Devgiri-Beginning of End

13th century was the most prosperous in history of Southern India; northern part of southern India (Present Maharashtra) was ruled by Yadava’s of Devgiri. Ramdev Rai Yadava’s rule was epitome of cultural, religious and social affluence. Every possible riches, power and every belief of success were at hand in Yadava’s kingdom. All of a sudden fair story ended; an unexpected blow shook the very foundation of this flourishing empire.

Fatal blower was Alauddin Khilji; titled “Arz-e- Mamalik” Alauddin Khilji was extremely wild and cruel general of Jalaluddin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi; raider Alauddin with an army of 8000 invaded Devgiri. None has valor to impede this invasive cyclone.

In reality it was evident as a shining sun that from last 200 years North India mainly Delhi was assaulted and ruled by number of Muslim invaders and these brutal invaders had sinful intentions to wipe out Hindu Culture and religion from India, even though Hindu sovereigns of southern India never gave any heed to this matter, and now threw themselves in trouble. Ramdev foresaw his grim future but by now it was too late, however he marched to defend; but neither right time nor enough army was on his side, army was with Shankardev his son and Heir apparent who were on a pilgrimage some were in country side.

In the chilly month of Dec 1293 the opposing armies faced each other that fateful day,nearly two miles away from Devgiri, and battle opened, and ended with record defeat of Yadav army, Ramdev Rai survived and escaped back to fort and closed the gates of fort. Now the Situation of Devgiri was miserable, Capital of Yadav kingdom was in evil clasp of Khilji’s army; with usual customs Alauddin ordered mass killing of Hindu’s, gang rapes and plunder of city.

After making enough and pleasing loot Allauddin bounded the fort from all sides, and spread a rumor all over to delude Ramdev and his left over army that Khilji’s, at hand army is a small facet of monstrous army, which is marching towards Devgiri from Delhi.
Ramdev was jammed in Devgiri fort, in addition to his adversities he came to know that he is running out of food for his army inside the fort. Unaided king was helpless and scared with the fear of alleged army from Delhi. Ramdev Rai had one and only one alternative….surrender…. admit defeat…. lay down arms…. give up….in front of Khilji, first defeat…. Annihilation… and embarrassment… of Maharashtra.

Chatrapati Shivaji - A Legacy

Shivaji’s actual prominence lay in his character and practical ability. Unfailing insight into character of others, efficiency of arrangements which are viable and beneficial under the circumstances, these are the causes of success in his life. To this, must be added his personal morality and loftiness of aim, which drew to his side the best mind of his community, while his universal tolerance and insistence on equal justice gave satisfaction of all the classes of subjects of his rule. His success fired the imagination of his contemporaries such as Vir Chatrasal of Bundelkhand.

However his empire was lost within nine years of his death, but the everlasting achievement of his life was unification of Maratha as a society and a nation in addition his most precious legacy was the spirit and pride that he breathed in to his people.

Though his enemies were also in competent at some occasions, but his success sprung from higher source then their ineptitude’s I regard him as the only great conservative genius and nation builder that the Hindu race has ever produced.
Shivaji has shown that, tree of Hinduism is not really dead, it can put forth new leaves and branches, and it can again lift up its head to the skies.

Tales of Shivaji- Shivayan

In my recent visit to India, I had a railway journey from Pune to Mumbai and noticed a particular fashion; almost on every railway station at news paper stands I saw an image of tiger and words “Shiv Sena”. Obviously these words and the associated symbol were not new to me I grew up with this badge. It’s an emblem of a Hindu political party which is not named after Lord Shiva but for The Great Shivaji Maharaj, the idol and founder of Maratha Kingdom. I am incapable to recollect a single political party other than Shiv Sena in India (India has more then 100 parties’ regional and national) motivated from historical icon. Indian history is jam-packed with many great kings, worriers, holy men and many others but none has affected the populace of nation as equal to Shivaji. The character of Shivaji is older then 350 years, but still it’s very secure to the heart of every Maharashtrian Hindu. Commonness of his character is the reason why it’s very easy to understand his personality, and at the same time this commonness makes it a complicated task too, as everybody has personal approach towards him, but with unyielding confidence I can put in writing that Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is an un-parallel character in the world’s past.

I am naming this Blog as “Tales of Shivaji-Shivayan”. I modestly believe that am coining this word “SHIVAYAN” (Please let me know If any of you readers find this name any were in records) as I never found this word any were in any work related to Shivaji Maharaj. I am inspired to use this name because I believe, after Lord Ram (Annals of Ram is “RAMAYAN”); Shivaji is the only spirit in Indian accounts who has major influence on me.

In my very first post, I claim that Shivaji’s story and accounts are glorious legends and a Heraclius task for me to write, but with determined and meticulous Maratha spirit I will attempt my best to bring justice( in my writing) to his great and honored character.