ordinary people in everyday
the offspring of a ‘Sanyasi’. It happened use was Marathi. Dnyaneshwar wrote
like this. Their father took ‘Sanyas’ and his outstanding book ‘Dnyaneshwari’
retired from worldly life. As a Sanyasi, he in Marathi. He thus opened wide for his
left home. But later on, obeying
the order of his guru, he returned Sant Dnyaneshwar
home and started living with his
wife. Their four children were born
afterwards. The narrow-minded
religious leaders did not think it
right that a ‘Sanyasi’ should have
children. People persecuted these
children and banished them from
their community.

Once Dnyaneshwar went
round the town begging for
alms. But no one would give
him any alms. He had to listen to
abusive language instead. Young

4

people the doors of knowledge, where he even to the dumb animals. He exhorted
preached the ideal of brotherhood among the people to love all living beings and
all men. At a very early age, at Alandi practised what he preached.
near Pune, Dnyaneshwar took ‘Samadhi’,
that is, put himself in a trance from which One day he was going to the river
he never came out. Even today, on the Godavari for a bath. It was noon and very
eleventh day of Ashadh and Kartik, lakhs hot. The sand bed along the riverside was
of pilgrims go to Alandi-Pandhari with very hot too. He heard the crying of a poor
devotion. child sitting on the hot sand. Eknath looked
around and saw the child. He rushed to
Sant Eknath
him and looked around for the
Sant Eknath : Sant Eknath carried on child’s parents. He picked up
the work started by Sant Namdeo and Sant the child in his arms, wiped his
Dnyaneshwar. He lived tears and reached him home.
in Paithan. He preached
that the way to reach God In this way, by his personal
was through devotion - example, Eknath impressed the
‘Bhaktimarg’. He wrote message of love and equality on
numerous religious songs the minds of the people.
- ‘Abhangs’, ‘Owees’
and ‘Bharuds’. His advice Sant Tukaram : Two  great
to the people was not to saints, Tukaram and Ramdas
accept any distinction of lived in Shivaji’s time. Tukaram
high and low. He made came from Dehu, near Pune.
friends with the poor and He owned a farm and also a
the downtrodden and grocery shop. His forefathers used to
taught them devotion to lend money to the needy people. But
God. His love extended
Sant Tukaram

5

Tukaram drowned in the river Indrayani, Samarth Ramdas
all the record of loan papers he had, thus
giving relief to many. He would go to the mind) he gave people lessons in good
the neighbouring hill and sing songs in thoughts and good conduct. To popularise
praise of God Vitthal. On the eleventh the worship of strength, he raised the
day, ‘ekadashi’ of the month of Ashadh temples of Hanuman, the god of strength.
and Kartik, he would go to Pandharpur. He exhorted people to be strong and
He wrote devotional songs - ‘Abhangs’ told them of the power that resides in a
and performed ‘Keertans’. Thousands united people. He taught them to organize
flocked to listen to him. Shivaji Maharaj themselves and fight against injustice.
also attended his Keertans. Sant Tukaram This gave courage to the people.
preached to the people about the virtues of
pity, forgiveness and peace of mind. He The work of the saints brought about
also gave them the message of equality. a great awakening among the people.
‘He alone is a saint, and God dwells Religion once again became a thing to
with him who calls the weak and the be respected and a spirit of self-reliance
downtrodden as his own’. He impressed was born. People regained their lost
this truth on the minds of the people. He confidence. This great awakening among
made them think. People accepted him the people brought about by the saints
as a great religious leader and showered helped Shivaji in his fight for Swaraj.
their praise on him. Even today, all over
Maharashtra, we hear people proclaiming lll
‘Gyanba - Tukaram’ the names of the two
great saints. Sant Dnyaneshwar is called
‘Gyanba’ also. Even today, ‘Tukaram
Gatha’ is read in every household.

Samarth Ramdas : At the same time,
the hills and valleys of Maharashtra were
filled with the echoes of ‘Jai, Jai Raghuveer
Samarth’ (Glory be to the great Rama) an
invocation constantly on the lips of the
great saint Ramdas. Ramdas was born
at Jamb on the banks of the Godavari in
Marathwada. His birthday falls on Ram-
Navami, the day on which the great hero,
Rama, was born. Narayan was his real
name but he preferred to call himself
Ramdas, the servant of Rama. Through
his great book ‘Dasbodh’ he taught
men the ways of good life. Through his
‘Manache Shlok’ (stanzas addressed to

6

EXERCISES

1. Fill in the blanks : (b) What desire did Sant Namdeo instil
among the people ?
(a) Sant Namdeo was a great devotee
of .......... . (c) What advice was rendered by Sant
Eknath ?
(b) At a very early age, at .......... near Pune,
Dnyaneshwar took ‘Samadhi’. (d) What message was propagated by
Samarth Ramdas ?
(c) Sant Tukaram drowned in the river
.........., all the record of loan papers he 3. Give answers in three or four sentences.
had.
(a) Why did Sant Dnyaneshwar lock
(d) To popularise the worship of strength, himself   in   his   hut ?
Samarth Ramdas raised the temples of
.......... . (b) What message did Sant Tukaram give ?

2. Write the answer in one sentence. Activity

(a) What  discrimination  did  Shri Collect the pictures of Sants other than those
Chakradhar    Swami    not    believe ? included in this lesson and below the pictures,
write their thoughts.

7

3. Maratha Sardars - The Famous House of the Bhonsales

Period of Unrest : As the saints Tradition of Valour : All these
preached devotion to God, the brave Sardars were brave but many of them
Maratha Sardars started a tradition of were sworn enemies of one another. They
bravery. never thought that they should unite and
do something for their own people. So
This was a period of great unrest. all their valour and bravery served the
The two Sultans, the Adilshah of Bijapur interests of others. Even so, they kept
and the Nizamshah of Ahmadnagar alive the warlike spirit, especially among
were constantly at war with each other. the young. Many famous soldiers were
They made use of the armies of Maratha born in their families who kept alive the
Sardars in these wars. tradition of valour. Among the famous
families, the Bhonsales of Verul showed
The Brave Maratha Sardars : The great bravery and enterprise.
Marathas were both brave and tough.
They were also fearless and loyal to The Temple of Ghrushneshwar : It
their masters. They were very proud of was about four hundred years ago. The
their achievements on the battlefield. The temple of Ghrushneshwar near the Verul
brave Maratha soldier with a spear in caves was falling to pieces. The walls
hand and a sword at the side would ride had developed cracks. The priest also
in his Sardar’s cavalry. All the Maratha had deserted the temple. Thus the temple
Sardars had their own private armies. If which was built in honour of a great god
such a Sardar went to the Sultan with his was totally neglected. All the devotees
army, the Sultan gave him employment, who came there mourned over the sorry
made him a Sardar of his kingdom and state of the temple, but no one thought of
sometimes conferred a Jagir upon him. repairing it.
The Sardar who received such a Jagir
considered himself a Raja. A great devotee of Shiva visited the
temple regularly. He would put flowers
There were many famous Maratha and ‘bel’ on the ‘lingam’ and express
Sardars at the Courts of Ahmadnagar his innermost thoughts to the God. He
and Bijapur. The more famous among carried out extensive repairs to the temple
them were the Jadhavs of Sindkhed, and restored it to its original condition.
Nimbalkars of Phaltan, Ghorpades of He also made arrangements for the
Mudhol, Moreys of Javali, Bhonsales proper maintenance of the temple. Now
of Verul. The Sindkhed Jadhavs were there were lights both inside and outside
descendants of the Yadavs of Devgiri. the temple and the lost grandeur of
Jijabai, the mother of Shivaji Maharaj Ghrushneshwar was restored. Who was
was the daughter of Lakhujirao Jadhav this devotee who did all this ? He was
of Sindkhed. Maloji Raje Bhonsale.

8

Shahaji Raje

9

The Bhonsales of Verul : Maloji great pomp. Jijabai became the Fortune
Raje Bhonsale, the Patil of Verul, was a of the Bhonsale family.
great devotee of Shiva. Babaji Raje had
two sons. Maloji Raje was the elder, and Shahaji Raje : Nizamshah
Vithoji Raje the younger. Babaji Raje transferred to Shahaji Raje the Jagir he
Bhonsale had the rights of a Patil in the had conferred on Maloji Raje. Shahaji
Verul village. Raje was a brave and capable man held
in great respect at the court of Nizamshah.
Maloji Raje and Vithoji Raje were The Moghul Emperor decided to conquer
both brave and enterprising. They had the Kingdom of Nizamshah. For this, he
in their service many armed Maratha made an alliance with the Adilshah of
troops. It was a period of great unrest. The Bijapur. Malik Amber and Shahaji Raje
Moghul Emperor from Delhi had attacked fought bravely to save Nizamshahi. They
the Kingdom of Nizamshah. Daulatabad defeated both the armies. This battle took
was then the capital of Nizamshah. Malik place at Bhatawadi near Ahmadnagar.
Amber was his Vazir or Chief Minister. Sharifji was killed in the battle. Shahaji
Malik Amber was able and wise. The Raje displayed great valour. He was
two capable and brave brothers from praised everywhere as a brave General.
Verul soon caught his attention. On his His reputation in the court was so
recommendation, the Shah conferred on enhanced that even Malik Amber began
Maloji Raje the Jagir of Pune and Supe to feel jealous of him. This gradually
Parganas. led to antagonism between them. As
a result, Shahaji Raje left Nizamshahi
So the Bhonsales became rich and joined the court of Adilshah at
and powerful. Maloji Raje’s wife was Bijapur. Adilshah honoured him with the
Umabai. She came from the House of title of ‘Sar Lashkar’ (Chief of Army).
the Nimbalkars of Phaltan. They had Later, there were many developments
two sons, Shahaji and Sharifji. Maloji in Nizamshahi. The Vazir Malik Amber
Raje was killed in a battle at Indapur. died. His scheming son Fattekhan became
At that time Shahaji was only five years the Vazir of Nizamshahi. During his
old. Then Vithoji Raje looked after the period, the Nizamshahi began to decline.
children and the Jagir. Later, he asked At about the same time, there was a threat
in marriage for Shahaji, the daughter of of Moghul aggression. So, Nizamshah’s
Lakhujirao Jadhav. Jijabai, the daughter mother appealed to Shahaji Raje to return
of Lakhujirao, was well favoured by the to Nizamshahi and save it. Therefore,
gods. Lakhujirao accepted Vithoji Raje’s Shahaji Raje left Adilshahi and returned
proposal. Lakhujirao was a brave and to Nizamshahi.
valiant Sardar in the court of Nizamshah.
He kept a large army of his own. He lll
commanded great respect and honour at
the court of Nizamshah. He celebrated the
wedding of Shahaji Raje and Jijabai with

10

EXERCISES

1. Fill in the blanks choosing the correct 4. Give the answer in one sentence.
option.
(a) Who restored the temple of
(a) Among the famous families, the .......... Ghrushneshwar to its original condition ?
of Verul showed great bravery and
enterprise. (b) Which Jagir was bestowed upon Maloji
(Moreys, Ghorpades, Bhonsales) Raje by Nizamshah ?

(b) Babaji Raje Bhonsale had two sons, (c) Who fought bravely to save
Maloji and ......... . Nizamshahi ?
(Vithoji, Shahaji, Sharifji)
(d) With what title did the Adilshah honour
(c) .......... was a capable Vazir of Shahaji Raje ?
Nizamshah.
(Malik Amber, Fattekhan, Sharifji) (e) Why did Shahaji Raje leave Adilshahi
and return to Nizamshahi ?
2. Write the relation between :
(a) Maloji Raje - Vithoji Raje ....................... Activity
(b) Shahaji Raje - Lakhujirao Jadhav ........
(c) Shahaji Raje - Sharifji ........................... Locate places like Ahmadnagar, Phaltan, Verul,
(d) Babaji Raje - Vithoji Raje ....................... Supe, Pune in the map of Maharashtra.

Note : The word ‘Maratha’ here does not mean
the ‘specific caste of an individual’.
It means ‘Marathi Speaking People’ or
‘Maharashtrians’.

3. Match the pairs. ‘B’
‘A’ (1) Nimbalkar
(2) Ghorpade
(a) Sindkhed (3) Bhonsale
(b) Phaltan (4) Morey
(c) Javali (5) Jadhav
(d) Mudhol

11

4. Shivaji’s Childhood

The Birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj at Fort Shivneri

Birth of Shivaji : Those were very some place where she could remain in
unsettled days. Shahjahan from the safety and peace. Then he remembered
North had despatched a big army to the Shivneri fort and decided to send
conquer the Deccan. Pune, the principal Jijabai there. Shivneri was a strong fort
town of Shahaji Raje’s Jagir was burned near Junnar in Pune district. It had steep
to the ground by Adilshah of Bijapur. cliffs on four sides, strong fortifications
Shahaji Raje was in real trouble. He and massive doors. This strong fort was
found himself between the devil and the then in charge of Vijayraj, a relative of the
deep sea, and was constantly on the run. Bhonsales. He agreed to give protection
to Jijabai. So Shahaji Raje left her there
Jijabai was pregnant and the great and marched against the Moghuls.
question which worried Shahaji Raje was

12

And then the golden day dawned. Eknath. Shivaji liked to listen to the
On the auspicious day of Phalgun Vadya exploits of brave men. Shivaji felt that
Tritiya, in the year 1551 of the Shaka era, on growing up, he should also display
that is, on 19 February 1630, to the sound valour like them. Jijabai used to tell
of pipes and drums playing in the ‘Nagar him stories of many pious persons and
Khana’, Jijabai gave birth to a son. All saints. That instilled in him, a respect
the residents of the fort were overjoyed. and honour for all saints and great men.
On the twelfth day, with appropriate
ceremony, the child was named ‘Shivaji’ Children from poor families came to
as the child was born on Fort Shivneri. play with Shivaji. Sometimes he visited
them in their huts and shared their simple
Shivaji’s Childhood : Shivaji passed meal of onion and bhakri with great
the first six years of his life in highly relish. They invented interesting games to
unsettled conditions. Even so, Jijabai did pass the time. The children of the Mavlas
not neglect his education. Every evening were like birds in the forest. They would
she would light the household lamps and imitate the sound of the cuckoo or parrot
then call Shivaji to her. She would shower or tiger to perfection. Their pastime was
all her affection on him and tell him building small forts of earth and making
stories of Rama and Krishna, of Bhim earthern elephants and horses. They
and Abhimanyu. On other occasions played hide and seek, or played with a
she would recite to him the devotional ball or top. Shivaji joined them in all these
songs of Namdeo, Dnyaneshwar or games and became popular with them.

Veermata Jijabai tells Shivaji stories of brave men.

13

Shivaji with his Friends

Shahaji Raje towards the Moghuls  : to enable the Moghuls to swallow
Shahaji Raje returned to Nizamshahi all Nizamshahi. In return, the Moghuls
right, but he did not get any peace of mind rewarded him with the territory under
there. Nizamshah himself was a fickle- the control of Shahaji Raje. Shahaji
minded person who readily believed all Raje was enraged and so he left the
gossip. Hence, many conspiracies and services of the Moghuls. He decided to
petty rivalries infested the court. This teach them a lesson using all his might.
led to the killing of Lakhujirao Jadhav
openly in the court at the instigation of Founding of a New Nizamshahi :
Nizamshah himself. Shahaji Raje could In order to forestall the Moghul Emperor
not withstand this. Infuriated, he left and Vazir Fattekhan, Shahaji Raje found
Nizamshahi and joined the Moghuls. out a child heir from the Nizam’s family
Shahjahan, the Moghul Emperor, made and on the fort of Pemgiri near Junnar,
him a Sardar at his court. declared him as the new Nizamshah.
Thus, he established an altogether new
In the meantime, secretly joining kingdom which included the territory
hands with the Moghuls, Fattekhan killed between the rivers Godavari and Nira.
Nizamshah. There was complete anarchy Shahaji Raje fought vigorously to
in the state. It became evident that protect this new state. Initially, Adilshah
Fattekhan was treacherously planning was with him in these efforts. But later,

14

the Moghul Emperor Shahjahan himself Adilshah’s share. He gave it to Shahaji
marched South upon Shahaji Raje and Raje on his behalf. Now Shahaji Raje
threatened Adilshah. Adilshah then joined the Adilshahi services. Adilshah
signed a treaty of friendship with him assigned to him, the task of conquering
against Shahaji Raje. the territories in distant Karnatak, far
away from Pune. Some time after the
Shahaji Raje now began to fight the departure of Shahaji Raje to Karnatak,
joint forces of the Moghuls and Adilshah Jijabai and Shivaji also joined him there.
using guerrilla tactics. But he could not
sustain the war all by himself. In 1636, Shivaji’s childhood in Maharashtra
unwillingly, he signed a treaty of peace had been very hectic. He and Jijabai
with Moghuls. He could not create his had to rush continuously from one fort
own kingdom as the times were not to another. At that time, young Shivaji
favourable for him. But his daring spirit used to hear the stories of the brave
kindled a confidence among the Marathi deeds of his father. Jijabai and Shivaji
people. This proved useful for Shivaji in got some peace when they arrived in
establishing Swaraj a few years later. Karnatak. Shahaji Raje defeated many
kings in Karnatak. Adilshah awarded
Jijabai and Shivaji in Karnatak : him with the Jagir of Bangalore. Shahaji
After the downfall of the Nizamshahi Raje then made the city of Bangalore
established by Shahaji Raje, its territory his headquarters. He lived there with all
was divided by the Moghuls and the trappings of a king and began to
Adilshah amongst themselves. Shahaji summon the court.
Raje’s Jagir of Pune and Supe lay within

EXERCISES

1. Fill in the blanks choosing the correct (b) What games did Shivaji and the children
option. of the Mavlas play ?

(a) Shivaji was born on the .......... fort. (c) Why did Shahaji Raje leave
(Purandar, Shivneri, Panhala) Nizamshahi ?

(b) Adilshah assigned the task of conquering 3. Write the answers in two or three
the territories in .......... to Shahaji Raje. sentences.

(Karnatak, Khandesh, Konkan) (a) Whose stories did Jijabai tell Shivaji ?
(b) Why did Shahaji Raje declare the child
2. Write the answer in one sentence.
heir from the Nizamshah’s family as the
(a) What did Shivaji feel due to Jijabai’s new Nizamshah ?
teaching ?

15

Activity (b) Make a list of traditional sports and write
a note on any one of them in 10 lines.
(a) Make a trip to Fort Shivneri and collect
information about the birthplace of
Shivaji Maharaj.

Fort Shivneri - Maha Darwaja

16

5. Shivaji’s Education

Beginning of Shivaji’s Education :  Soon, Adilshah sent Shahaji Raje
Shahaji Raje himself was a scholar of on an expedition to conquer the States of
Sanskrit. In the Bangalore court, he had the Nayakas (local chiefs) in Karnatak.
under his patronage, artists and scholars of Before setting out upon the expedition,
various languages. He appointed intelligent Shahaji Raje sent Shivaji and Jijabai
teachers for Shivaji. Shivaji’s education to Pune. With them, he sent elephants,
began when he became seven years old. horses, an infantry, a treasury, a flag, as
Soon, Shivaji became skilled in the art of also trusted ministers, brave generals and
reading and writing. He began to read the renowned teachers.
stories from ‘Ramayan’, ‘Mahabharat’
and ‘Bhagwat’, on his own. To teach him Rejuvenation of Pune : Jijabai
warfare, Shahaji Raje had appointed some and Shivaji returned to Pune. Shivaji
teachers. They began to teach Shivaji to remembered his childhood days which he
ride a horse, to wrestle, to use swords and had spent on Shivneri. He could see the
Dandpatta. Thus, at the age of twelve, lofty peaks of the Sahyadri again and he
Shivaji became acquainted with different became very happy. Pune at that time
branches of learning and arts. was not such a big city. It was totally
devastated by Shahaji Raje’s enemies.

Shivaji’s Education under the Supervision of Shahaji Raje

17

Properties were damaged. Houses were happy. In the fields of agricultural reform
demolished. Temples had collapsed. The and revenue collection, the work done
frightened people had fled from their by Dadaji Konddev and the Nizamshahi
villages. Fields had become barren. Thick Vazir Malik Amber is considered to be
forests had grown. Wolves roamed in the very important.
countryside. Pune, thus, was totally in
shambles and ruins. Shivaji’s Education : When Shivaji
returned to Pune, his education continued
When the people living around under the supervision of Jijabai. While
came to know that Jijabai has returned to returning from Bangalore, Jijabai and
Pune with Shivaji, they took heart. Jijabai Shivaji were accompanied by eminent
called all of them and reassured them teachers sent by Shahaji Raje. They
that they would be safe in Pune. People taught him many sciences, branches of
started settling in Pune, cultivating their learning and languages.
lands. Jijabai had the dilapidated temples
repaired. In the temples, worship began Shivaji acquired the knowledge of
morning and evening. The town was excellent administration, war tactics,
again throbbing with people. Thus, Pune fort architecture, selection of horses and
was totally transformed. elephants, ways of escaping from difficult
enemy territories and many other things.
The Achievements of Dadaji Shivaji’s progress in education pleased
Konddev : When Jijabai and Shivaji Jijabai very much.
were in Karnatak, Dadaji Konddev
looked after the Pune Jagir. He was the What Veermata Jijabai Taught
‘Subhedar’ of Kondana also. He was Shivaji : Jijabai was no ordinary woman.
very faithful. He was strict, efficient and She was the daughter of the mighty
honest in his work. He was also just, Sardar Lakhujirao Jadhav and the wife
and a strict disciplinarian. He served of the brave and valiant Shahaji Raje.
with devotion. At about this time, a big She had inherited the knowledge of
wada or residence was built in Pune by politics and warfare from her infancy. In
the orders of Shahaji Raje. It came to be her was witnessed the confluence of the
known as ‘Lal Mahal’. To encourage the martial traditions of the famous Houses
peasants to till their lands, Dadaji gave of the Jadhavs and Bhonsales. She was a
them concessions in the land tax for a few freedom loving person with a great sense
years. He offered prizes for destroying of pride. She had learnt through bitter
the wolves which infested the countryside experience that however much a Maratha
and harassed the peasants. Many wolves Sardar displayed valour, it was not
were killed. He raised peasant patrols appreciated in the courts of the Sultans.
to protect life and property from gangs She had valiantly faced the shock of
of thieves who roamed the countryside. her father’s murder in the open court at
He fixed land revenue according to the the instigation of Nizamshah. She had
quality of the soil. He thus made the people

18

resolved that her son Shivaji would never Veermata Jijabai
be engaged in the services of others. He
would establish the rule of his own people The New Regime of Shivaji : In Pune
- Swaraj. She was bringing up Shivaji Jagir, the new regime of Shivaji began
with that ideal. under the guidance of Jijabai. Shahaji
Raje had already made the preparations
The people living in the Maval region for this. When Shahaji Raje sent Shivaji
were called Mavlas. They were loyal, from Bangalore to Pune, he sent some very
hardworking and quick-footed. No one powerful and prestigious people with him.
could surpass them in hardiness. But they They were Samraj Neelkanth Peshwe,
were harassed by the Sultans’ rule. The Balkrishna Hanamante Muzumdar,
armies of the Sultans used to plunder their Mankoji Dahatonde Sarnobat, Raghunath
villages, forcing the people to abandon Ballal Sabnis, Sonopant Dabir. These
their places. Nobody cared for them. were all able men fit to administer an
Shivaji yearned to do something for these independent kingdom. Shahaji Raje had
poor, miserable people. specially deputed them to Pune to help

On returning home, Shivaji would
talk about this to his mother. Jijabai would
say, “Shivba, Shri Ramchandra is the
ancestor of the Bhonsales. Rama killed
Ravan and made his people happy. The
ancestor of the Jadhavs is Shri Krishna.
He killed Kans and brought relief to his
people. You are a descendant of both
Shri Rama and Shri Krishna. You can
also destroy the wicked and make your
subjects happy.”

These words of Jijabai were a source
of inspiration to young Shivaji. He would
remember the brave deeds of heroes of the
past like Rama, Krishna, Bhim, Arjun.
He thought of them all the time, whether
asleep or awake. He felt that he, too, must
fight against injustice as they did, and
like them, destroy the wicked and bring
happiness to his subjects. He thought that
he should become courageous and brave
like these heroes of old.

19

Shivaji govern his Jagir efficiently. With Shivaji’s Marriage : In those days,
their help, Shivaji began to administer his people married at a very early age. So,
Jagir, to attend the people’s grievances. Jijamata said, “We should now get Shivba
Those who inflicted injustice upon the ryot married.” Then a search for a suitable
were punished. In a way, Shahaji Raje’s bride for Shivba began. Soon she found
Jagir was undergoing a transformation. the girl she wanted. Her name was Saibai.
The Mavlas got a glimpse of the future Saibai came from the Nimbalkar family
‘Swaraj’. It was, as it were, the dawn of of Phaltan. The marriage was celebrated
Swaraj. with great splendour.

EXERCISES

1. Fill in the blanks choosing the correct (c) Why did Dadaji Konddev give
option. concession in land tax to peasants ?

(a) Shahaji Raje was a scholar of .......... . 3. Give the answer in two or three sentences.
(Sanskrit, Kannad, Tamil) (a) How was Pune rejuvenated ?
(b) What knowledge did Shivaji acquire ?
(b) People living in the Maval region were (c) What had Jijabai resolved ?
called .......... .
(peasants, soldiers, Mavlas) Activity
(a) Write and enact a dialogue between
2. Write the answer in one sentence. Shivaji and Jijabai.
(b) Read the biography of Veermata Jijabai.
(a) Who appointed teachers for Shivaji and
where ?

(b) What did the teachers begin to teach
Shivaji ?

20

6. The Oath of Swaraj

The Temple at Raireshwar : To Shivaji was speaking with great
the south-west of Pune, there is a beauty emotion and his face was red with anger.
spot called Raireshwar famous for its In the middle of his speech he stopped
temple. In the year 1645, an extraordinary and looked at his companions. The
event took place there. Shivaji and a few young Mavlas gathered there in the inner
Mavlas from the neighbouring valley had sanctum of Raireshwar were greatly
gathered there. Why had they come to this thrilled by Shivaji’s speech. They had
lovely spot hidden in deep forest ? What seen a new vision. One of them said, “Our
did they discuss and what favour did they young prince, tell us clearly whatever is
ask of Lord Shiva ? in your mind. We are prepared, we are
anxious to do your bidding.” “ Yes Raje,”
The Fiery Eloquence of Young they all said with one voice, “We are with
Shivaji : Shivaji was still quite young you, we shall do whatever you say at the
but his mind was already busy planning cost of our lives if need be !”
big things. He opened his mind to his
playmates and said, “My dear friends, The Oath of Swaraj : Shivaji
today I am going to talk to you about got fresh inspiration from their words.
something which is in my mind for a long Looking at each one of them he said,
time. My father Shahaji Raje is a Sardar at “Friends, our path is clear. We shall all
the court of Bijapur. It is he who has given strive to attain our ideal, work for it till it
me the charge of this Jagir. Everything is is achieved. All should be ready even to
going on well and peacefully. But, friends, sacrifice their lives for this ideal which is
I am not happy. Must we always remain ‘Hindavi Swaraj’. We will have our own
satisfied as bondmen of the Sultan ? Must Raj, yours and mine and everybody’s. We
we always eat out of other people’s hand ? refuse to live as slaves any more. Let us
We are surrounded on all sides by foreign take this oath with Lord Raireshwar as
kingdoms which are constantly at war. witness ; we give ourselves completely
Our people get killed for nothing during to the great task of establishing our own
these wars and family after family gets Raj, Swaraj.”
uprooted. Our country suffers destruction.
And what do we get out of all this ? The temple echoed the words of
Nothing but slavery. How long shall we Shivaji. “God thinks that this Kingdom
continue to tolerate this ? How long shall should take shape as Hindavi Swaraj. We
we lay down our lives for others ? Shall shall see that God’s wish is fulfilled.”
we allow this to continue just for the sake
of a small Watan ? What have you to say So the Mavlas left the temple,
about all this ?” committed to the oath of freedom, of
Swaraj. The mind of Shivaji was filled

21

22

The Oath of Swaraj

with great joy. As soon as he reached Pune of the Swaraj of his dreams. He thus won
he went straight to Lal Mahal to see his many of them over to his side. He used
mother. He described to her all that took force against those who were adamant. In
place at Raireshwar. Overjoyed, Jijabai this way he stopped the mutual warfare.
thought with satisfaction that Shivaji Everybody was pleased with this happy
would accomplish what was always in result and all started singing the praises
her mind. of Shivaji. Zunjarrao Maral, Haibatrao
Shilamkar, Baji Pasalkar, Vithoji Shitole,
Preparations in the Maval Jedhe, Paygude, Bandal were some of
Valley : Shivaji soon got busy with the Deshmukhs in the Maval valley
his new activities. Along with his who began to look upon Shivaji as their
comrades he started intensive training leader. The dream of Swaraj was fast
in swordsmanship, riding, exploring approaching the day of fulfilment.
the secret paths in the hills and getting
familiar with the general topography of Shivaji’s Royal Seal : The Jagir was
the land, its valleys and ghats and possible already being administered in the name of
communication routes. He won over the Shivaji. Shahaji Raje had cast a special
Mavlas who became his most devoted royal seal for Shivaji. It read :
followers, willing to lay down their lives
for him at any time. Shivaji’s enthusiasm à{VnÀM§ÐboIod d{Y©îUw{d©ídd§{XVm Ÿ&&
increased a thousandfold. Shivaji made a emhgyZmo… {edñ`¡fm _wÐm ^Ðm` amOVo Ÿ&&
detailed survey of all the forts and military
establishments in the area. In this, his
followers were of great help to him. In
the course of time, he came to know the
smallest detail of every establishment;
secret pathways, underground routes,
ammunition dumps and cellars.

Friends in Maval : All over the The Royal Seal
twelve Mavals there were Deshmukhs,
guarding their individual ‘Watans’ (gifted ‘This seal will grow in splendour like
land in lieu of service) to which they were the new moon. This seal of Shivaji, the
more attached than anything else. There son of Shahaji, receiving homage from
were constant quarrels between them the whole world denotes the welfare of
leading to useless waste of money and the people.’ This Royal seal in a way,
manpower. Shivaji saw this waste and foretold the foundation of Swaraj.
decided to put an end to it. He would visit
the Deshmukhs in the area, talk to them, In those days most of the royal seals
persuade them to desist from their folly and were carved in Persian. Shivaji’s was in
raise before them a very attractive picture

23

Sanskrit. This was a significant change. guarantee to all the Mavlas that Shivaji’s
There could be no Swaraj without your Government was for the welfare of the
own language and your own religion. But people. They were quick to grasp this
at the same time, there should not be a point.
hatred for other religions. The seal was a

EXERCISES

1. Fill in the blanks : (c) What did Shivaji come to know in his
(a) To the south-west of Pune, the ........... detailed survey ?
temple was a beautiful spot.
(b) All over Maval there were ........... (d) What did Shivaji decide to put an end to ?
guarding their individual Watans.
(c) Shahaji Raje had cast a special ........... 3. Write the answers in two or three sentences.
for Shivaji. (a) What was the ideal of Shivaji ?
(b) What did Shivaji start doing with his
2. Write the answer in one sentence. comrades ?
(a) What words of Shivaji echoed in the
temple ? Activity
(b) What did Jijabai think with joy and Design and display a picture of the Oath of
satisfaction ? Swaraj.

24

7. Swaraj : First Conquest

It is no doubt true that Shivaji and his All the forts in the Jagir were, however,
comrades took the oath of Swaraj in the in the charge of officers from the court
temple of Raireshwar. But it was a very of Bijapur. He who controlled the forts
difficult task. In those days, Maharashtra also controlled the surrounding territory
was governed by four different powers, and, therefore, all talk of Swaraj without
the Moghul Emperor of Delhi, Sultan the control of the forts was meaningless.
Adilshah of Bijapur, the Portuguese of A hill fort gave strategic support to the
Goa and the Siddi of Janjira. They were ruler and Shivaji decided to capture one
powerful opponents, firm in their authority. at a suitable time. For this purpose he had
No one would dare utter a word against selected the fort of Torana. It stands to the
them. Under these difficult conditions south-west of Pune in the Kanad Valley.
Shivaji had taken the oath of Swaraj. It was a renowned fort, well-suited for
There was no comparison between the defence. There were two strong ‘Machis’
vast forces of the enemy and a handful on the way to the fort. A ‘Machi’ is a
of Shivaji’s Mavlas. But Shivaji’s mind fortification of a natural plateau formed
was made up and his firm resolve was his on the slope of a hill. One of these ‘Machis’
greatest source of strength. was the ‘Zunjar Machi’ and the other, the
‘Budhla Machi’. ‘Zunjar Machi’, like
Torana Fort : Shivaji controlled the its name, could offer powerful defence
Jagir of Pune, Supe, Chakan and Indapur.

Fort Torana (Zunjar Machi)

25

against the enemy. The only access to as a Maratha Killedar, a Brahmin Sabnis
the fort was across the ‘Zunjar Machi’. and a Prabhu Karkhanis. The garrison
It is a very difficult passage with high included Mavlas, Kolis, Ramoshis,
hills on one side and deep valleys on the Mahars and such brave men from many
other. A careless person may easily lose other castes and communities. In Swaraj
his balance and end his life in the deep all castes and communities were to be
valley. Torana was considered one of the treated alike and no distinctions made on
strong forts of Maharashtra. In the fort the basis of caste. As repairs to the fort
there is a temple of the goddess Toranjai. started, a surprise awaited the people.
That is why the fort is called Torana. They discovered four metal pots filled to
Strangely enough, this powerful fort the brim with mohurs. The workers were
was neglected by Adilshah. There were overjoyed. They said that this was a gift
neither enough troops for its defence nor to Shivaji from the Goddess Bhavani who
enough ammunition. Shivaji knew this had blessed his efforts. All the money
and this was exactly what he wanted. He discovered was brought to Shivaji. No
decided to capture the fort and thus lay one thought of taking anything from it
the foundation of Hindavi Swaraj. for himself. After all it was the wealth
of Swaraj. Shivaji felt greatly elated at
The drums of Swaraj begin to this unexpected gift which would enable
sound : With a few select bands of Mavlas, him to pursue his ideal of Swaraj with
Shivaji descended into the Kanad Valley. added vigour. He felt that he was working
Swift-footed like the deer and lion- under the benevolent eye of the goddess
hearted in courage, they raced to the top Bhavani.
and captured the strategic positions in the
fort. Tanaji Malusare hoisted the Maratha Shivaji utilised part of the treasure
flag at the main entrance. Yesaji Kank, found in the fort to purchase arms and
a trustworthy and loyal companion of ammunition. The rest he decided to use
Shivaji, posted his guards at important for another project which was already in
points; the fort was captured almost his mind. About fifteen kilometres to the
without any resistance and the sky was east of Torana is the hill of Murumbdeo.
filled with shouts of “Shivaji Maharaj ki Shivaji had his eye on it for a long
Jai”. The first battle drums and pipes of time. This hill was steep and difficult of
Hindavi Swaraj had sounded and their access and, therefore, of great strategic
echo reverberated throughout the valley. importance. Adilshah had actually started
Shivaji named this fort ‘Prachandgad.’ constructing a fort on this hill but had left
it unfinished. This hill also was not well-
Blessings of Goddess Bhavani : guarded and Shivaji decided to capture it.
Fort Torana then came under Shivaji’s
administration. He made a very careful The First Capital of Swaraj : One
survey of it and appointed officers such day Shivaji climbed up the hill with a select

26

Fort Rajgad - Pali Darwaja

band of his followers and took possession The Collector despatched messengers
of the partially completed fort. The money to Bijapur and informed Adilshah of
found on Torana was used to complete Shivaji’s rapid progress.
the fortifications of Murumbdeo. Shivaji
named this fort Rajgad. Stone masons, Shivaji the Shrewd Politician :
carpenters, blacksmiths, water carriers, Adilshah was most surprised to get the
other workers - all the people got busy. news. He asked Shahaji Raje for an
They built the Rajmahal, Bara Mahal and explanation. Shahaji Raje got himself
eighteen workshops. Rajgad became the out of this difficult situation by telling
first capital of Swaraj. the Sultan that Shivaji Raje had probably
taken over the fort for better administration
Shivaji’s Rapid Progress : From of the Jagir. Shivaji also sent this message
then onwards, Shivaji moved swiftly and to the Sultan. “I have taken possession
captured one fort after another in Maval. of the fort for better administration of
The whole country known as Bara Maval the countryside. We did this only in the
- the twelve Mavals - was overflowing interest of the Sultan. There was no evil
with joy and excitement. The Patils and design at the back of this action.”
Deshmukhs from many villages came
and swore allegiance to Shivaji. But The two forts of Kondana and
Maval had its own share of black-legs Purandar too had strategic locations.
who were ever ready to put a spoke in Shivaji used his political skill and took
the fast moving wheel of Swaraj. Jealous control of both the forts. The next fort
of Shivaji’s success, they complained to come under his sway was Rohida.
to the Adilshahi Collector at Shirval. This was fast work indeed and there was
nothing to stop Shivaji now.

27

EXERCISES

1. Fill in the blanks : (b) What officers were appointed by Shivaji
on the fort of Torana ?
(a) Shivaji controlled the Jagir of Pune,
Supe, Chakan and ........ . (c) What message did Shivaji send to
(Indapur, Saswad, Welhe) Adilshah ?

(b) Shivaji decided to capture the fort of 3. Give reasons.
........ and lay the foundation of Hindavi
Swaraj. (a) Shivaji selected the fort of Torana to
(Sinhagad, Shivneri, Torana) lay the foundation of Swaraj.

(c) ........ became the first capital of Swaraj. (b) The workers brought the pots of mohurs
(Rajgad, Raigad, Pratapgad) discovered on the fort of Torana to
Shivaji.
2. Write the answer in one sentence.
Activity
(a) Which four different powers governed Arrange a trip to the nearest fort with the help of
Maharashtra in those days ? your teachers.

28

8. Defeat of Internal Enemies

By Use of Force : The Mavlas of the of Javali was one such person. Morey was
twelve Mavals gathered round Shivaji, the Jagirdar of Javali. This Jagir which
ready to do his bidding. They lived for extended from Raigad to Koyna Valley,
Swaraj and were willing to die for it. along with the title ‘Chandrarao’, was
They were simple Maratha folk. They conferred upon him by Adilshah. Javali
loved Shivaji more than their life. But was covered with such a thick forest that
some people were jealous of Shivaji’s even during broad daylight, the sun’s rays
achievements. He had to bring such hardly penetrated it. It was full of wild life.
people to book. Tigers, wolves and bears roamed freely in
the Javali forest. Morey’s Javali was thus
Khandoji and Baji Ghorpade were like a tiger’s hideout. No one, therefore,
two Sardars in the service of Adilshah. crossed Morey’s path. Only Shivaji had
The Shah incited them against Shivaji. the courage to do so.
They created a lot of trouble in the
Kondana district but Shivaji was more Daulatrao Morey died in 1645. There
than a match for them. He defeated and was fight for the succession among his
drove them out. descendants. Shivaji backed Yeshwantrao
Morey who, with Shivaji’s help, ascended
Bajaji Naik Nimbalkar of Phaltan the ‘gadi’ as ‘Chandrarao’. In return for
was Shivaji’s own brother-in-law. But Shivaji’s help, Yeshwantrao promised to
Shivaji Maharaj had to fight many battles help Shivaji in his struggle and also pay
against him. However, later on, members him an annual tribute. But he forgot all
of this family stood by Shivaji Maharaj. this once he succeeded to the ‘gadi’. He
became impertinent and troublesome. He
Sambhaji Mohite of Supe, a near started attacking Shivaji’s territory and
relative of Shivaji, also started plotting harassing the people. Shivaji realised that
against Shivaji. Shivaji arrested him at unless Morey was punished, he would
Supe and banished him to Karnatak. With remain a constant danger to Swaraj.
Shivaji, duty came first and relatives
afterwards. ‘Rebel and you will die’ : Shivaji
first sent a stiff note to Yeshwantrao
Chandrarao Morey of Javali : The Morey, “You call yourself the Raja.
greatness of Shivaji’s achievements was But I am the Raja of this territory. This
recognised and applauded everywhere. He Kingdom is Lord Shiva’s gift to me. So do
captivated the heart of his people. Some not call yourself the Raja.”
people did not like this. They looked upon
Shivaji as a mole in the eye. The Morey

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In a very rude reply Yeshwantrao had numerous followers. Shivaji after
said, “You are a Raja of only yesterday. making thorough preparations, attacked
Who gave you this Kingdom ? If you Javali. Yeshwantrao held out for about
come to Javali, you will be trapped. By a month but suffered very heavy losses.
the grace of God, I have received from He then escaped to Rairi along with his
Adilshah the title of ‘Raja’. He has also family. Shivaji conquered Javali and then
in his graciousness given me a throne and marched on Rairi. He laid siege to Fort
the panoply of a Raja. If you start any Rairi. Yeshwantrao fought desperately
trouble here, you will be badly hurt.” for three months but he had to give up.

Shivaji replied, “Give up Javali and Fort Raigad : The conquest of Javali
your pretensions to Kingship. Come before was a very important landmark. This
your master with folded hands and accept doubled the boundaries of Swaraj under
his service. You will refuse to do so at the Shivaji. Yeshwantrao’s army, too, joined
risk of your life.” the forces of Shivaji. The strong Rairi fort
became a part of Swaraj. Shivaji was
The conquest of Javali was a highly pleased to have this fort under his
difficult operation. It was covered control. He changed its name to ‘Raigad’.
with thick forest and protected by the Later on, he built a new fort on the Bhorpya
impregnable Rairi fort. Morey also hill nearby. It was named ‘Pratapgad’.

Fort Raigad

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EXERCISES

1. Find out the wrong pair. 3. Write the answers in two or three
(a) Phaltan - Nimbalkar sentences.
(b) Javali - Morey (a) Why did no one cross Morey’s path ?
(c) Supe - Jadhav (b) What note did Shivaji send to
Yeshwantrao Morey ?
2. Write the answer in one sentence.
(a) What title was conferred by Adilshah Activity
upon the Moreys of Javali ? 1. Collect pictures of Raigad.
(b) Why was the conquest of Javali a very 2. Prepare a model of Raigad with the help of
important landmark ?
your friends, in your Diwali vacation.

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9. Pratapgad makes History.

Adilshah Perturbed : The Court of unbelievable. He could bend a crowbar
Adilshah at Bijapur was passing anxious with his bare hands. He was a past master
days, due to the growing exploits of Shivaji. in achieving his end by any available
The Sultan summoned all his Sardars to means. This Afzalkhan had accepted the
court to take stock of the situation. All challenge of bringing Shivaji to court,
the Sardars including those known for dead or alive. The court was highly
their exploits and those comparatively pleased. Everybody thought that it was
unknown attended. Badi Saheba, the the end of Shivaji and that he would be
Dowager Queen, who personally looked brought to Bijapur either alive or dead.
after the Adilshahi administration from
Bijapur was also present. The one question Afzalkhan left Bijapur in great pomp.
before the assembly was “How to bring He was accompanied by a huge army fully
Shivaji to book and break his revolt.” equipped for battle. He was previously
the Subhedar of Wai for twelve years and
Badi Saheba asked a straight question knew the country well. He marched on
to her Sardars, “Tell me, who is willing to Maharashtra full of pride and confident
march against Shivaji and put an end to of success.
his rebellion?”
Swaraj in Danger : At this time
The court became silent. Everybody Shivaji was at Rajgad. He got the news of
sat quietly in his place and started looking Afzalkhan’s movements. He immediately
at the next person, for who would dare saw that his Swaraj was in great danger.
accept the challenge of fighting Shivaji ? But he did not lose courage. He knew that
Just then a giant of a man came forward the Khan was full of stratagem and had a
and bowed respectfully before the throne. huge army with him. Shivaji’s kingdom
His name was Afzalkhan. was very small in comparison and so
was his army. He could see that he could
The Khan accepts the Challenge :  never hold his own in open battle against
The Khan accepted the challenge and the Khan. His only hope was in some
picked up the betel leaf from the salver as strategic move that would take the Khan
a mark of acceptance. “Shivaji. Who is by surprise. In consultation with Jijabai
Shivaji ?” he said, “ I shall arrest him and and with her blessings, Shivaji Maharaj
bring him here or if that is not possible, shifted his headquarters from Rajgad to
I shall bring his dead body.” Pratapgad.

Afzalkhan was one of the mighty Afzalkhan’s Counter-move : When
Sardars at the court of Bijapur. His the Khan learnt that Shivaji had moved to
physical prowess and strength were

32

Pratapgad, he became very angry. He was Tit for Tat : Shivaji quickly saw
aware of the difficulties in conquering through the Khan’s offer. He was taking
Pratapgad. It was surrounded by thick no chances. He decided somehow to
forest and high hills. There was no proper persuade the Khan to come up to the
approach road to the fort and it was very fort. In reply to the Khan’s message he
difficult to move his artillery. Besides, the said, “Khansaheb, I am guilty of having
jungle was full of wild life. captured your forts. I must have your
promise of pardon for this. Please come
The Khan initiated many moves and meet me at the foothills of Pratapgad.
in the hope of bringing Shivaji down to I am really afraid of coming down to the
the plains. He attacked the holy cities of plains to meet you.”
Pandharpur and Tuljapur. He harassed
the people. He was hopeful that these This reply of Shivaji pleased
tactics would bring Shivaji down to the Afzalkhan. Passing his fingers through
plains. But Shivaji proved too clever for his beard he smiled and said, “This is
him. He refused to leave Pratapgad. Then good news. What can Shivaji do against
the Khan changed his tactics. In a spirit of the mighty Afzalkhan? He has no guts to
apparent friendliness he sent a message to fight me. I shall myself go to Pratapgad
Shivaji. “You are like a son to me. Come and put an end to his life when we meet.”
and see me. Return our forts and I shall So he agreed to Shivaji’s proposal.
see that Adilshah makes you a Sardar at
his court.” The Meeting Place : The ‘Machi’
on Pratapgad was chosen as the meeting

Fort Pratapgad

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Waghnakh

Bichwa Jiretope
(Helmet)

Coat of mail

Dandpatta (Patta)

place. A date and time was fixed. It carried the Dandpatta in his hand. He was
was agreed that each one would be now ready to face the Khan.
accompanied by a servant and followed
by ten bodyguards at a distance. A special All the Sardars were waiting outside.
road was constructed for the convenience Shivaji turned to them and said, “Friends,
of the Khan and a big shamiana put up each one of you must carry out the duties
for the meeting. assigned to you. I am sure the goddess
Bhavani will see that we succeed. But if
Every move of Shivaji was marked things go wrong and I am killed, do not
by great caution. He divided his army into lose heart. Install Sambhaji on the ‘gadi’,
small units. Each unit was told where to follow the commands of Maasaheb. Fight
hide and when and how to act. He took for Swaraj and extend its boundaries.
every measure for safety and left nothing Make the subjects happy. I shall go now
to chance. Many of his advisers tried to to meet the Khan.” He was accompanied
dissuade him from meeting the Khan. by his Vakil Pantaji Gopinath and ten
The Khan’s word could not be trusted. bodyguards including Jivaji Mahala,
But Shivaji brushed aside this advice and Sambhaji Kavji, Yesaji Kank, Krishnaji
decided to meet the Khan as arranged. Gaikwad, Siddi Ibrahim and others.

Before the Meeting : On the day of the When Shivaji reached the shamiana
meeting, Shivaji visited Bhavani’s temple he saw that the Khan had already arrived.
in the morning and took ‘darshan’. Soon He was busy planning his future moves.
after, he started putting on his ceremonial Standing by his side was an armed soldier,
clothes. He wore his Surwar and coat Bada Sayyad by name. He was highly
of mail. Over the coat of mail, he wore skilled in the use of Dandpatta. Shivaji
a kurta and a flowing robe. On his head came to the entrance of the shamiana,
he placed the Jiretope (helmet) and tied but on seeing Bada Sayyad, he stopped
a Mandil around it. He fitted Waghnakh and would not proceed further. The Khan
onto the fingers of his left hand. Hidden asked Shivaji’s Vakil why Shivaji stood
inside the left sleeve was a Bichwa and he at the entrance instead of coming in.

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Shivaji meets Afzalkhan.

The Vakil said, “He is afraid of Bada into the Khan’s stomach and tore apart
Sayyad. Please ask him to go away.” his guts. The wounded Khan fell down.
Bada Sayyad moved away and Shivaji Khan’s Vakil, Krishnaji Bhaskar, came
stepped in. The Khan got up and said, forward and attacked Shivaji with his
“Come, Shivaji Raje, let us embrace each sword. But Shivaji killed him with one
other as a mark of our friendship.” stroke of the Patta. When Bada Sayyad
heard the shouts and noise he rushed into
The Struggle with the Khan : the shamiana. As he was about to strike
Shivaji Maharaj cautiously took a step Shivaji, Jivaji Mahala came between
forward and the Khan took him in his them and killed Bada Sayyad with one
embrace. Compared to the giant Khan, stroke. ‘Because of Jiva, Shiva was saved’
Shivaji was short. He reached only as far became a common saying afterwards.
as the Khan’s chest. At the same moment, Sambhaji Kavji displayed great bravery
the Khan held Shivaji’s neck in his iron in this conflict.
grip and stabbed him on the side with his
dagger. It tore apart Shivaji’s robe but The Rout of the Afzalkhan’s Army  :
the coat of mail underneath saved him. Thus with triumph Shivaji went up to
Shivaji, knowing that the Khan was trying the fort. The gun boomed and gave the
to kill him, quickly thrust the Waghnakh signal. On the instant, Shivaji’s troops
in the Khan’s stomach. Drawing out the came out of their hiding and attacked
Bichwa with his right hand, he drove it the Khan’s army. The Khan’s army was

35

completely unprepared for the attack and of the disastrous campaign spread gloom
was caught in a difficult terrain. They over the whole of Bijapur.
could not even run away to save their
lives. The Maratha troops chased them Shivaji thus humbled the most
in hot pursuit and destroyed the whole of powerful Sardar of the Bijapur Court.
the Khan’s powerful army. Fazalkhan, His fame spread everywhere. The songs
Afzalkhan’s son who escaped with great of his exploits were heard in the hills and
difficulty, reached Bijapur. His account valleys of Sahyadri.

EXERCISES

1. Form a correct word from the given (b) What did Shivaji say to his Sardars
letters. before going to Afzalkhan ?
(a) r t P a p a g d a
(b) j a i i S v h 4. Give reasons.
(c) n h l z A a f k a
(a) Afzalkhan became very angry when
2. Write the answer in one sentence. he learnt that Shivaji had moved to
(a) What challenge did Afzalkhan accept ? Pratapgad.
(b) What message did Afzalkhan
send Shivaji in a spirit of apparent (b) Gloom spread over the whole of
friendliness ? Bijapur.

3. Give the answer in two or three sentences. Activity
(a) Why did Shivaji have to use some
strategic move to fight Afzalkhan ? Collect a few Marathi proverbs or sayings that
are related to historical events.

36

10. Baji Prabhu and the Memorable Battle of Ghodkhind

Shivaji Conquers Panhala - They relaxed the watch and indulged in
Adilshah Gets Angry : While Bijapur food, drink and music.
was still mourning the death of Afzalkhan
and the complete rout of his army, Shivaji Shivaji Escapes from the Siege :
captured the Panhala fort from the Bijapur A plan was hit upon to escape from the
garrison. This threw Adilshah into a fit of siege. Two palanquins were kept ready.
wild rage. He could neither eat nor sleep. One was meant for Shivaji in which
He despatched another Sardar, Siddi he would proceed using a difficult
Jauhar, against Shivaji. Siddi Jauhar had route. The other would be occupied by
a huge army with him. Fazalkhan who another person disguised as Shivaji.
wanted to avenge his father’s death, also This palanquin was to leave by the
accompanied him. ‘Raj-dindi’. This other palanquin would
be easily spotted by the enemy forces,
The Siege of Panhalgad : Siddi and it would be captured by them. While
Jauhar was brave but ruthless. He was the enemy celebrated the capture of
a strict disciplinarian. He laid siege to Shivaji, the real Shivaji would escape
Panhalgad and confined Shivaji within the by the difficult route. This was the plan.
fort. The rainy season was approaching For this a brave youth undertook this
and Shivaji thought that once the rains task. He resembled Shivaji in looks.
came, Siddi Jauhar would lift the siege. His name was Shiva Kashid. He was a
But Siddi Jauhar did nothing of the kind. hairdresser in Shivaji’s service. He was
On the contrary, with the arrival of the courageous and shrewd.
monsoon, he further tightened the siege.
Supplies in the fort were running out. As planned, the palanquin carrying
Shivaji was in a fix. Since he could not Shiva Kashid came out of Raj-dindi.
force Siddi Jauhar to lift the siege by It was a dark night and it was raining
an open battle, he decided to deceive heavily. Still, some enemy soldiers
Siddi Jauhar by a clever ruse. He sent a were keeping watch. They captured the
message to Siddi Jauhar to the effect that palanquin. They thought that they had
he would shortly surrender the fort. Siddi caught Shivaji himself and took the
was happy. palanquin to Siddi’s camp. Jubilations
began in the camp. In the meanwhile,
Siddi’s troops were already tired of Shivaji escaped from the fort by the
the long siege. They were very pleased difficult route. He was accompanied by
to hear that Shivaji agreed to surrender. Baji Prabhu Deshpande and some select

37

soldiers. The Bandal Deshmukh army other Bajis to take my place. But no one
accompanied them. After some time, the can replace you. Our Swaraj needs you.
plot of Shiva Kashid was exposed. The The enemy will attack in large numbers.
furious Siddi killed him then and there. We cannot hold out against them with
Shiva Kashid sacrificed his own life in our limited force. Please do not wait.
the cause of Shivaji and Swaraj. Thus, Go ahead. We shall stop the enemy at
he became immortal. the entrance to the pass. We shall not
let him advance till we know that you
When the Siddi learnt that Shivaji have reached Vishalgad safely.” Baji
had given him the slip, he was livid with Prabhu’s brave words and his sense of
rage. Immediately, he despatched his loyalty brought tears to Shivaji’s eyes.
Sardar Siddi Masaud, accompanied by He was most unwilling to sacrifice this
a big army, in hot pursuit of Shivaji. At gem of a man for his personal safety. But
daybreak, the pursuing horsemen caught he had no time to think of these things.
up with Shivaji at the Pandharpani stream. He wanted to achieve his ideal of Swaraj.
Shivaji was now in real trouble. With the He fondly embraced Baji and said, “We
greatest difficulty he and his men crossed shall move ahead towards Vishalgad.
the Ghodkhind. As soon as we gain the fort, guns will be
fired. That will be the signal of our safe
Baji Prabhu, the Brave : The angry arrival. As soon as you hear the gun-fire,
troops of Siddi were fast galloping abandon the pass and follow us to the
towards the Ghodkhind pass. Shivaji saw fort.”
that it was impossible to reach Vishalgad
before the enemy overtook them. He Baji’s Defence of the Ghodkhind
said to Baji Prabhu, “Baji, this is a very Pass : So Shivaji left for Vishalgad
critical situation. The road ahead is steep leaving Baji Prabhu to defend the pass.
and the enemy is right on our heels. It is Baji made a low bow to the receding
now impossible to reach Vishalgad. So figure of Shivaji and then prepared
let us turn back and face the enemy.” Baji himself for battle. He took a sword in his
Prabhu understood the great agitation hand and stood at the entrance of the pass.
going on in Shivaji’s mind. The enemy He divided his company of soldiers into
was fast approaching the pass. The life small groups and posted them at suitable
of Shivaji and, therefore, Swaraj, was points. The Mavlas took their positions
in danger. He said, “Maharaj, you must and collected huge boulders and stones to
proceed to Vishalgad. Take a handful of be used as weapons. The Mavlas across
soldiers with you. I shall defend this pass the pass were now a strong barrier in
and will not let the enemy cross it. I shall the path of the enemy. By this time the
lay down my life in defence of this pass enemy had reached the mouth of the pass
if need be. If I die, there will be many and one could hear their war cries. Baji

38

Shivaji and Baji Prabhu Deshpande in Ghodkhind

39

addressed his troops and said, “My brave through the ranks of the besieging troops
soldiers and comrades, be prepared. You and was on the last lap of his ride to safety.
may die fighting but do not desert your
post. Do not allow the enemy to conquer Baji the Brave : In the meantime,
the pass, no matter what price has to be the battle at the pass continued unabated.
paid.” So Baji Prabhu and his Mavlas Enraged at the defeat of his first two
stood at the mouth of the pass, firm and attacks, Siddi Masaud organized and
fearless, awaiting the enemy. The pass despatched a third batch of troops against
was difficult to cross, there being only a Baji Prabhu and his brave men. They
narrow and a zigzag passage across it. surrounded Baji Prabhu who fought
with great courage. Though wounded
At the other end, Shivaji was speeding and attacked from all sides, with his
towards Vishalgad. The fort was still body covered with blood, Baji would not
some distance away and it would take withdraw from the pass but continued
Shivaji at least two hours to reach it. If the fight. At the same time, he urged his
Baji Prabhu could hold out for those two Mavlas to attack the enemy. Disheartened
hours, Shivaji would be safe. by the fearful attack, the enemy again
withdrew. But Baji was fatally wounded.
The Battle of Ghodkhind : By now He was hanging on to life just to hear the
the enemy was at the mouth of the pass sound of gun-fire from Vishalgad.
where a fierce battle was in progress. The
Mavlas who were adept at the use of the Ghodkhind becomes Pavan Khind :
sling harassed the enemy with showers And then the sound of gun-fire was heard
of stones and boulders from the hill- from Vishalgad. “Maharaj has reached
top and killed many of them. The first Vishalgad. I have done my duty. Now I
batch of the attacking troops withdrew in can die in peace.” So saying, Baji breathed
confusion. Another batch took their place. his last on this historic battlefield. When
Baji Prabhu urged his troops into the Shivaji heard this news on Vishalgad, he
attack. The Maratha war cry “Har Har was greatly grieved. He exclaimed, “Baji
Mahadeo” echoed through the hills and Prabhu Deshpande laid down his life on
the brave Mavlas cut down the enemy the battlefield in the cause of Swaraj. The
troops in the fierce and desperate attack. Bandals gave a great battle.”
Through the din of battle they heard
their captain shouting encouragement to It was because of brave patriots like
them : “Bravo, my lads, go ahead, attack Baji Prabhu that Swaraj was won. Their
and destroy the enemy”. The second batch blood made the Ghodkhind a place holy
of the enemy troops was also defeated. in Swaraj. Ghodkhind became immortal
in history as ‘Pavan Khind’. We pay our
Shivaji was by now, almost at the repeated homage to the brave Baji Prabhu
foot of Vishalgad. Vishalgad was also and his brave men.
besieged by the enemy. Shivaji fought

40