Footfalls into the Maratha Era

Ramana Dakshina

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 09:34:00 +0000

Ramana Dakshina

There are certain names of places which take a place in memory and Ramana is just one such.

Why was it so named and what did it mean?

I am truly thankful to the researchers and historians who have through their immense work, penned down the importance of these structures.

I was fortunate to witness a pooja at the Ramana Ganpati premises and I dedicate this post to the Ramana.

The Etymology of Ramana is R'ama' Meaning happiness or a state of happiness. So Ramana would mean a state of happiness.

The Etymology of Dakshina typically refers to an offering or gift to a guru or priest. The word comes from the Sanskrit word ' Da' meaning an offering or giving. 'kshi' is to abide or dwell in and 'na' meaning knowledge. Dakshina is considered a duty, or dharma and is part of the universe's cycle of giving and receiving.

Dakshina is also a Hindu Goddess who personifies the concept of giving. In some traditions she is an avatar/embodiment of Laksmi, blessing those who are charitable. (as given in Yogapedia Dictionary - Lineage - Guru - Dakshina).

At the foothills of Parvati towards the south, was a fortified empty area, (fortification does not exist now), which is known as Ramana. From 1750 to 1818, this was the center for giving Dakshina to scholars and pundits from all over India. Vedic scholars, Vaids, Mendicants, Teachers from all over the country had immense respect and reverence for the Ramana. It was a matter of pride and honour to receive Dakshina from here.

The custom of Dakshina began with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. During his time the kotishivlingarchana was performed. One crore shivling were assembled from the sand of rivers. After worship they would be immersed in the rivers. Shivaji Maharaj would then honour the Scholars with Dakshina. This continued in the time of Chahatrapati Sambhaji and Shahu Maharaj.

Shahu Maharaj used the proceeds from his personal property at Talegaon for the purpose of the distribution of Dakshina. The arrangement of the distribution was initially looked after by Dabhade since 1718. Trymbak Dabhade was killed in battle in 1731 and since then Bajirao 1, took over the distribution of Dakshina at Pune. Initially the Ramana was located where the Ramanbaug school stands today. Then it was moved to its present location. This custom continued from 1731 to 1818.

There is a Ganesh temple in the fortified area of Ramana. The idol is 'Chaturbhuja' (having four arms), trunk curves towards the left. Ganpati is seated with his right leg bent and toes touching the ground, while the left is folded.

Captain Moore who was stationed at Pune in 1797 writes, " The custom of giving donations / offerings during the Chaturmaas was ingrained in the people. Non Brahmins were not allowed in the Ramana. We were allowed inside after a lot of pleading with the establishment. There were approximately 20,000 Brahmins who had gathered. The Four walls of the Ramana had Four gates. Eminent scholars were posted at the gates. Often the Peshwa himself, Nana Phadnis, Amrutraosaheb, the Peshwas brother, Chief justice Ayyashastri etc. were at the gates conducting the examination".

Examination of the Brahmins would be conducted at the gate itself. It would take two to three days for a Brahmin to get his turn to give the exam. Each Brahmin was given pulses, rice, salt and an anna for expenses. Oil, ghee, wood and vegetables could be bought from this. Each cooked his own meal.

The main reason for giving Dakshina was to encourage the study of the Vedas and other fields of knowledge. The Brahmins who received Dakshina were divided into 3 cadres.

1. 1st cadre were the most scholarly Mahapundits.

2. 2nd cadre were the pundits who performed the yajna.

3. 3rd cadre were the ordinary Brahmins who performed duties on a day to day basis.

The result was declared instantly and dakshina given was in the range of Rs. 3 to Rs. 10.

The most knowledgeable Mahapundits and scholars were invited with great respect to Shaniwarwada. Here they were honoured with Dakshina in the range of Rs. 100 to Rs. 300, along with attire.

Dakshina was offered to women too. In 1777-1778, it is documented that a sum of Rs. 3578 was given to 14315 women scholars. Each was given a 4 anna dakshina, although the amount was minuscule. Similarly if a Brahmin was unwell, his dakshina was reached to his home.

A lot of expenses were also incurred on food, oil, ghee , vegetables, coconut, betel leaves, clothes,etc. (Parvati Mandir Itihas. Prof. V.K.Nulkar).

A tradition followed by the communities in India is the circumambulation of the area or person considered to be holy or spiritual. The fortified area of Ramana was one such place. The Peshwa with his entourage and councilors would circumambulate Ramana on horseback.

There are letters from the Peshwe Rojnishi or diaries which tell us about the elaborate arrangements for the smooth flow of the three days at Ramana.

1. Peshwe Rojnishi. Volume 8. Letter 1034. 1777-1779

Total expenses of Dakshina Rs. 64,567/-. Palkhis' from were collected from all the well to do for the transport of eminent scholars.

2. Peshwe Rojnishi. Volume 8. Letter 1035. 1785 - 1786.

The Pant pratinidhi, Sachiv, and the administrators of the forts of Purandar, Singhagad and Rajmachi were ordered to send their workforce to Pune. 950 workers.

3. Peshwe Rojnishi. Volume 8. Letter 1039. 1790 - 1791

A workforce of 1800 ordered to be at Pune and Rtteramana from the Sachiv, Pratinidhi and administrators of the forts of Vandan, Purandar, Chakan etc.

5. Peshwe Rojnishi. Volume 5. Letter 224. 1796 - 1797.

The presenting of Dakshina at Ramana commenced on Shravan Shudha Saptami in the afternoon and ended the next evening. Dakshina was presented at all 4 gates of the Ramana. 36,612 Brahmins were the beneficiaries and Dakshina amount was Rs. 1,10,143 was incurred. At the same Dakshina worth Rs.1,05,847/- was presented to the Mahapundits at Shaniwarwada. Other than this Ulfa (that is uncooked cereals and rice, pulses, khichdi etc.), remuneration for the Protege's etc., amounted t. Rs. 2,64,642/-

It is easy to visualize the importance and enormous reverence of the Dakshina at Ramana during Shravanmaas.

The description in itself is enthralling. Today the Devdeveshwar Sansthan has renovated the Ramana Ganpati temple and although we will never see the old glory, The Ramana will once again be on the itinerary as a must visit place.

Credits: Peshwekaleen Samaj ani Prashasan: G.B.Deglurkar

Peshwe Gharanyacha Itihas Volume 2: Pramod Oak

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 07:33:00 +0000

The Dispatch

Breaking News, Aaj ki taaza Khabar, Seen Exclusively on our channel etc.

These are the headlines which we are used to today. This is the 21^st century. Here

news travels with the speed of light, as and how an event is unfolding, anywhere in

the world. Before this media onslaught were the radio announcements and the

print media, which is still popular. Most of us are well informed about how we

received news and letters personal and professional in the last century. But how

was it in the centuries before? How did messages reach from one end to the other?

What was the means by which they were sent? Who were these messengers and

what were they known as in the past? These and many similar questions arose in

my mind when I looked at an old letter of the 17^th century. My readings took me

back to the times of Indian Mythology. This is an attempt to walk through the

various stages of the development of the Dispatch.

There has always been a need for communication, a desire to share events and

deeds with fellow associates. If we look at Indian Mythology, we find many

references of emissaries taking and bringing back news and messages. The Epics

Ramayan and Mahabharat are dotted with stories relating to these emissaries. Let

us look at a few examples.

1. Jatayu awaits Ram in an injured condition to give him the news of Sita being

abducted.

2. Hanuman being sent as emissary to convey messages to Lanka.

3. The swan as messenger from Prince Nal to Damayanti.

4. Sanjay relating the exact unfolding of the war between Kaurav and Pandav in the

Mahabharata.

5. Chanakya Arthashastra mentions Doots, for messages/collection of revenue and

doubling up as spies.

6.In the Atharvaveda message carriers were known as Palagala.

7. Pigeons were then and are even now used as carriers in remote areas.

8. Camels were used in Rajasthan and arid areas of Orissa, Jajanagar, etc. by

Emperor Ashoka in 4^th Cent. BC.

9. Horses were used as carriers for military purposes.

10. The earliest reference is during the reign of Chandra Gupta Maurya (322 – 298

BC), of message delivery, gathering of intelligence, revenue collection, etc, by Doots

(emissaries) and pigeons.

10^th century BC onwards the dispatching of posts can be divided roughly into 4 periods.

1. Pre Mughal.

2. Mughal

3. Maratha

4. British

1. Pre Mughal 1030 CE onwards

Each Ruler had his own postal system.

a) Mahmud of Ghazni:

Names of messengers were according to their post.

Sarran – Intelligence gathering.

Khail Sarran – Horse Couriers for urgent directives.

Askudars – Mounted courier service.

Sahib – I – Barid – Postal head for each province.

b) Mohammad Ghori:

Jamaza – Camel riding couriers.

c) Qutub ud din Aibak:

Dak Chowki’s – Expansion of Postal service.

d) Gengizkhan and the Mongol invasion:

Yam – messengers who worked as a relay team.

Horse Post House – these were established every 25 miles. They acted as

intermediary posts which were also used as sleeping quarters for Imperial foot

soldiers. They were furnished with bells on their girdle and were essentially relay

runners.

e) Allauddin Khilji:

Improved courier system. The postal routes had rest houses or Sarais, markets,

wells and mosques. Guides along the way provided directions for speedy deliveries.

Ibn Batuta, the explorer and scholar, mentions the postal system as Barid. There

were 2 types of Barid.

Barid-I-Khail was the House post

Barid-I-Rajalah was the Foot post

Dhawah were Postal stations

f) Sikand Lodhi:

Dak Chowki’s, runners and horse post continued in his reign.

2) Mughal period

This period is known as the turning point of Postal Systems, making it a Unified

Communication System. Evolution of the system can be credited to Sher Shah Suri.

Primary in this was the laying of roads and administrative reforms. The beginning

of colonial post lay in the Mughal postal system. The colonial rule brought the

country under one postal structure.

a) Sher Shah Suri:

The Suri Dynasty came from Pashtun and cannot be come under the Mughal period.

However, it was a boon for the postal industry. In this period, was laid the

foundation of a Mounted horse post, which also extended to the traders. It is the

first known record of the postal system for trade and business purpose. This was

between 1540-1545.

b) Babur:

His contribution was to construct:

Char Dwari’s – watch Towers

Dargah-i-Dak Chowki – for intelligence and posts.

A post runners journey began with a written permission signed by the Darogah-I-

Dak Chowki, which made it mandatory for the Darogah and Farydar to provide a

safe journey. The permits were signed by Sawanih-Navis. All of them were on the

payroll of the state.

c) Humayun:

The same postal process continued in Humayun’s period.

d) Akbar:

He revamped the Mansubdari system.

The Chief Darogah or Postmaster served the dual needs of espionage and

administration.

Nazir took charge at the pargana level.

Ferishta another scholar has noted that there were 4000 mail runners on

permanent pay. They were exceptional, even travelling 700 kos in 10 days,

communicating urgent messages.

Harkara was of the lowest rank in postal administration. He not only carried mail

but also gave reports to the governor of the province. The letters were carried in a

gilded box on the head.

Important mail that was carried was:

· Farmans, (Royal Orders)

· Shuqque, (Emperors letters to a specific person)

· Nishan, (Letter from a Prince or a Royal person)

· Mas-Ul-Hukum, (a letter by a minister with orders from the Emperor)

· Sanad, (Letter of appointment)

· Parwanaah, (an order to a subordinate officer)

· Dasstak, (short official permit).

e) Jahangir:

He speeded up the mail runner system by building more roads with speed of

delivery at 80 kos in a day.

f) Shahjahan:

Continued the same system.

Raja Chuk Deo of Mysore from Southern India too had an efficient postal service in

1672 which was improved upon by Haider Ali.

g) Aurangazeb:

Stricter rules were implemented. The postal runners were bound by structures. If a

runner did not reach 2 miles in an hour, a penalty of cutting a quarter of his salary

was imposed.

3) Marathas:

By and large a similar system of Postal services was followed.

Sending and receiving mail was not a public endeavor.

Jasud - (Couriers / Messengers). They were employed to deliver official letters. The

Sardars and Sahukars had their own Jasud. With their Masters mail, the Jasud

would also take correspondence from the general public.

Harkare and Kashid - (Lackey, Poster). They were runners carrying mail. They were

helped by the Patil and Kulkarni of the area. Mail was taken from Pune to far

destinations like Calcutta, Srirangapattam, Arcot, Delhi, etc.

The distances were vast. They had to cross rivers, mountains and jungles. Incase of

ill health, or adversities. If a messenger was intercepted by enemies, the system was

to send 2 messengers or couriers by different routes so that atleast one of them

delivered. Just like Pune, each capital had their own Harkare, Jasud and Kashid.

Depending on the distance travelled between two destinations, the time of travelling

was fixed. If the Harkara did not reach on time his wages were cut., but if he

reached before the allotted time, he was given a bonus.

A letter sent from Pune to Delhi to a Balaji Mahadev in 1753-54, its was noted that

“If the harkara delivers the letter on the 16^th day, he is to be given an equivalent of

Rs. 50/-, 17^th day, Rs.40/-, 18^th day, Rs. 30/- and if he reached on the 19^th day,

then he was not to be remunerated.”

The distance between Pune to Delhi is approximately 1470 Kms. So going by the

distance and time to reach, the Harkara would have to travel 75 kms everyday on

horseback. The messenger travelled on mud roads and in places there were no

roads, crossing mountains, jungles, and rivers. There were no highways

, expressways, or motels. It was not always possible to find a village by nightfall. The

man and his horse would often get tired.

These Harkare, Jasud and Horsemen were screened for their fitness. They had to be

fast runners, expert horsemen with healthy bodies. It was a tough job but the

incentive of a good pay and bonus at the end was worth the effort. They were also

completely loyal to their Masters.

Major Browton has praised these Harkare, saying they are intelligent and sprightly.

Aside of delivering mail they would also gather information. There remuneration

was equivalent to Rs.3/- a day. Such Jasud, Harkare and Kashid were in thousands

all over the country.

The spread of fake or elusive news just as it is even now, was also spread on

purpose. In the Maratha period, we find plans shared of the Maratha warriors

going on a certain route. When the enemy was prepared to to ambush them, the

Marathas reached their destination from another route.

In the later Peshwa period, Nana Phadnis reorganized the Postal Service, making it

more efficient. His reporters were spread far and wide and he could receive news in

a very short time. As relations between the Maratha Kingdom and the English,

French and Portuguese grew, Nana Phadnis was able to get information from far

off places like Calcutta, Pondichery, Mumbai, etc. He was well informed about the

movements of the British and the French even outside of Hindustan. The news for

example about General Bussey reaching Mauritius with an army and the Dutch and

French being enemies of the British was known to him. He had an efficient spy

system in every corner of Hindustan. These were mainly Telang Brahmins,

Gosavi’s, Hermits, etc.

Under the British, the Postal System underwent complete modernization. The

System as it stands today has over the years adapted to digitization, but by and

large the foundation remains the same.

This article is an attempt to bring into the limelight, those sturdy men who inspite

of adversities and dangers forged ahead delivering messages and information.

We would have been in the dark regarding our past if the letters, the scrolls, the

information which was passed on by them had not been delivered.

Reference: Dr. Babita Tyagi. International Journal of Education Science and

Research.

Dr. Anshu Tyagi, Assistant Dir, Research Mewar University.

Peshwekaleen Maharashtra by Vasudev Krushna Bhave.

Images: Google Chrome Images.

The Peshwa's Ganesh Ghat at Varanasi

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 15:25:00 +0000

Ganesh and Raja Ghat Varanasi

Gently flows the Ganges, confident in her beauty,

Her waters reach the steps of the ghats,

Calling out to her devotees, 'Come wash your sins'

Bathe in my waters, swim across to my opposite shore,

With my sister the Yamuna, we flow together,

I am in Yamuna and Yamuna is in me,

We pass as one, in the sacred town of Varanasi.

There is a right time to write a particular post and what better time than today!! So on this day 29th of August 2017 ( भाद्रपद शुक्लपक्ष 8, शके 1939), I pen my thoughts on the Ganesh and Raja ( Annapurna) Ghat at Varanasi.

In 1803, a treaty was signed between the East India Company and Amrutrao Peshwa, the son of Raghunathrao alias Raghobharari, to leave Pune forever. He made Varanasi or Kashi his home in 1805.

Amrutrao wanted to build a Annachhatra (a place where students and travelling Brahmins could rest and were provided with meals), and build a Ganesh temple on the shores of the ganges. Many places were looked at, but finally a place near Agneshwar Ghat was chosen as the right site to build the temple. This lies next to the Bhosle mandir and was owned by the Nagara Brahmins. Amrutrao bought the land from them and the temple was completed in 1807. It is made of red sandstone.
The Ganesha idol was installed on 11th June 1807 ( प्रभाव नाम संवत्सर ज्येष्ठ शुद्ध शके 1729), and the deity was named Amrut Vinayak. The temple is built following the ancient rules of architecture.

The प्रदक्षिणा पथ (Circumambulation path), the सभामंडप ( prayer hall), गर्भगृह (sanctum sanctorum) and the ओवरी (parapet) is typical of Maharashtra temple construction. The parapet area was used to house devotees.

A huge terrace outside the sabha mandap faces the ganges. on either side of the terrace are two Meghadambari (Canopies), The Meghadambari architecture is Rajasthani.
The landscape looking out from here is exquisite. The gently flowing ganges brings a sense of peace and serenity. The temple is east facing, hence the rising sun's rays fall on the Ganesh idol. This vision is spectacular.
Above the temple area is the accomodation. The administrator of the trust in recent years lived there.
The Trustees (Descendants of Amrutrao saheb Peshwa), when visiting also live here and their accommodation is separate in the Chitrashala. Only the Priest, Administrator and the Trustees are allowed entrance in the sanctum sanctorum.

The description of the idol is given in detail by Iconographer Dr. N.P Joshi and the Marathi translation by the eminent Archeologist and Indologist Dr. G.B. Deglurkar.

The idol and his asan (seat) is made of a rare orangish marble. It is because of this peculiar colour, that the people of Varanasi and surrounding areas believed that the idol was made of coral. Since then the idol has come to be known as 'Munga Ganesh'. (Munga = Coral).

The simple yet beautiful idol is 45 x 30 cms and is Chaturbhuj ( with four hands). His trunk is slightly curved towards the left. He sits on a 22 petalled open lotus with his legs folded. He is also known as Ekadanta and like the Ekadanta, he has one tusk which is half broken. He does not wear a crown an at the back of his head is a shendi (lock of hair). He seems to be wearing a dhotar (dhoti). the yadnopavit or janeyu is a serpent tied in a knot with the serpents mouth and tail. Ganesha's ears have holes at the top and on his earlobes, in which ornaments can be placed during the Utsav. The left palm is in Abhaymudra, whilst the right, is placed in such a way that a modak can be placed in it. The form of the idol is in round formation.

The Shakti's of Ganesha, Riddhi and Siddhi, are sculpted in typical maharashtrian style and on either side.The original idols were of pure white marble but with the passage of time they had to be replaced, the Khopa (headdress), their style of draping the nine yards are typical of Maharastra.

His Vahan (carrier), the mouse sits in front of him. The size is rather large 41 x 30 cms. and is made of the same orangish marble. The mouse is seated on his hind legs, whilst his front paws are joint, holding a ladu (sweetmeat)

Aside of this there is a four wheeled chariot to which 2 mice are attached. The chariot is placed on a lotus. The charioteer has a head gear which is reminiscent of the area.

To carry out the daily duties certain people were appointed. There was 1 Pujari (head priest), 2 pupils, 1 main Administrator, 1 head Accountant and 4 guards. The pupils were in charge of bringing water from the ganges and all the preparation for the Puja, which was performed twice a day. This worship included Mahapuja, नैवैद्य (offering of food) to the deity, afternoon offering of sugar and fruit and puja in the evening, with incense burning etc.

Ganesh Chaturthi (Bhadrapath shuddha), was the main yearly Utsav. During the course of the utsav, Mahapuja, Ganesha's birth story, Reading of Ganesh Puran, Vasant Puja, Classical music oral and instrumental were performed.

In the winter months the idol was bathed with warm water and was clothed in warm wear.

It was on the same day that a temple of Goddess Annapurna, a Shivalaya, and the Annachhatra was built on the Narada Ghat, which is beyond Dashashwamedh ghat and next to Hindu Vidyapeeth. At the time, food was cooked to feed 1000 Brahmins in the Annachhatra.

Both these temples completed 200 years on the 18th of June 2007( Vinayaki Chaturthi, Monday).

Today the Ganesh temple and the Annapurna temple and Raja Ghat stand tall in spite of all adversity. The customs and rituals laid down by our ancestors, continue to be followed. It is a private trust. The Trustees of which are descendants of Amrutrao Peshwa.

Leaving aside the period of unrest in 1857, never once has there been a break in the worship of Ganesha and the Utsav held in his honour.

It continues to this day.

References: पेशवे घराण्याचा इतिहास भाग १, लेखक - प्रमोद ओक

An article written by late Shrimant Krishnarao Peshwa

Shri Amrut Vinayak and Shri Annapurna Devasthan, Smaranika, 2007

Peek into AnandAshram

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 04:38:00 +0000

AnandAshram...Pune

Bajirao road at the Appa Balwant Chowk end is a busy one. Traffic snarls, honking vehicles, pedestrians walking, hand carts selling their wares, all find their niche here.

Nestled amongst all the shops and vendors lies an old structure which can easily be overlooked from the crowded street. Only if you stop in front of it can you see the facade of the building.

Anand Ashram

Inside, looking out of the Ashram

The Main Gate

A huge gate beckons you to go inside. As you enter the portals, a calmness descends over you. Gone is the feeling of being in a rat race, of the need of being constantly on the move, of being continuously pressed for time. Time seems to stand still.

I remember visiting this place as a kid, with my Grandfather. Remember him explaining how illustrious this place was. As like most children, I had not given it much thought, forgetting about it, as I grew up. Recent conversations with my mother brought about the relation of Anand Ashram with me.

The famous Author of the time, Shree Hari Narayan Apte, lived here. It was here that he wrote books like: Pan Lakshaat Kon Gheto in 1890 which is considered a classic in Marathi fiction. Jug He Ase Ahe (1901), Yashwantrao Khare (1906), Mi (1916), Ganpatrao (1919), Karmayog (1923), Mayecha Bajaar (1929), Bhayankar Divya (1930). These were however published in book form posthumously.

His first historical novel Mysore cha Waagh was based on Meadows Taylor’s “Tipu Sultan.” He then published historical novels like Gadh Aala Pan Sinha Gela (1904), Chandragupta (1905), Roopnagarchi Rajkanya (19009), Vajraaghaat (1915), Suryoday (1917), Kewal Swarajyaasathi (1918) Suryagrahan (1919). Although fictional, these novels exhibit his keen knowledge of historical details.

Hari Narayan Apte

Lodging of Hari Narayan Apte

His uncle and the founder of the Institution was Mahadev Chimaji Apte. A prominent lawyer, at the Bombay (Mumbai) High Court, who had fought the case of the freedom fighter Vasudev Balwant Phadke. The Institution was formed by him in 1885. Instead of distributing his wealth amongst relatives, he formed a Charitable trust, which is AnandAshram.

Mahadev Chimaji Apte

The Ashram has rooms for 20 students whose financial position is strained. Out of these, 8 to 10 students are admitted free of cost.

Hostel

Hostel Rooms

Aside of this, space is given for holding classes in the Sanskrit language. The main reason being the spread of the language which is slowly dying.

This is the 130th year of the Institution. In all these years there has not been a single day when work has stalled. Work on the spread of Sanskrit. Work on the preservation of rare manuscripts. Time consuming and taxing it is, but is carried on relentlessly by dedicated people. I spoke to Mrs. Mane, who was working on the Dnyaneshwari. the pride in which she showed me her work was to be seen to believe.

Mrs. Mane

The Ground floor is the Manuscript section

13500 rare Manuscripts have been compiled which were collected from all over India. The distinctive feature of these manuscripts is that they are all beautifully hand written. They number over one lakh and more.

Manuscripts

The pictures in these have natural colours. Rare as these manuscripts are, they have been treated with utmost care. So far digitization of all the manuscripts is complete. As new manuscripts are found, the work on their preservation continues.

It can be said that if any University or Math (मठ ) from across India, ie. from Kanyakumari to the Himalayas need reference for the study of Dharma in Sanskrit, this is the right place to come. The Anand Ashram has the capability for providing books required for such studies. For just such a purpose 195 books have been published.

The numbers speak for themselves. 13,500 hand written Manuscripts covering 26 different subjects. They range from "Alankar Sahitya, Kavya, Mahakavya, Laghukavya, Kavya Katha, Kavya Natak, Neeti, Nyaya, Purana, Ramayan, Mahabharat, The Geeta, Bhagwat Geeta, Dharmashastra, Smriti, Upanishads, Kaamshastra", the list is endless. All these are in Sanskrit. There is a huge demand for these from countries like Germany and others. A lot of foreign students come here to avail of the facilities provided for their research.

Markandeya Puran

Aside of this there is Jyotish Shastra and Board games.

The Digitisation of Manuscripts was completed with the help of The National Mission For Manuscripts.

On the Second floor of the main building is the temple of Shiva. Festivals like Mahashivratri, Tripuri Poornima, Laghurudra Pooja are all held here.

Staircase leading to the temple

Doors open into the balcony

The Sabha Mandap

Shivling

View from the Balcony

The drops of water which fall on the Shivling, then fall on to the Paduka of Mahadev Chimaji Apte, whose Samadhi is on the ground floor in the Manuscripts department.

The Paduka

The Samadhi Sthal

As I visited the temple, I could hear a continuous recitation of Shlokas. After inquiring, I came to know that these were composed by Shankaracharya himself. I just sat there completely at peace while the shlok played on. Looking around the Sabha mandap, I noticed that each pillar had a different sculpture on it. The simple pillar was adorned with beautiful artistic work.

The Peacock

The Garud

To keep this structure intact and its Rare Literature rot free, the use of wood has been completely eliminated. The whole structure is in Stone and Iron.

The Ashram does not receive any grants from the Government. It solely runs on donations and rent from a bungalow on Sinhagad and on the interest of savings.
I was informed by the Administrator, Mr. Vasant Apte, that almost a Lakh of Rupees is spent only for the maintenance and upkeep of the Ashram.
The Ashram celebrated its 129th year on the 3rd of June this year. This 19th century marvel has remained intact and exactly as it was, those many years ago.

Before leaving I clicked some more pictures of this wonderful Ashram, vowing to myself that I will visit again.

Building at the entrance

Office Space

Top of the Temple

Coconut Palms

Courtesy: Mr. Vasant Apte. Administrator.
Mr. Vilas Salunke: excerpts from his translation
Mrs. Mane for showing me the manuscripts
Anand Ashram administrators for permission to take Photographs.

Raviwar Peth Pune

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 05:04:00 +0000

Raivwar Peth
Pune

A walk through the lanes of Raviwar Peth.

Darpana Athale and Vaibhavi Agarwal of Pune Walks, proposed this trip. I was in two minds about going, wondering what architecture we would find there. A mention of structures around 200 years old and I readily signed up for the walk.

Raviwar Peth at first glance is a maze of lanes and by lanes. The deeper you go, the more chances of you getting lost...or so I thought...

Going back into history, Pune was once known as Kasba and the Kasba Peth of today was a residential area, trade was carried out outside the Kasba. With the increase in commerce, traders from different regions came and settled on the outskirts of the kasba. These traders opened their shops and built their houses on top of the shops. Raviwar Peth boasts of being in existence since the 1600's.

The houses they built have a peculiar style. As shown in the photographs below, they are linear, that is they were narrow at the entrance and deep inside.

The shop is on the ground floor. The first floor is a meeting place to conduct business. the second and or third floor is the residence. Most of these structures open on to the road.
The area of Raviwar peth extends towards Shukrawar, Somwar and Budhwar peth. A Peth means a Bazaar or Market. So essentially all these peths are market areas.
Raviwar Peth is a wholesale market. It is divided into many parts. Each part boasts of a different trade. At the end of each part there is a temple almost like a demarcation point for the end and a beginning of a particular trade. Also some ancient masjids are seen here.
Raviwar Peth was known as Malkapur in the 16 and 1700's. Adilshahi, Nizamshahi, Shahaji Raje Bhosle, the Peshwa's and the British rule, has added a certain mix of Architecture and the business conducted here.
It is during the Peshwa rule that Raviwar Peth, as it came to be known, thrived as an affluent business centre.
Traders from different communities such as the Bohri's, Marwari's, Gujrathi's, Maharashtrians all came and set up their shops here. Living in perfect harmony, as they still do, we find remnants of their culture in their shops and living styles.
From hardware, Jewellery, Perfumes, Metal ware, Utensils etc. can be seen here. The names of the lanes or galli, in the Peth denote each area. There is Bhandi galli, Sugandhi Katta, Sarafa galli etc.

The Yevlekar and Dantale jewellers have been here since the 1800's. All jewellery in Gold, precious and semi precious stones was hand made. Infact today there is only one Octogenarian gentleman, Mr. Bahulikar, who still makes hand made jewellery. This art will disappear unless it is revived again soon. Today all jewellery is mostly machine made.

Façades of buildings, some of which retain their original form, crumbling buildings with a few arches that remain intact tell us of the different types of architecture over the passage of time.
Here we find balconies, arches and windows, showcasing, art and architecture of the Mughal, Peshwa, Rajasthani and Colonial eras.

There are canopies and balustrades, intricately worked railings of balconies, in iron, cement and wood, crying out for attention.

Demolition work was being carried out to one of the structures and we could see the brick work, very different from what we see today. The bricks are square with a narrow width.These were known as 'Pustaki Veet', a brick shaped like a hard cover book. One such building had the year 1947 carved on it.

There are façades with a painted clock. Sadly the paint, has started peeling off through the ravages of time.

Most of these buildings today are in a dilapidated condition. With no maintenance and expensive to restore, they are either going to fall down or get demolished. Some of them, like the one shown below fall under the Development Plan of Pune and may be torn down.

New Modern Buildings will take their place. Box like structures with no grace or art will come up. This skyline is already mushrooming and the contrast is stark. Unfortunately in the coming decade these cement blocks will be our heritage.

It is heartening to see that students from VKPS College Of Architecture and MITID Architecture College are documenting these ancient structures for posterity.

The meticulous planning and execution of structures and the lanes of the 17th and 18th C., puts this haphazard and unplanned neo construction to shame.

It is my personal opinion that each one of us should visit all the lanes and by lanes of our cities. The least we can do is to capture this legacy for the coming generations before it is too late.

Water Resources In the Peshwa Era.

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 13:09:00 +0000

Water supply to Pune and Maharashtra

The Period....around 1740.

The city of Pune was growing. New settlements started coming up around the Mula river. "Peths" as they are known, grew, as the city prospered. With an increase in population came the demand for water supply.

Till Pune was a small settlement most of the housing was near the river and shortage of water was not a source of worry. As it grew, habitation went away from the river. This brought in the problem of sourcing of water for daily needs.

This became obvious in 1745. The absence of rain created a drought situation in Pune. However the orchards and gardens were still watered by bringing cartloads of water from the existing rivulets and wells. Nanasaheb Peshwa was at Satara and Radhabai his grand mother at Shaniwarwada. There is a letter from her to Nanasaheb which states " I am really worried for the people of Pune. It is not right that trees and gardens receive water but the citizens are dying of thirst. Immediate stop should be put on this. Trees as they are well rooted can survive but people cannot." It had the desired effect and a plan to build a systematic supply of water to Pune was to put to effect.
In those times there was no piped and tapped water to the households. The Mughals, brought in the idea of digging wells. These wells were for the general public and free of taxation. Also in ancient times, small lakes or ponds were dug and because it was impossible to carry water to the households, canals were dug and the water channeled . This way the water could be used not only for the house but also in the backyard.

The Peshwa's followed this up too. The Maratha's during their war campaigns, had seen these kind of lakes and ponds in Mysore and Chennai (Madras of yore). The Peshwa's with the help of their Generals and Chieftains, built many such lakes and ponds around Pune and Maharashtra.
BajiraoI built 2 such lakes. One at the bottom of Dive ghat and the other at Katraj. The lake at Katraj was built to bring water into Shaniwarwada and around it.
During Nansaheb Peshwa's time, Nana Phadnavis, continued with the work. Narhe Ambegaon is a village around 7.5 kms from Pune. Narhe means a rivulet or canal. Pipes were made with lime and mud and water was brought into Sadashiv Peth from the lake in the village.
Similar tanks were built in many parts of Pune . Even then it was seen that the benefit of these resources could only be availed by a few hundred households. Thus, Nanasaheb Peshwa ordered the construction of a lake at the foot of the Parvati Hill in Pune in 1745. A note of the time said that as it was summer there were guava fruit orchards in the area. hence digging began in areas where natural springs were revealed. Once the construction of the lake was completed, areas which felt the water shortage received water. New settlements came up and the whole area turned green.

Bajirao II, built another tank in Vishrambaug wada and the water for this too came from Narhe Ambegaon.
To the south of Pune, around 7.5 kms away, lies Kondhwa. Sardar Raste, through the same system of pipelines brought water from here into Rastewada and Rasta Peth.

Not only in Pune, but all over Maharashtra such methods were used to bring in a regular water supply.
Pune and Satara, being the capitals of power, both Shahu Maharaj and the Peshwa, made sure that adequate supply of water was provided to Pune and Satara.

In the same way the Sardars and Chieftains of villages built tanks and dug wells, bringing in water to the villages.
Villages close to the rivers Krishna, Godavari, Pravara, Bheema, Koyna, and Indrayani, never fell short. The realisation of the availability of ground water even away from the rivers was taken up and followed. In addition to the Sardars and Chieftains, there were magnanimous and philanthropic citizens who funded the projects. Saints too were known to fund and help build and bring water supply to remote areas. A special mention has to be made of Brahmendra Swami. The Guru of both Shahu Maharaj and the Peshwas, he took it upon himself to construct many tanks, lakes and wells. Drought prone places like Indapur, Natepute, Yavat, Malshiras etc benefited from these well laid out schemes.
There were other good doers too who helped with whatever they could afford. They would take manual and sometimes a little monetary help from the villagers. If they could not muster enough funds, an appeal was made to the government and funds were released to complete the projects.It is to be noted that all such supply was free of cost not only to the villagers but also to travellers and herdsmen.

Once a tank or lake was constructed, it was the responsibility of the village to keep it clean. Most of the time this time responsibility was fulfilled satisfactorily. At times due to various reasons, for example, people washing themselves while coming back from the fields, herdsmen and people coming to wash their clothes and vegetables etc., the villagers could not handle the task. At such times again a plea for help would be requested. A guard would ensure that these water bodies were kept clean.
During Sawai Madhavrao"s reign, Ghashiram Kotwal was the head (Kotwal). He constructed a tank to the North of Hadapsar to facilitate travellers and herdsman's needs. He built orchards in this area too. During summers when the tank would run dry, he built pipelines and brought water from the stream in Kondhwa Budruk to the tank.
The basic necessities of the villagers and town folk were of paramount importance to Shahu Maharaj and the Peshwa's.
As the settlements in and around Pune, Satara and Maharashtra grew, these innovative methods of the time served their purpose.

Due to total lack of information and general ignorance, unplanned digging and new structures, a large part of of these underground pipelines from Katraj to Pune, have been destroyed. This is a treasure, which needs to be protected, at all cost. Otherwise in the very near future there will be no signs of their existence, except maybe on paper.

Photographs to follow

Acknowledgemnets: Peshwekaleen Maharashtra by Vasudev Krishna Bhave ( वासुदेव कृष्ण भावे यांचे पेशवेकालीन महाराष्ट्र )

Retracing Pune's Past

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 17:28:00 +0000

Walking Along The Forgotten Paths Of Pune

Everywhere I look, are ugly steel and concrete structures. Every building looks like boxes stored on top of one another. Walkways full of people and hawkers. Roads unseen because of vehicular traffic. Horns blaring, Faces zooming past, no other thought, except to reach the other end. The trees on the sidewalk sparse and few, look as though they are tired of being alive. The sun blazes mercilessly even at an early hour....

It was just, such a warm morning that I found myself at the footsteps of the Shaniwarwada. A few like minded people had gathered around there.

We were to embark on a journey into the past. To visualise an era long lost, not even found in the books of popular history.

Saili Palande Datar and Yashodhan Joshi with our group

Konkan Darwaza

Sayali Palande Datar and Yashodhan Joshi, Indologists and experts in the field of history were going to take us on a tour into Pune as it was centuries ago.

Shaniwarwada was the meeting point and from there we were to walk around in the lanes and pathways, looking at structures and ruins of eras, lost in the sands of time.

Our first stop, was at the Shaniwarwad end of the PMC bridge. Tucked away amongst apartments and offices were the remnants of a rampart. This was the Konkan Darwaza or parts of it. steps and a half fallen wall belonging to the 12 centuryAD.

We then took the road to "Kasba Ganpati".

Deep Mal.

Kasba Ganpati

Known as the "Gram Daivat", or the Lord of the city, was and till this day is worshipped by the people. He is the 'Manacha Ganpati or (the Highly revered one).

Built as early as the Yadava period, some structures like the inner pillars are still in existence. The Deep Mal or the light tower, could have been built in Shivaji"s reign. Jijabai, Shivaji's mother reinstated the idol. Later, in the Peshwa era, the temple, continued holding pride of place.
Just behind the temple lies a maze of lanes. In every lane are structures and houses, we could see wooden carvings and archways, giving us the period of their construction.

Arches and Doors

Old Houses

Leaving behind the roads it actually felt like we were entering a Kasba. There were lanes leading to other smaller lanes which we were told housed people of particular professions. Each lane was named after a profession. For example there was the 'Shimpi Ali' or Tailors lane. Each house here had a 'Chabutara' or a platform. in the olden days, the tailors would sit with their paraphernalia, stitching for the royals and commoners. As it is today,people had people had their own tailors whom they would go to.

House in Shimpi Ali

Shimpi Ali

The 'Tambdi Ali' or the Copper Lane, where copper and brass pots pans and utensils were made in various sizes and shapes, according to the need of customers. Sadly, today, just a few workshops exist. People of the community though still reside in the Ali.
We went to one such workshop, and the whole process of turning a simple slab of Copper, into an artistic pot was shown and explained. What surprised me was the ease in which a piece of copper was transformed in no time.

When Pune was inhabited again in the 10th /11th Century, people were God fearing. On the boundaries of Pune, temples were built of specific Gods, who would protect the citizens of the village. The Nagareshwar and Ganesh temple is witness to this era. Although a lot of maintenance has been necessary over the years, the original structure still stands.

Nagareshwar Temple

Ganpati Temple

Moving on, we visited what was the most enthralling structure, I had ever come across. It was the Trishund Ganpati tempe. Tucked away in Somwar peth, this temple, just blows your breath away. The exterior is beautifully carved in wood and stone, It stands apart amongst a mixture of old and new dwellings.
The idol of Ganesh has three trunks. Built between 1754 and 1770, it is still a privately owned temple. The samadhi of Gosavi Maharaj, is said to be placed in a chamber below the idol. Even today the Gosavi Clan own the rights to this temple.
The speciality of this temple is that each ruler has added his imprint or stamp to it.

Trishund Ganpati Temple

We next walked up to the Shitole Wada. This was in the 'Phani Ali', or Comb Lane.
Sardar Shitole owned a lot of land in Punewadi. It was from him that Bajirao Peshwa the 1st. bought the land on which Shaniwarwada stands. Some facade of the Shitole wada can still be seen. The rest is now a modern structure.
The Phani Ali leading to Shitole wada, was where combs made of wood and horns were made and sold.

Shitole Wada

Phani Ali Talim

The Talim is what the modern Gym is to us today. We could see the various exercise equipment there. This was only meant for the men. Women were not allowed to enter the Talim.
At the end of our walk Saili Palande Datar showed us photographs of artifacts found in these areas belonging to as early as the 3rdC.

The lanes were winding and intertwining. The senses of hearing and sight were at there peak. The mind was overwhelmed with getting a small glimpse of the past.
Walking, stopping and listening and then walking again through those lanes, we arrived back to the spot where we had begun our heritage walk...The Kasba Ganpati.

Once again, the blaring horns, the rush of people hurrying, the new constructions were onto us, reminding us that this now is the present. The past left far behind.
The pictures are there to remind me of our rich past. A reminder that the past will live on, if not through the passage of time, then through these pictures.

Parshuram Bhau Patwardhan

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 15:30:00 +0000

Parshuram Bhau Patwardhan of Tasgaon

Brahmibhat Haribhat Patwardhan was the doyen of the Patwardhan Clan. He had 7 sons.

Krishna
Trayambak
Govind
Ramchandra
Bal
Mahadev and
Bhaskar.

Out of these, Trymbak, Govind and Ramchandra, became famous for their bravery.
Govindrao came to be employed with Balaji Vishwanath Peshwa. Due to his bravery and loyalty, he was gifted with a cavalry of 5,000 horses and the rank of General in the Peshwa's army. In due time all his other brothers too joined Govindrao. The Patwardhan brothers played their part in the battles of Malwa (1728, 1740 ), Delhi (1737, 1739 ), Bundelkhand (1741), Gujrat (1731, 1755) and Karnataka aginst the Nawab of Savnur, The Nizam, Hyder and Tipu Sultan.
Unfortunately as Govindrao was waging a battle in the south, none of the brothers could go with Bhausaheb Peshwa to Panipat.

Though after 1750 they administered and safe guarded the southern boundaries of Maharashtra completely.

The Patwardhans fought for the Maratha Empire from 1740 to 1800. In these 60 years almost all the breadwinners laid down their lives for the empire.

Parshurambhau Patwardhan, the son of Ramchandra Patwardhan, was just such a nobleman.

Bereaved of his father at the age of 13. He was brought up by his mother and uncle, Govindrao. His first encounter on a battle field was at Shrirangapattam, at the age of 17. Since then he fought for the empire in every battle till the age of 60.
His prime was spent in battles against:

1)   The Nizam of Sindhakhed

2)   Haider at Rattehalli

3) The First Maratha - British war : Where he pursued General Guard, and made him beat a hasty retreat from Borghat to Panvel (Near Mumbai).

4) Tipu Sultan had laid seige at Nargund,
Parshuram bhau was successful in overthrowing that siege.

5) He seized the fort of Dharwad and was instrumental in unfurling the Maratha flag on the fort.

6) After Shrirangapattam, the biggest challenge of his life was in the battle of Kharde, against the   Nizam in 1795. A big chunk of the success in this battle goes to Parshuram Bhau.

After the end of the battle of Panipat in January 1761, it was thought that the Maratha power had waned. The Nizam of Sindhakhed created a stir by not heeding to the ransom, he was supposed to pay an amount of 25lakhs which was not a paltry sum. Parshuram bhau, then, won the fort of Daulatabad from the Nizam.

After Nana saheb Peshwa's death, Madhavrao became the Peshwa. As he was still underage, his uncle Rahoba dada took over the running of the empire. Nobody was happy with this arrangement. Madhavrao was an able commander and administrator and he soon assumed control. This created a rift between the two.
Fed up with the machinations of Raghoba dada's rule and not finding any way out, Parshuram bhau sided with Madhavrao. In anger, Raghoba, confiscated all his properties and he, Paarshuram bhau had to take cover with the Nizam.

In 1763 a huge battle was fought at Rakshasbhuvan between Madharao's Marathas and the Nizam. The Peshwa defeated the Nizam and freed, along with Parshuram bhau, all the other Sardars who had subjugated themselves to the Nizam.

Parshuram Bhau played an important role in many battles after this as well as siding with Nana Phadnawis in the famous Barbhai episode.
He was given the task of looking after the safety of Gangabai, ( the widow of the slain Narayanrao Peshwa), who was then in a family way. Sawai Madhavrao was born and annointed as the next Peshwa in this very tense period.

In this whole interval the other Patwardhan brothers too played their part in many battles. After the demise, while at war, of Gopalrao, Vamanrao and Pandurang, the mantle of the Patwardhan clan fell on Parshuram bhau. This was around 1777.

The Jagir of Tasgaon became his home. It is situated. near Sangli and Miraj in Maharashtra.
Tasgaon was the station of Parshuram bhau with a compliment of 122 troops and weapons. In the larger scheme of things he was, however only a 1/3rd stake holder of the Miraj sansthan. Hence within the Mirajkar Patwardhans, the Tasgaon Rajwada and the surrounding territory became his personal province. This came to be known as Kashe Tasgaon.

Not much is known of this principality between 1650 and 1770. It was only after Bhau took over that Tasgaon gained prominence.
Parshuram bhau was a devotee of Lord Ganesh. He built a temple in Tasgaon. To this day, the temple draws enormous crowds of devotees from the region during the yearly Ganesh Utsav.

There is a different form of architecture which catches the eye when you see the Rajwada. Tasgaon and the surrounding areas were under the rule of Adilshah of Bijapur till it was won over and became part of the Maratha Emire. The Northern gate of the Rajwada and the Northern wall are relics of the Adilshahi Era.

In a career which spanned 60 years, Parshuram bhau took part in almost 100 battles. His end too came on the battlefield. In 1799 while in battle with the Karvirkars of Kolhapur, he was severely wounded. It is said that he was taken to the Maharaja of Kolhapur in this critical state. No mercy was shown to him howevr and he was killed. A gruesome end for a brave and noble warrior.

The Tasgaon Rajwada, today is the residence of Mr. Rajendra Patwardhan. He is the 7th descendant of Parshuram Bhau, from the Tasgaon Branch.
The Rajwada and temple although difficult to maintain, is painstakingly looked after by Mr. Rajendra Patwardhan.

Some of the paintings found on the walls in the Rajwada. The colours are natural dyes.

Courtsey: Mr. Rajendra Patwardhan
Photographs: Mr Jay Prayag.

Visiting Raver Khedi

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 15:03:00 +0000

A Visit To RaverKhedi

I was a part of a group of family and friends who had planned to visit Raver Khedi, the resting place or Samadhi of Bajirao1 Peshwa.
The distance from Indore to Raver is approximately 143kms.

We left Indore at noon and it took us almost 4 hours to reach Raver. Of course we stopped on the way at this quaint dhaba, simply named Gopal Midway at a village. called Badaweh, for a delicious lunch of Makki di roti, Sarson da saag, chaas and fresh warm jalebi. Badewah lies on the banks of the Narmada.

Moving on from there we reached "Sonavat", another town. A right turn sign brought us to the turning for the Baji Rao1 Samadhi.

The turn off form the highway we travel across a muddy road. It had rained the previous night and the road had turned to a long stretch of sludge and in places water was merrily flowing over the road. Lush fields greeted us on either side. There were places where the road was completely washed out. We had to get down from our vehicle and walk.

Eventually though, we reached the village of Raver. walking through slippery pathways was difficult as we had elderly people with us. What kept everyone going ahead was the moment when we would pay our tribute to the samadhi sthan or eternal resting place of Bajirao1.

Finally we reached the gate of the Samadhi.

The feeling that I am to actually glimpse, the final resting place of Bajirao the 1st. made me stand still. A complete sense of satisfaction flooded my being. At last I would be able to pay homage to my Hero and Idol.

The Wada and his Samadhi, although neglected, were clean. I felt that even thru his Samadhi, Bajirao seemed to call out to us in his commanding way.

The Narmada flowed below silently. The cremation sight, which was built, the night Bajirao gave up this world still stands, with the Narmada flowing around it.

The date was 28th April 1740. On the shores of the Narmada were tents and sarai's. Bajirao's army was preparing for another battle.

I stood gazing out towards the shore and a clear picture formed in front of me. A hot sultry day in April. Hot winds blowing.fine sand across the area. Warriors preparing for battle in the heat. Bajirao holding the army together, encouraging them, till he falls ill. The fever consuming him and eventually he losing his only battle in life.

The tremendous loss to his Generals and warriors must have been immense. Within that horrible night a stone pyre is built in the Narmada and by the first rays of sunlight, the sun of the Maratha Empire is not with his army.

This then was the sight, I stood on, as though in a trance. The whole scene flashing before my eyes as though it happened just yesterday.

Journey at Sea

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 12:36:00 +0000

Tryst With The Sea

The call came at 10 am. on the 13th of June 2014. I was to fly to Bhuj and then onwards by car to Kandla, to join my husband on the ship.

So began my journey.

It was flawless reaching Kandla Port. Memories of an early time came flooding back. Nothing much seemed to have changed and the Port looked the same as it did, those many years ago. Try as I might, I could not take any pictures of the port as it was not allowed. Although once I reached inside the port there were no such restrictions.

A few Officers were joining with me so we all got into this Tug, where we were told that it would take us at least five to six hours to reach the ship.

The tug seemed as old as a Dhow. The cabin where we were asked to sit had places to sit but with ten of us and our luggage got extremely cramped. Within ten minutes I asked the captain of the tug if I could sit out on deck. Fortunately he gave me a stool to sit out on deck behind the steering house and finally we set of.

As we boarded in the evening it became quite dark. The sea, given the time of the year, was not calm at all.

As soon as we reached the open waters, the tug bobbed away at every wave that hit it. Managing to sit and hold on to the railing for support was quite a humorous sight.

There were two first time cadets with us, and I could see there discomfort, even though they tried their best to hide it.

As there were a few hours to kill, I looked around the tug. The state from inside was truly appalling, to say the least.The living conditions were terrible. I was later explained that as no one actually lives on the tug, it is not usually cleaned.The journey took five hours, where I got to know the officers and we could keep a steady conversation going.

My first sighting of the ship, took my breath away. There it stood with a warm glow around it, as though beckoning us to be there. As it was dark she was lit up and the ships reflection into the water created quite a beautiful picture.

As we drew nearer, we all started wondering, how we were going to get on the ship. The swell of the sea made our little boat bob up and down so much that it was impossible to get on to the ship's gangway. After a lot of tries, it was decided that we would be picked up by the crane that was being used to discharge coal on the ship. It was only once we reached the barge which was being used to store the coal that we were or rather I was in for another surprise. I think it is best explained by the picture I took.

On the far right was our boat. We were to jump from the boat to the first barge then the second and then on to the crane platform. This picture was taken in daylight. It was 8 pm. when we were boarding the ship. Even though the barges were tied up alongside each other, there was a gap of about 2 feet between them. This was the first time that I had to face anything like this. I have climbed up pilot ladders which are basically rope ladder lying vertical from the ship side but never anything like this. With my heart in my mouth leaping from one barge to the next, I was finally onto the crane platform. The crane then was fitted with an iron basket, enough to carry three people. This took me up and onto the ship. It was quite an exhilarating experience.

The days on the ship flew past and soon I was to be leaving the ship.

Weather conditions, in the mean time had gone from bad to worse. The day I was to leave the winds were blowing at 40 knots and the swell of the sea was between 6 to 7 mtrs. I was dreading venturing out from the comfortable confines of the accommodation. Unfortunately as the ship was going to sail the next day, I had to leave her from the anchorage itself. There I was donning a life jacket and out on the main deck.

The scenario was not a pleasant one at all. Due to rough conditions the platform with the crane had developed a hole on its side and had to be taken to shore. The only way for me to go ashore was on this platform.

Once again the crane was fitted with the basket, with me in it. Only this time there was no exhilaration.

As the basket rose high, the wind thought of giving us a joy ride. It made it swing from side to side and turn round and round.

I have never been fond of roller coasters or the spinning wheels in parks, but there I was, eyes tightly shut, heart thudding loudly, holding on to the metal rail of the basket for dear life. After a lot of maneuvering, we finally reached the platform. I would like to add that from the ship to the platform it was a drop of about 20 mtrs. There was another officer with me while going back and we were immediately asked to get into the accommodation for safety.

Watching from the outside of the accommodation which was at a height from the platform, I could see that two tugs had been tied to one another and then to the platform.

Moving the platform away from the ship was quite smooth. The platform was listed at one end due to the hole in its side, but the Captain assured me that it would not be a problem. The waves kept coming on to the platform but otherwise it was quite steady and I could busily take pictures.

Suddenly there was a jolt and a huge wave came crashing on to the platform. It was so big that it sprayed onto the accommodation too. I could see a lot of commotion and the crew running hither, thither. The rope tied to the tug which was pulling us had broken. The crew was trying to tie the platform to the other tug but unfortunately it got stuck in its propeller and had to be cut.

Here we were in the middle of the sea, 20 miles from shore, at 730 in the evening, completely adrift, with no help in sight and darkness falling.

Being adrift also meant that we were at the mercy of the wind and the waves. The waves were coming on now with gusto, huge waves which hit the platform taking away anything that was loose on it. Barrels of Diesel, ropes and such loose items just got washed out to sea. The crew was desperately trying to secure things but the force of the waves was such that two of the crew got thrown from one end of the platform to another. Luckily they could hold on to an immovable structure on the platform and were saved. Of course they were badly bruised and the next day had to be taken to the hospital for treatment.

I overheard the Captain speaking in a hushed voice about how anxious he was because I was on board. He was frantically calling other tugs in the vicinity.

The situation was getting out of control. The platform which held the crane was already listed to the left. The huge mammoth crane was also on the left side. Due to the continuous pounding of the waves and water entering through the hole in its side, there was every chance of the platform capsizing.

It was a dark an eerie night. Dark clouds in the sky, obliterating the moon and stars. Stormy winds,waves so huge as if they would and did swallow anything and everything that came into their way.

After about two hours of being thoroughly beaten by the angry forces of nature, a tug did come to our rescue and slowly we made progress towards the shore.

The journey which was supposed to take us three hours, took almost seven hours.

I must say the captain, never lost his cool even once. I remember his remark " It is the first time that I have faced such a huge problem, there have been problems before but nothing like this on." The way he guided his crew was exemplary. What was even more amazing was that, through all the chaos, there was a hot meal ready for everyone. It was such a relief to actually sit down steady in one place without being thrown round.

Reaching shore and standing on my feet on land was an emotion I cannot really put, in a word or sentence.

Till today however, I cannot understand the feeling that had come over me that night. Was it acceptance? Was it a realisation that panic would get me nowhere? Or was it just a belief that we would make it safely to shore. Strangely enough, as I sat there observing the mayhem, a deathly calm had befallen over me. I who is so scared of the deep waters, was sitting perfectly still, with thoughts of family and friends flashing through my mind.

I remembered reading a poem and how perfectly it fitted in, with the situation.

Wild Stormy Sea
by Elpis

Billowing winds, skimming the surface of the dark gray sea.

Churning the water, forceful and wild.

A distant howling, the promise of an untethered force.

Swirling mute skies, the storm approaches.

Gathering pace, gathering noise.

Waves rising higher, crashing from their peak,

to the foamy wash below.

She will take no prisoner's, have no mercy.

Arc's of silver flash in the distance,

into the depth's of the angry sea.

A building crescendo of deep, growling,

closer, closer.

Mother nature, she reigns supreme,

ethereal, powerful, a universal queen.

When Stones Speak

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 14:31:00 +0000

Pataleshwar Caves...Pune

I remember visiting the Pataleshwar Caves as a child. I don't think the Archaeological Society of India had taken it under its roof at that time. It was a dark place always with water on its floors, with snakes and bats as its residents. I had vowed to myself never to go there again, but so many years later I found myself there once again. What I saw pleasantly surprised me. The whole premise was clean and very well preserved. There was no sign of water and the claustrophobia that I had felt as a child, just vanished.

Living in the city of Pune, it has become something bordering on an obsession to know more about her numerous heritage sites, structures, buildings, and Vadas. Secrets to be unearthed, tales to be told, sculptures to be studied. A picture then unfolds taking us to the long lost, but rich Era.

Dr. Indurkar an Indologist, was with us one Sunday morning, sharing his in depth knowledge of the Pataleshwar Caves.

Before he took us around the caves, he explained why it was important to find answers to Four questions:

1) Where ( The location of the structure )

2) What ( The kind of structure it is )

3) How ( The material that was used to build it )

4) Period (Approximate Era that it was built in. Most Archaeologists use Relative Dating )

So we moved on from the open space into the mandap with Dr. Indurkar.

As he explained, I could picturise this huge rock of Basalt and the artisans chipping away, to its present condition.A perfect circular base and roof with pillars for support.

A huge Nandi, (also carved out of a single stone) faced Lord Shiva.

The only tools used by the workmen was a pickaxe and a chisel. The Architects gave the orders and the workmen chipped away. One cannot begin to comprehend the precision in which the work needed to be carried out. Less force and there would not even be a dent in the stone, a little more force and the stone would have been cracked, to be abandoned. The intense care in which the work force carried out this piece of Architecture, today, stands tall at Pataleshwar.

This structure is known as the Nandi Mandap. Behind Nandi is a flat area, in which musicians played and sang in honour of Lord Shiva.

As we move ahead, on the left side of the main entrance are three tiny enclosures, (also dug out from the main cave) which housed Lord Ganesh and Parvati, but today lie empty of the idols.

The main cave is the temple of Lord Shiva.

As we enter the cave, it is divided into the Mukha, or the entrance, the Mala, the Antaral, and the Garbha Gruha. The Mala is where a smaller Nandi resides. The Antaral is the space between the Mala and the Garbha Gruha or the sanctum of Lord Shiva.

A beautifully carved door or the Dwar Shakha, opens into the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord. This is decorated with the flora and fauna of the earth.

On both sides of the temple in the cave are long passages, supported by pillars in stone.

On the left one finds a sculpture carved into the wall of the cave, depicting the story of Gajasurvadha, on the right is another sculpture either incomplete or broken due to the ravages of time.

Behind the temple, but also a part of the cave, another passage way has been dug out. This is for the devotees to do their Parikrama or circumambulation around the lord.

The cave temple was built around the 8th Century, and was an experiment before the temple at Verul , or Ellora, as it is known today. Unlike most temples, this one was originally a Hindu temple. Most of the cave temples in Maharashtra however were Buddhist in origin. Only after the wave of Buddhism receded did they become Hindu temples.

The question of why such structures were carved out of caves, needs an explanation. The answer could not have been more simple. Structures carved out of caves need almost no maintenance and can withstand the uncertainties of the weather for long periods of time. This is evident even today as we saw, in just one such structure at Pataleshwar.

Taking Pataleshwar as an example, it is seen that once ASI, took it under its wing, certain parts which had not stood the passage of time,were repaired in a most ingenious way.Looking up at the ceiling of the Mandap he pointed out the restoration work that was carried out. Glass was placed in the cracks, filling them with cement blocks. If the glass cracked, it meant that the cracks in the ceiling had widened.

While taking us around Pataleshwar, Dr. Indurkar, also gave us an insight of other rock temples in Maharashtra.

Verul being the largest one, cut out from an entire rock. There are 1200 such Leni's or caves in Maharashtra alone. Also Maharashtra has the distinction of being on the top of Rock cut literature.

Unfortunately none of the caves bear any inscription, depicting the names of the artists and architects who designed these caves.

Places like Ambe Jogai have 6 massive elephants,carved from stone.

Another interesting anecdote was of Inmagaon a village. The huts in the village had these concentric holes dug into the ground. The villagers explained that these holes were filled with Acacia (Babhli) thorns. grain storing Urns were then placed on these holes. This was a way to keep out the rodents and insects from getting into the grains and destroying the yearly stock. This centuries old method is still being followed even today. Nothing written but stories and anecdotes repeated generation to generation and still followed.

A tour which began and ended at Pataleshwar, actually took us all around Maharashtra, giving us a glimpse of the life and times in, as far back as the 8th Century.

DYNAMIC WOMAN.....ANUBAISAHEB GHORPADE

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 07:04:00 +0000

Life And Times Of Anubaisaheb Ghorpade

The Peshwa Dynasty is renowned for its men. Brave Heroes, Just Administrators, Compassionate and yet stern men.

It is a little known fact that the women in the Peshwa Dynasty were no less than Dynamic too. In my earlier posts under the heading of "Dynamic Women" I have written about Radhabaisaheb, Gopikabaisaheb, and Anandibaisaheb.

I now present to you Anubaishaeb Ghorpade.

Anubai, the youngest sister of Baji Rao 1, was endowed with the same traits as her father Balaji Vishwanath and brothers Baji Rao 1 and Chimaji Appa. In fact it wouldn't be wrong to say that she was born with the finest aspects of each one of them.

Beautiful, Intelligent, Sprightly and Practical were just some of the facets of her personality. Married to Venkatrao Ghorpade ( Please refer to my earlier post on Venkatrao ),at the tender age of 6, she was the most indulged in the Peshwa household. This though was never taken for granted by Anubai.
What never ceases to amaze me, time and time again, is how all these women handled responsibilities with such aplomb and practicality.
It is impossible to write about Anubaisaheb without also writing about the events that unfolded between 1719 to 1783.. This period is the Life and Times of Anubaisaheb Ghorpade. Her History is intertwined with the Peshwa and Maratha History.

The Prinicipal Personalities that shaped her life:
1) Baji Rao 1 (her brother)
2) Chimaji Appa (her brother)
3) Nanasaheb Peshwa (her nephew)
4) Madhavrao Peshwa (her grand nephew)
5) Venkatrao Ghorpade (her husband)
6) Narayan Venkat or Narayan Tatya (her son)
7) Tarabai (Queen of Satara)
8) Jijabai (Queen of Kolhapur)
9) Parshuram Bhau Patwardhan (Trusted General of the Peshwa Government)

As Venkatraao would be away on expeditions most of the time, Anubai would come to stay in Pune. Bajirao1 had built a wada for her, just behind Shaniwarwada. It is said that there used to be a tunnel from Shaniwarwada to the Ghorpade wada through which Bajirao would visit his sister.
The picture below shows a view from Shaniwarwada. In the background,you can see the roof tops of Nana wada to the extreme left, Ghorpade wada in the center and Biniwale wada to the right. A school has been built in the place of Ghorpade wada today and a picture of the wada is not available.

Anubaisaheb's husband Venkatrao Ghorpade being a Sardar in the Maratha army, was granted villages and Talukas, for his exemplary service by both Shahu Maharaj and Baji Rao1. As these were in close proximity to the Kolhapur State, Venkatrao found it prudent to maintain friendly relations with them. However this peace did not last long and in 1728 he broke his alliance with Kolhapur and swore his allegiance to Shahu Maharaj and Satara.

The Ichalkaranji crest

VenkatRao Ghorpade's Hand Writing

After his demise, his son Narayan Venkatrao or Narayan Tatya as he was known took over the reins of Ichalkaranji State. Being a minor, his mother Anubai helped him run the administration of the State. However Narayanrao, equally brave like his father but stubborn and willful soon lost interest in the administration. It is said that one of the reasons for this was Anubaisaheb taking an active interest in the running of the state. Hear I find the need to explain the situation following Venkatrao's demise.

Lacking the ability or capacity to govern the newly formed Ichalkaranji state, Narayan Rao was a disappointment. Fortunately Anubai, had inherited the heritage of wisdom, tact and courage, and together with the help of Nana Saheb and Bhau Saheb Peshwa and the civil and military officers of the State she managed to govern with the same ideologies as her husband.

!749-1750 was the year in which Shahu Maharj lay on his deathbed. Ramraja was raised to the throne of Satara. However his grand mother Tara Bai raised an objection and it was a difficult time for the Peshwa. Cornered by Ramraja in Satara and Sambhaji II in Kolhapur, who were against him, with tact and diplomacy he put an end to the plotting and planning to overthrow him as the Peshwa.

Nanasaheb then led an expedition to Hyderabad. Narayan Venkat was with him but just when victory was in sight, Nana Saheb had to rush back and face yet another challenge. Tarabai had dethroned Ramraja with the help of Damaji Gaikwad of Baroda and ceased the throne.

Anubai and Narayan Venkat assisted Nanasaheb in bringing about the defeat of Damaji Gaikwad and Queen Tarabai had to suffer the defeat.. In this period Anubai was a constant figure with Nanasaheb providing him with her army and supplies so necessary in battle.

Anubai's son did seem to mend his ways for a brief spell. He carried out an expedition in Carnatic ( Modern Karnataka ) in 1754 and was instrumental in winning both the battles.

In 1756 Anubai was with Nana Saheb in another expedition, this time against the Nawab of Sawanoor. Narayan Venkat joined her there but had to return to Ichalkaranji due to ill health. Once again with the help of the military personnel provided by Anubai, the battle was won.

1756 is known as the Golden period for the State of Ichalkaranji. Fortune had favoured the State. Jagir's, Inams' Deshmukhi's and Haks, revenues from forts and other villages made the state rich. Anubai always promoted the welfare of and gave precedence to her state, over coming all adversity. She also made sure that her state would be ready to help the Peshwa Government at any given time. Yes she was fortunate to be the daughter and sister of the Peshwas, but her resolve to the well being of her state spoke so well of her that not only the Peshwas but also the commonest of soldiers held Anubai in high esteem.

It could be said that the cause of Narayan Tatya's indifference to the administration of the state and his defiance to against the state and Anubai was Anubai herself. She was a formidable lady and a domineering one, circumstances had made her so. The precarious situation which she found Ichalkaranji in forced her to take a hard stand. The continuous threat from Kolhapur. Pillaging and routing in her constituency by the Kolhapur rulers made her equally competitive. It is solely to her credit that she fought hard to keep her State from being annexed to the Kolhapur State.

The defeat of the Maratha Army in Panipat though was a severe blow to Nanasaheb Peshwa. He did not survive long. His son Madhavrao became the next Peshwa. He quickly followed in his fathers footsteps to regain the lost glory.

Different wheels were turning in the Kolhapur regency. Sambhaji the prince of Kolhapur had died during Nanasaheb's tenure. His mother Jijabai seized the throne. She was completely antagonistic towards the Peshwa. Nanasaheb then had every intention of annexing the state. Towards this end he asked Anubai to keep a watchful eye on all movements of Jijabai. It so came to happen that two rival queens were at loggerheads watching the others movements and thwarting each others plans.

Jijabai took her revenge on the Ichalkaranji state. Madhavrao reinstated her as the Queen of Kolhapur and permitted her to adopt a son. This he thought would ensure peace but it was the opposite. Jijabai, in 1764 saw her opportunity, when Narayan Tatya took a large contingent to the Carnatic. Her army attacked, plundered and looted the neighbouring villages which belonged to the Ichalkaranji State. Anubai seeked help from her wayward son Narayan Venkat but to no avail.

In 1766 Anubai requested Madhavrao to recognise her grand son Venkatrao as Sardar. Madhavrao also commanded the Kolhapur State to restore all properties to Ichalkaranji which were usurped by Jijabai. Anubai and her grandson swiftly then raised an army with the help of Madhavrao Peshwa. A young Venkat went off for a battle with Madhavrao against Raghoba dada.

The one and only blunder that Anubai made was after the Battle of Panipat.

An imposter, calling himself "Bhau Saheb"came to Pune. Madhavrao saw through him immediately, but for some reason Anubai believed him and even extended her help. It was proved later that his name was 'Sukhvidhan" and Madhavrao and his Government severely punished all those who had sided with the imposter.

The Ichalkaranji State too suffered the consequences. Madhavrao was so incensed with Anubai that he ordered Ichalkaranji to be annexed to Pune and the penalty of death was issued to Venkat. It was only after the trusted General of the Peshwa Government, Parshuram Bhau Patwardhan interceded that the death sentence was lifted. ( More about Parshuram Bhau Patwardhan in my next post.)

All the property of Ichalkaranji was confiscated until a fine of 1,25,000 rupees were paid to the Peshwa Government. This was a big blow to Anubai. All her life she prided herself to be astute and perceptive, but this one mistake completely broke her spirit. She stopped taking an active role in the administration of her beloved State after 1777. She devoted the rest of her life by going on pilgrimages and penances. A complete opposite role to that of an active and commanding one.

She breathed her last in the little village of Tulapur in 1783.

The Maratha Empire had lost another dynamic personality. The part that she played in nurturing and strengthening her Ichalkaranji State from 1745 to 1776 was no mean feat.

Anubai Saheb Ghorpade must go down in History as one of Maharashtra's famous and courageous Queens.

References: 1)The Story of Ichalkaranji

Author:H. George Franks.

Photographs: 1)The Story of Ichalkaranji'

2)Pune Krishna Dhawal

(A book of pictures of the bygone era.)

Compiled by Shri Mandar Lavate

My Recent Travels ToThe United Kingdom

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 09:13:00 +0000

History On A Different Footing...

Is History Nevertheless...!!

I was recently visiting the United Kingdom and made it a point not to visit the typically touristy places.

A Feeling reciprocated by my friends who were visiting with me.

It was a thrill to explore the not so explored and learn about the history which was not already known.Of course there were a few sights which were flocked by tourists.

The Scottish Highlands took my breath away. The Lake District was was so serene and beautiful. The days there, were spent in conversation with the people in those places. I could see the pride they felt of being a part of their country.

The trips taken with them were amusing and the anecdotes described with typical British Humour. So from the tales, some gory, some mysterious and some out right funny, we travelled from the Scottish Highlands to the Lake District.The Lake District steeped in Poetry and Literature, brought back so many memories of the poets, we had studied and the classics we had read.

It was “manna”to see their dwellings and the countryside which induced them to write. Needless to say I came back with my mind full to bursting!! Something though kept bothering me throughout the trip.

It was only on my way back to my home town that the thought struck me.It came as a shock and brought me down from my dreamy state.

Yes, the United Kingdom is steeped in History. Is India Not?

Our past is centuries and centuries old. Our relics stand in rubble today but still stand tall. For don't they beckon us every time we look at them?

What the British have done is turned these places into Tourist Hubs. Spinning stories and yarns to make the ordinary seem extraordinary.

I would like to explain this with a few examples.

In Belfast shipyard, a huge modern structure has been built. This is now known as the Titanic Museum.

Apparently the skeleton of the Titanic and her sister ship were built here. What they have done is created an audio visual extravaganza, where in a rail cart they take you through the whole process of its ship building.

Needless to say the Museum is packed to capacity!!

The other example is of a bridge in the highlands. If you look at the bridge ( shown in the picture above ), it looks like an ordinary stone bridge over a running stream.The difference being, the story that was narrated by the guide. He made it so intriguing that taking a picture was paramount.

The point I am trying to make is how an idea if it takes root and with the help of funding and the
Government participation can become a huge tourist enterprise. I was told that the cost of the project, in the building of the Titanic Museum has already been recovered and its only been 2 years since it was opened to the public.

In Maharashtra our beautiful state, every village and town boasts of a glorious past. Breath taking sights of the Western Ghats, Forts, Monuments and Temples, ruins of past civilizations are all there to be explored. When we visit these relics from the past, we are horrified by the graffiti on its walls, there is no one to explain to us our past, except fragments written in our History books.

Why is there a general apathy towards our rich heritage?

There are some among us who cringe every time an archaic structure crumbles down or is seen in a
dilapidated state for want of its conservation. Can we not restore its glory and show the world that we too are proud of our heritage?

States of Gujrat, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan,Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh have realised this, and are way ahead of us in the business of Tourism.

We too have it all in Maharashtra.

Let us once more bring glory and pride to our state.

Let us work together and bring about this change.

The Modi Script in the Maratha Era

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 08:43:00 +0000

Unraveling Maratha History Through The Modi Script

A typical Letter in the Script

An unopened, nondeciphered mine of information lies in the Peshwe Daptar and the Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal in Pune.

Letters, Maps, Accounts, Budgets, Notices, all such information that would reveal the Maratha History from Pre Shivaji Maharaj till the British Raj. All of it bound in 'Rumals' and left for posterity.

The numbers are mind boggling. 4 crore papers yet to see the light of day at the Peshwe Daptar. More than 15 lakh papers lie in quiet anticipation to be studied.

The reason?

These papers are all in the Modi Script. A Script which only a few historians in Pune have mastered. The papers which have been translated have been published in the form of articles and short accounts.

Reading these published works has given me just a glimpse of the vast ocean of information yet to be discovered.

I had the good fortune to study this script from Mr. Mandar Lawate, an eminent historian and an expert of the Script.

He not only taught us recognising the intricacies of the Script but also regaled us with anecdotes from the past, which he had translated from the Peshwe Daptar.

When we speak of Historians names of Ninad Bedekar, Pandurang Balkawde, Dr.Shivde and more recently Sandeep Tikhe, all come to mind. All of them masters in translating the Script, they have spent hours, pursuing the letters to glean more information about this bygone Era.

The Script, as I am given to understand, was formed after the Devnagari Script (ie.written Marathi and Hindi ).

It can be said that Modi is the cursive writing form of Devnagari. Although this sounds easy enough, it is far from that.
Firstly mastering the script is not enough.
Secondly translating it and then understanding the content is another hurdle. As the language is old marathi it is difficult to know the meaning of the content.
Thirdly a lot of the words are in Farsi. The dates especially are in the farsi language and so are a lot of words...so with learning the script one has to also get adept at the written language and farsi to translate the information for today's use.

Modi script can be divided into different times. Some of it is extremely difficult to decipher.
The Pre Shivaji Era,
The Shivkaleen ( Of the Era of Shivaji Maharaj ),
The British Era all have heavy undertones of Farsi and are difficult to translate.
The Peshwa Era script is comparatively easy to comprehend.

It has taken years of shuffling through papers for just a minuscule percentage to come out in the open.
As Mr. Lawate rightfully said " There is only so much a few can do. A lifetime is not enough to read all the papers and also not many are interested in our own History" Sad, but its the truth!
When I was attending his class, we were about 30 odd people. Out of them there were only maybe 3 of us who wanted to learn the script for the sake of history.
Others had joined because a lot of land deals were made in this script. Wills were written, mortgage notices were accounted for , all in this script.
Infact, Mr. Lawate also told us how people came to him to translate these official papers. Most of these were about farmlands or houses being passed on, or as gifts of land, given by the ruling classes and the legal aspect of the beneficiaries.
There were times when some of these papers gave valuable historical information.
He has found umpteen papers discarded from old Wada's and structures. The people just did not understand the importance of them and had thrown them as rubbish.

So what was the need of this script?
The Modi Script was generally used in an official form. Letters of importance, notices, messages were all written in this script as it could not be read by all and sundry.
It was used to send across secret documents or information, so the enemy could not understand it.
It could also be written at a speed, that is without lifting of the pen or "tak" as it was known then. You come across different thicknesses of the writing. This depended on the thickness of the 'tak' or wooden pen which was used.

I have made a mention about the 'Rumals' earlier. The papers in these 'Rumals', range from about 400 years to 100 years. As they have been stored, the papers, mostly handmade, are now disintegrating.
Although digitisation of the papers has now begun, it is time consuming. Due to the shortage of funds, manpower and scanning machines it is going to be many years before the documents will see the light of day.
Personally, I would like to do my best to help in the restoration, digitisation and translation of these valuable documents.
History waits for us to be unearthed. It is like going on a treasure hunt, trying to solve the clues, knowing that there is a treasure on the other side.
Will it not be us, who will be the benefit if we do reach that treasure?

The Peshwa's Ganesh Utsav

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 09:06:00 +0000

Ganesh Utsav of the Peshwa's at Shaniwarwada

Nana Saheb Peshwa had embibed the "Ganpatya Vrata," from Moraya Gosavi's pet student, Devdharvidhar Maharaj.

A "Vrata" means a vow or promise. It is a religious practice to carry out certain obligations with a view to achieve divine blessing for the fulfillment of your desires.

Before Nana saheb, the lord Ganesh was prayed with the other residing deities at the Shaniwarwada. No separate statue was brought during the Ganesh festival. It was only in Nanasaheb's rule that a separate statue, made of shadu or clay was specially carved into the form of Ganesh and brought into the Shaniwarwada.

Ganesh Utsav began on the first day or Pratipada of the Bhadrapad month according to the Hindu calender and ended on the tenth day of Bhadrapad shudh.

In the first three days, worship of Ganesh was held on the existing idol at the Shaniwarwada. On the fourth day or Chaturthi the shadu or clay statue was reinstated.

In the night a Shez Aarti was sung, which was like a sweet lullaby for the Lord everyday for eight nights. On the ninth night a Padya Puja or worshiping the Lords feet, was performed which was to make the lord come back again soon.

I remember in my child hood of singing the Shez Aarti and performing the Padya Puja and it still continues to this day.

The words went....

"शयन मंदिरा सी चला वेळ जाह्ली

पुष्पमयी शेज सिध्द नियत ज्या स्थळी

दुरकरी जनचीन्ता ख्षण भरी तरी

शक्ती सहित विश्रांती घ्यावी श्रीहरी".......

Please come towards your sleeping chamber O Lord

Your bed is strewn with aromatic flowers

Leave and forget about the worries of the world for a while

Your eternal strength too needs respite

And the song goes on....

In the reign of Nanasaheb Peshwa an expenditure of Rs.2682 for the Utsav is documented in the Peshwa Duptar.

This Utsav gained more importance during Madhavrao Sahebs time. Madhavrao was an ardent worshiper of Lord Ganesh.

Puja was held twice a day. Aarti and the chanting of mantras and shlokas went on throughtout the day. In the night an offering of milk, barfi (a sweetmeat), and beetle leaf with supari (beetle nut) was made to the Lord.

In the Hindu tradition the beetle leaf holds a prominent place, offered to all the Gods, given with the coconut, grain and cereals to a saint, pujari or monk on auspicious days.

Every day one monk was given a "vida". This consisted of the beetle leaf, beetle nuts, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg and saffron. The quantity was such that it would last him for a whole year.

An expense record of the Utsav during Madharao's period in 1767, is Rs. 3000.

On the last or the 10th day the Lord would be taken out in an Ambari (A howdah with a canopy), to be immersed in the river.

Ganesh Utsav was not held in the Shaniwarwada after the murder of Narayanrao Peshwa in1773.

It was restarted by Nana Phadnis and Sakharam Bapu Bokil, the two able administrators of the Peshwa in 1778 at Fort Purandhar as the next Peshwa, Sawai Madhavrao was living there. He was 4years old.

After Sawai Mahavrao came back to Shaniwarwada, between the period 1760 to 1791, the Utsav was celebrated on an enormous scale with great pomp and splendour. There were 526 dancers, 185 singers, 732 folk artists, play actors who came from all over India to perform on the 10 days of the festival. The estimated cost coming to around Rs. 4358.

Each person was paid Re.1 to Rs.81 depending on their skills. There were other communities like for example the Guravs. These essentially had come to Maharashtra from Rajasthan, during the era of Shivaji Maharaj, and had settled there. They were Shiv worshipers but were also known for their music. They also looked after the temples in Maharashtra. Then there were the workers who were known as Hardas and the Karnekari's ( terms which are not heard of today). The Hardas were given Rs.51 and clothes during the period.

1815 was the last year in which the Ganesh Utsav was celebrated.

After that Shaniwarwada became silent.

Today it stands tall and inviting you to go and have a look at the remains of it glorious past.

Anandibai Saheb Peshwa

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 15:56:00 +0000

Anandibai

The seeds of mistrust and rift, sown during Gopikabai's time (Refer to my post on Gopikabai), came to fruition and a quagmire of doubt, one up man ship and evil deeds spread like fire in the Shaniwarwada.

Who was Anandibai?

Till today she remains an unsolved puzzle in History. She has been much maligned and so many questions remain unanswered that even today, she, for me is a beautiful, formidable, courageous, mystery.

The cause of the descent, of the glory of the Peshwas, was largely attributed to her. Was this lady so ambitious and aspiring? Was conspiracy and deceit really in her blood? Could she have taken such drastic measures to take away the title of Peshwa from Nanasaheb's descendants?

The second wife of Raghunath rao (Younger brother of Nanasaheb Peshwa). Infamous for her hand in the murder of her nephew Narayan Rao Peshwa in 1773.

The mystery remains whether Anandibai changed the orders from Arrest to Kill ( धरा चा मारा ), or as is popularly known ( ध चा मा ). No historian or any record has been able to pinpoint this till date.

I have tried to understand and discover this complex woman through this post and I cannot help feeling that maybe she was wronged.

Let us go back in time to the period between 1755 and 1773 and try to understand the political and familial scenario being unfolded.

As was the custom, in those days if a girl remained unmarried past the age of 8 years, she was married to a widower. Anandibai was 9 years old when she was married to Raghunath rao who was 13years older than her. Her paternal side was the Oak family and she was very proud of that.

Anandibai was fair and beautiful and she was also adept at getting her way through frank and sweet talk.

After Nanasaheb's demise his son Madhav rao became the next Peshwa. He was 16 years old. As was the custom and diktat of Shahu Maharaj, the descendant of the ruling Peshwa would take over the throne.

Raghunath rao harboured thoughts of usurping the title and when this did not materialise, he started plotting and created a rift in the Peshwa household.

As Madhav rao was young Raghunath rao started taking undue advantage in the administration but he had not anticipated the strength and intelligence of Madhav rao.

Unwittingly,Anandibai upheld the ambitions of Raghunath rao alias Raghoba dada and this alienated her from the Peshwa household.

Two sons and a daughter were born to Anandibai and Raghoba dada but neither of the sons survived.

Raghunath rao was 41 years old then and wanted an heir, in the mischance of becoming a Peshwa.

He was so hell bent on this that without paying any heed to Anandibai or Madhav rao saheb he adopted a son Amrutrao from the Bhuskute family at Nashik in 1768. Immediately after, he demanded half the kingdom from Madhavrao.

Fed up of his continued discrepancies and to teach him a lesson, Madhavrao confiscated all the palaces and properties of Raghunath rao, leaving only Anandvalli near Nashik for Anandibai and Raghunath rao.

They were placed under House arrest in Shaniwarwada.

Anandibai who had entered the Peshwa household in splendour, was forced to live a life under arrest, due to the capricious, hypocritical, selfish and mercurial personality of her husband.

She did not interfere with any of Raghunath rao's political manouveres. Madhav rao was well aware of this and always treated her with great respect and Anandibai too had immense faith her nephews governance.

She was completely disheartened with Raghunath rao's attitude. He on the other hand started neglecting his duties and immersed himself in pleasures and had nemerous mistresses.

As beautiful and charming as she was her love for jewellery and rich attire is legendary. She is known to have owned 32 kinds of exquisite jewellery and her नवं वारी or nine yard sarees were enmeshed with pure gold and silver.

All this affluence came to an inglorious end due to Raghunath rao's treatises.

A woman so proud of the Peshwa dynasty was named as being the one who abetted in the murder of Narayan rao Peshwa.

Thus began her downfall when Raghunath rao plotted and schemed against his own nephew. Shunned from Shaniwarwada, she kept moving from place to place with her husband. Dhar, Mandaleshwar, Burhanpur, Jhansi, Surat, Varli and Kopargaon. Her flight and plight were endless. It was during this period that Bajirao 2 and Chimnaji were born to her.

Her last stay was in Kopargaon where she lived with her two sons and daughters in law, after the demise of Raghunath rao, still under house arrest.

Her one aim was to see that her sons were given the education and training befitting young princes. They were well looked after but her constant grouse was that Bajirao2 and Chimnaji were purposely neglected. Sadly for her Bajirao2 did not live up to the name of his ancestor. This indeed was a huge blow for her.

Anandibai had two idols to look up to one was her husband Raghunath rao, who inspite of his contradictory personality, was a very brave warrior and the other was the title 'Peshwa'. Destiny though played a different hand in her life.

Was she the woman wronged or was the political turmoil between 1773 to 1797 the reason behind her change, from a woman who only had her husband and children's welfare at heart to a woman who eventually went against the Peshwa.

My next post will explore this and the period of the emergence of the Barbhai Politics at Shaniwarwada.

Huzur Paga The Royal Stables

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 16:57:00 +0000

Huzur Paga

The Royal Stables

When I look at the statue of Bajirao Peshwa1 at Shaniwarwada, I am awestruck by the sight of him resplendent on his magnificent steed.

The thought of Battles and Campaigns has made me wonder at the massive horse strength which would have been required to carry the warriors.

So where did the horses come from? Which breeds were used? How were they maintained?

I was lucky to have attended a lecture by Mr. Sandeep Tikhe, a researcher in History and an expert in deciphering the Modi Script, on just this subject. He spoke about the Paga's or stables of the Peshwa Era.

The Maratha Empire was known for its victories due to its style of warfare. Popularly known as 'Ganimi Kawa" or Guerrilla warfare.. This was conceptualised by none other than Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and was extensively used in all the campaigns of Bajirao and later his descendants except during the Battle of Panipat.

The main force for this warfare are horses. They had to be healthy, strong and sturdy enough to sustain long and difficult rides and terrain, sometimes go on without sufficient food and water and yet be swift and agile.

Naturally such a large horse population needed shelters and training grounds.These then, were Paga's or stables specially built all around Maharashtra.

There were two kinds of stables.

1) Those belonging to the Royals...Huzur Paga

2) Those belonging to the Generals.

The horses used in the campaigns were mostly procured from auctions and were gifted or looted from the losers of the battles. These were thoroughbreds. The Arabian Horse, The Neela (pure white), and the Panchakalyan (one with White hoofs).

The other horses were used for purposes such as, pulling carriages, or carts or short rides to nearby destinations for personal reasons. These were mostly indigenous.

Some of the Peshwa's had their own favourite horse and had even named them.

Nanasaheb Peshwa had a horse called 'Varu', and Madhavrao Peshwa had 'Matvali'.

The Huzur cavalry, at any given time housed about 2000 horses these were kept in 'Paga's' in and around Pune, Chas (Close to Chakan), Kavadi and Pimpalwandi villages.

Today Huzur Paga in Pune, is a Girls School in the midst of the very busy Laxmi Road.

At Chas the Paga is a farm and Pimpalwandi Paga is a school.

Other villages were Wadi, Phursungi, Alandi, Theur etc.

Old building of Huzur Paga Girls High School

Besides these the Generals too had their 'Paga's' in their individual constituency.

It was no small feat to manage the upkeep of the stables and their occupants.

Precise rules and norms were laid down by the Peshwa, right from their diet to their maintenance and their general well being.

Of course, every such huge establishment require a lot of funds. These were collected in the forms of taxes, as rent from the villages, some part of the loot from the battles, and from gifts (nazrana) from visitors. Also certain villages were solely given the charge of planting grasslands for the horses.

The life of the horses was affluent, (if I may use that word!).

There diet consisted of wheat, jagery, ghee, butter, all cereals and grain and special grass.

They were given a rub down with milk,oil and water.

Special medication and tonics were administered to them.

The war horses had a special bag called 'Mazal Masala' which accompanied them on their campaigns. These typically consisted of Butter, Jagery and a couple of drugs such as Cannabis to take them through the long and arduous journeys.

Each 'Paga' had a storeroom 'Pagechi Kothi'. This was where all the medication, grain, cereals, utensils, Iron hoof boxes, tents etc. were kept. The Kothi also housed the Ambari and the Royal Carriage.

As was the custom, all medication administered was Ayurvedic and the marathi names for some of them were..."bibba, ambehalad, dink,oil, triphala, kirmani, nagar motha, kala jeera etc.

Well, horses were not the sole occupants of the Paga. Along with them were Camels, Rams, Goats, Cows and Bulls.

It is on record in the Peshwe Daptar that to look after the Huzur Paga in Pune a work force of about a 1000 people were employed. They were the trainers, the iron smiths, the cleaners, the cooks, to name a few.

Each and every aspect of the horses and the people were looked into by the Peshwa. All expenses were paid by the royal administration. Ceremonies, births, deaths and accidents were duly compensated.

Listening to the talk given by Mr. Tikhe, what caught my attention was that there are thousands of 'Rumals' or Folders in the 'Peshwa Daptar'. Each 'Rumal' has about 5000 records. Most of these records are in the Modi script. At present a very minuscule percentage has been deciphered and translated.

It is now clear that every minute detail in the life and governance of the Peshwa has been painstakingly recorded. Unfortunately to bring it out may take years of persistent hard work by the few researchers who have taken on this mammoth but thankless task.

Reference: Mr. Sandeep Tikhe. History Researcher, Expert on the Modi Script.

'Peshwekalin Maharashtra'. Author: Vasudev Krishna Bhat, Published 24th Oct. 1976

Dynamic Women Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:57:00 +0000

Gopikabai

The year...1730...Period...during Diwali...

Shahu Maharaj had gone to the Gokhale Naik 'Wada' on Laxmi Pujan day. The Gokhale's were money lenders who after leaving their home town of Velneshwar had settled down in Satara.

A young girl of five years was helping her aunt serve sweet meats to the guests. Shahu Maharaj was quite taken in by this lively girl. After finding out that she was the daughter of his host Bhikaji Shamrao Gokhale, he had addressed her father that she would be married into the Peshwa family.
He then conferred his wish to Bajirao1 and on 11th May 1730, Bajirao's son Nanashaeb was married with great fanfare to this girl at Wai.
Nanasaheb was 9 years old and this sprightly, vivacious girl was all of 5 years of age.

This was Gopikabai

Gopikabai came to stay at Shaniwarwada and so began her journey which eventually ended in her being the Peshwa's wife. He was conferred the title of 'Peshwa' in June 1740 after Bajirao1's death on 28th April 1740, by Shau Maharaj.

Gopikabai had the priviledge of being brought up by the matriarchs Radhabai, Kashibai and Annapurnabai. Wives of Balaji Vishwanath, Bajirao1 and Chimaji Appa's second wife, respectively.

Her character to a certin extent was formed while growing up by watching Rahdabai.

After coming of age Gopikabai travelled with Nanasaheb on his campaigns. She knew how to read and write and was well versed in the intricacies of administration and governing. When required she also took an active part in the Darbar.

At a very young age she was witness to the deaths of the stalwarts, Bajirao1, Mastani, Chimaji Appa ( Bajirao1's younger brother ), Kashibai and Annapurnabai.

This made her the head of the household at a very young age.

With Radhabai ageing rapidly and Kashibai mostly unwell, Gopikabai took on the mantle and dealt with all in a very authoritative manner. Her every move was calculated and there was always a motive behind her words and deeds.

Even though Radhabai knew that this girl with her abrasive and rude speech would not be able to hold the huge Peshwa family together, she was powerless to do anything about it. Gopikabai also made sure that her two brothers, Madhavrao and Anandrao were with Nanasaheb on his campaigns, ensuring their livelihood in Pune.

As Nanasaheb's Governance grew so did Gopikabai's stature. She made sure that everyone knew of her position as the Peshwa's wife and paid her due respect.

She travelled to Dhawalpur, Malva and Prayag between 1740 and 1741. She only returned to Pune after knowing that she was with child. Vishwasrao was born to her on the 22nd June 1742.

As Gopikabai could read and write Marathi, she would send out letters to the nearby fiefdoms and get news from around Pune. Gopikabai would also sit into meetings with Nanasaheb and would more often than not actively participate in the discussions.

Nanasaheb could not tolerate this interference. According to him these things were beyond the ambit of a woman and she should stick to household duties.

To put a stop to this meddling, he kept her away from learning the Modi script and so Gopikabai could not know of the dealings and documents which were sent in the Modi script. Furthermore Nanasaheb did not make any administrative decisions on Gopikabai's advice.

In the 1744 campaigne in Karnataka, even though she was expecting her second child, she accompanied Nanasaheb. At this time the Nawab of Sawanoor looked after her and her new born son Madhavrao.. Later Madhavrao would address the Nawab as his 'Mama'(Maternal Uncle).

One more son was born to Gopikabai in 1748. His name was Yashwant but unfortunately he passed away after 3 years of age. Gopikabai did not grieve long and once again took charge of running the Shaniwarwada.

After the demise of Shahu Maharaj, Nanasaheb Peshwa was given the sole charge of running the Maratha Kingdom.

Gopikabai now had made up her mind that the title of Peshwa would be given to only the descendants of Nanasaheb.

With this burnning desire and ambition, she set out to get together such people who would only be valuable to Nanasaheb and her.

Gopikabai was a fair skinned, heavy boned, tall, beautiful and radiant woman. Her character of a brusque, clever, resolute, acrimonious diplomat did not go down well with most. She was known as the 'self illuminated' wife of the successful Peshwa.

Even at the age of 35 after 3 child births she remained strong. Six children were born to her out of which 3 survived. Vishwasrao who later died in the battle of Panipat, Madhavrao who became the Peshwa after the death of Nanasaheb and Narayanrao who was murdered in Shaniwarwada.

Gopikabai was jealous of the heroics of her nephew, Sadashivrao, her Brother In Law, Raghunathrao alias Raghoba dada and Mastani's Samsher Bahadur. That these persona's would take away the title of the Peshwa from her sons was something that always plagued her.She started to be vicious and spiteful to the others and found ways and means to provide their downfall.

She was the instigator in creating walls amongst the Sardars, The Family and other Important people.

She was the cause of the divide in the Peshwa Household.

Due to her constant rude and acrimonious behaviour towards her Brother In Law, Samsher and Sadashivrao the atmosphere in the harmonious Peshwa family turned turbulent.

Fed up with his wife's tactics, Nanasaheb turned to a life of pleasure. This was a blow to Gopikabai. The bigger blow came when Nanasaheb on his way to Panipat, got married at the age of 40 to girl of 9 years. (Although this was a political marriage as the money was required to fund the army which was required to reach Panipat).

That both Nanasaheb and Gopikabai were devastated after the deaths of both Sadashivrao Bhau and Vishwasrao, is an understatement. Nanasaheb never recoverd from this mishap.

After Nansaheb's demise on 23rd June 1761 at Pune, his son Madhavrao was given the 'Khitab' of Peshwa.

This was a turning point in Gopikabais's life. She was under the impression that she would still be at the top of the helm with Madhavrao being too young to look after the affairs of the state. She could not have been more wrong.

Although Mahdavrao had immense respect and love for his mother, he did not tolerate his mother's interference. He himself was a strong and ingenious administrator. It was not long before Gopikabai decided to leave Shaniwarwada and set up her house in Gangapur near Nashik.

Madhavrao built her a strong 3 storeyed and a 2 courtyard 'Wada' for her. Apart from this Belbaug and Gangapur were also given in her name for her upkeep.

She visited Shaniwarwada in 1771 when Madhavrao was ill. After his demise Narayanrao became the Peshwa in 1772. This was her last visit to Shaniwarwada. Gopikabai went there to be with her son and wife and once again participate in the affairs of the state. Unfortunately her arguments with Raghobadada and the Sardars made her leave and go back to Gangapur.

Narayanrao Peshwa visited her in Gangapur but even then her advice to him proved distastrous.

'If Raghoba dada's behaviour does not change for the better towards you, then put him under house arrest', is the ill advice she gave Narayanrao.

This led to his murder in 1773 ( although this was not the only reason, I will write more about this in my next post. ), just 8 months after he became the Peshwa.

Gopikabai was so disturbed and distraught by this news that she stated " I will not eat or drink of the house which murdered my son". She left her wada and started living in an ashram, living the life of an ascetic, begging for alms.

Only after her Grandson Sawai Madhavrao was given the robes of the Peshwa, did she return to Ganapur.

Sawai Madhavrao was only 40 days old when he was conferred the title. Gopikabai did not return to Shaniwarwada but made sure that her most trusted administrators, Nana Phadnis and Sakharam Bokil looked after the affairs of the state till Sawai Madhavrao came of age.

Age did not treat her kindly. A stroke made her an invalid and robbed her of clear speech. No medication had any effect and her end came on the 3rd. August at the age of 65.

Gopikabai was a dynamic personality, but her ambitious nature and selfishness caused such a rift in the Peshwa house hold that none of the latter Peshwa's could bridge it.

Dynamic Women Behind Dynamic Men

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Mon, 13 May 2013 04:37:00 +0000

RadhaBai Saheb Peshwa

Within the Maratha strong hold were the wives of some Dynamic warriors, who played an important role in their lives.

Through a series of posts I wish to highlight some of these brave and efficient women who were equal to their warrior husbands. They knew the administration of the land, were well versed and sometimes were shrewd enough to act as liaison between two warring parties.

This is my salute to these women who ruled during the Maratha Era albeit...behind the scenes.

Radhabai Saheb Peshwa:

Radha Bai was the second wife of Balaji Vishwanath Peshwa. Except for a record saying that Balaji was married earlier, nothing is known about his first wife.
No records are available about the marraige of Radhabai and Balaji Vishwanath per se, but it is assumed that the marriage was held in Chiplun and a record saying that it cost Rs. 20/-. This was before Balaji Vishwanath came to Saswad (ref: my post on Saswad on 22/04/2013).

Radhabai was a brave, hardy and efficient woman.
Balaji Vishwanath Bhat was awarded the title of 'Peshwa' by Shahu Maharaj on the 17th Nov. 1713. Radhabai took to her duties, managing her status as the wife of the Peshwa, in a most competent way.
Later in life, after Balaji's death, she undertook the upbringing of her two sons, Bajirao 1 and Chimaji Appa in a disciplined yet compassionate way.

Radhabai was well versed in the arts of reading and writing. She had immense knowledge of handling the administration of the state. The court was answerable to her in all the dealings that took place in the political and social life in and around the Shaniwarwada.
Even the most influential and prestigious people were in awe of her.
She had a quick temper and even her two illustrious sons were not spared from her searing tongue if she thought they were in the wrong.
She was shrewd enough to realise that campaigns and battles could not be successful without money. To this effect, she arranged the marriages of Bajirao1, Chimaji Appa and the latter Peshwas to the daughter of "Sahukars", ( Money lenders ).

When Bajirao 1 and Chimaji Appa were out on their campaigns, it was Radhabai who looked after the affairs of the state in their absence. They had to send detailed reports to her about their campaigns.
In 1721 Bajirao1 was to conduct a political meeting with the Nizam of Hyderabad. Radhabai had given him sound advice, whether to meet the Nizam, on what terms, where and when to meet him etc.

In 1735 Radhabai decided to go on a pilgrimage to Kashi (Varanasi ). To leave Pune and Shaniwarwada and to embark on this long journey was fraught with danger. Her well wishers were sceptical about this as the Marathas had many enemies on the way. The atmosphere was not conducive for a pilgrimage.
Radhabai was a determined person, very proud and self respecting. She had immense faith in her sons Bajirao and Chimaji Appa. Radhabai had proclaimed, " My Baji is so revered in Hindustan that no one would dare to harm me."
Such was the respect given to Bajirao, that no one dared to attack or capture Radhabai while she travelled to and from Kashi (Varanasi).
What I find interesting is the detailed record of this epic journey.
Radhabai began this historic journey on 14th February 1735 and returned back to Pune on 24th May 1736.
A period of 1 year and three months.

Her travelogue reads thus:

14th Nov. 1735 Left Pune.
8th March    Burhanpur
18th April Crossed the Narmada to Badhwai
6th May     Udaipur......The documented record, reports that the Rana of Udaipur,looked after her      for a whole week, honouring her with a pearl necklace, a pendant, gold bangles, baby elephant and Rs. 5000/- for her personal use.
18th May   Nathdwar
21st June to 15th September Jaipur. When Radhabai reached Jaipur, Sawai Jaisingh gave her a
royal welcome and was her host for more than 2 months.
Sept and October Mathura, Vrindavan, Kurukshetra, Prayag. Bajirao1's old enemy Muhammad
Shah Bangash, too sent his Diwan with gifts to sure that Radhabai was in comfort and gifted her Rs. 1000/- for her journey. Bangash called her (माता समान ), like his own mother.
The Delhi Badshah sent his troops to protect her when she camped at the Jamuna river.
17th Oct   Kashi ( Varanasi )
23rd December   Gaya
Jan. 1736 Began her return journey, Via Gaya, Sagar, Bundelkhand, Crossing the Narmada at
Badhwai reaching Pune on the 19th of April 1736.
The whole pilgrimage is said to have cost Rs. I lakh.

Radhabai used to independently and with diplomacy, handle political alliances while on her pilgrimage. She astutely brought along a positive attitude from the kingdoms of Jaipur and Udaipur towards the Marathas. To this effect she was successful in the formation of a treaty between the Rana of Udaipur and Bajirao Peshwa1.
She persuaded Harprasad the Diwan of Bangash to join the Peshwa.

Radhabai left for her heavenly abode on the 19th of April 1753.
She was respectfully acknowledged as " Veerpatni, Veermata,and Matoshri ".
Many of her letters, documents and articles are available at Nashik, while 60 of her letters to her sons and other dignitaries are there in the Peshwe Daptar in Pune. ( ref: Peshwe: Author: Shriram Sathe, Page 109 ).

In the age when women were left out to look after their homes and had no say, she rose above all that and kept the Peshwa Flag flying.

Ref Books: पेशवे घराण्याचा इतिहास. Author: Pramod Oak.
Published :2001 Continental Prakashan
   पेशवे   Author: Shriram Sathe
   Published: Jan 2013 Prafullata Prakashan

Saswad

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:14:00 +0000

Saswad

The name of the village, Saswad came from a tiny settlement near the river Karha, surrounded by seven large Oak Trees. Initially known as Satwad. (Sat means seven and wad means Oak tree), later on its name changed to Saswad.

Saswad gained importance in the Shivaji and Peshwa eras.

After leaving his home at Shrivardhan in Konkan, Balaji Vishwanath Peshwa, came to Saswad.

The Purandare family were the then 'Kulkarni's' and 'Deshmukhs' of Saswad and Balaji was looked after by them.

After receiving the title of Peshwa, Balaji never forgot the Purandare's and gave them important posts in his Administration.

Saswad lies on the banks of the Karha river and is dotted by beautiful temples viz The Viteshwari Temple , The Shiva Temple and the Karha Devi Temple. The Shiva Temple is a masterpiece of architecture.

Shahu Maharaj had given Balaji as "Inam," Pune, Supa, and Saswad. He was the Subhedar of Saswad around 1702. Shahu Maharaj had allowed Balaji to settle down in Supa as the letter states (refer to photograph), and lived in Supa for two years after which he made Saswad his home in 1719. He built a Wada there in Black Stone and it was known as "Kala Wada". Unfortunately there are no remnants of his Wada in Saswad today.

The Purandare Wada stands tall with some of its embattlements still in place. The Purandare family resides there even to this day.

Purandare Wada (East side)

Letter of Shahu Maharaj granting Supa to Balaji Vishwanath

On the banks of the Karha river and in between the Shiv and Karha devi temple, is the Samadhi and statue of Balaji Vishwanath Peshwa.

The Samadhi is in good condition and is well looked after by the Dev Deveshwar Sansthan of Pune.

Courtesy: 'Peshwe' by Sriram Sathe

Courtesy: Dr Uday Kulkarni, Solstice at Panipat

Saswad and Balaji Vishwanath Peshwa

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:38:00 +0000

Balaji Vishwanath Peshwa and Saswad

I recently paid a visit to Saswad, located about a one and a half hours drive from Pune.
Even with such a close proximity to Pune and inspite of a few buildings with modern architecture,Saswad retains the looks of a quaint village.

It was the 300th death anniversary of Balaji Vishanath Peshwa. His samadhi lies on the banks of the Karha river.
His statue was inaugurated on this day the 16th of April 2013.

Balaji Vishwanath Peshwa made Saswad his home and also his eternal resting place.

A more detailed history of Saswad is in the offing soon on this blog.

Balaji Vishwanath Peshwa Statue and Samadhi

Sunset at Saswad

Shiv Temple

Samsher Bahadur..The Nawab of Banda

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:28:00 +0000

The Death Anniversary of Baji Rao I, falls on the 28th of April. I thought it befitting to write about his son from Mastani...

Samsher Bahadur

The Nawab of Banda

As I was reading about him I couldn't help comparing him to Veer Karna of the Mahabharat. Like Karna he was a great warrior, but there ends the comparison because unlike Karna he was well looked after at the Shaniwarwada, and given all the training that was required.

This then is the story of the great warrior who proved his mettle in the Battle of Panipat.

As is the case with so many in the 17 and 1800's, the character sketch of Samsher is not well recorded. There is a notation in the Peshwa Chronicles,

" On the day of Ramzan (28th Jan 1734), a son was born at Shaniwarwada and the naming ceremony was held." Could this have been Samsher?

His name is assumed to be that of his maternal uncle (Samsher Khan). His second name was Krishna Singh and as per the records he would be known as Samsher Bahdur Krishnasingh.

He was left an orphan after the deaths of both Baji Rao and Mastani consecutively at the tender age of 6 years. From then on Nana Saheb Peshwa brought him into Shaniwarwada and devoted his love, time and attention in bringing him up.

It is said that Samsher had the height, build and looks of Baji Rao and was an able warrior.

The uproar that had taken place during Baji Rao, Mastani's period seemed to have had no detrimental effect on the young lad. Like the other children in the Wada, he too was trained to be an administrator and warrior.

Under the keen tutelage of SadashivRao Bahu Peshwa, he mastered the arts of Commerce and warfare. He was equally proficient in the Marathi language and the Deonagari and Modi scripts, prevalent at that time.

Samsher's first tryst with the enemy was in 1753 when he was sent to the North with Raghunath Rao Peshwa. He had to leave the battle half way as there was trouble brewing in the Konkan and he was needed there.This assignment was against Tulaji Angre and Samsher won the battle convincingly, by capturing the Ratnagiri Fort in 1756.

He was awarded the title of 'Sardar' (General) by Nana Saheb Peshwa.

Samsher proved his prowess in war and was present in all the campaigns which the Marathas led during that period.

So strong was his faith in Samsher, that Nana Saheb apart from sending him to war, also sent him as a Statesman and Diplomat. There are instances recorded of bringing about peace and harmony with the descendants of Chatrasaal in Bundelkhand and also the royal families of Jaitpur.

The title of 'Saheb Naubat ' was conferred upon him for his heroic deeds and intelligent statesmanship.

After an intense battle in Udgir in 1759, followed the battle of Panipat. On 14th Jan. 1761, Samsher was gravely injured and was brought to Bharat pur. Suraj Mal Jat tried his best to save him but Samsher succumbed to his injuries all the while grieving for the loss of Bhau Saheb Peshwa. His last dying cries were 'Bhau Bhau'.

His wife Meher Bai and son Ali Bahdur were brought back to Pune with great respect and lived in Shaniwarwada at the Mastani Mahal.

"It matters not how you came into the world.
For your action and deeds speak another language."

Thus ends the story of another hero not written or revered.

Courtesy: पेशवे घराण्याचा इतिहास by Pramod Oak

Suraj Mal Jat

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 04:05:00 +0000

Maharaja Suraj Mal Jat 1707 - 1763

Lohgarh Fort Bharatpur

While researching about the Maratha Era, I came across Maharaja Suraj Mal, who played an important part before and after Panipat.

My footfalls took me all the way to Braj, Mathura, and Deeg. Far away from the Maratha stronghold. This was then, Jat territory. I would like to introduce to you, Maharaja Suraj Mal.

At the time of his birth, the Jats were making their presence felt under his father Badan Singh, in and around the Jamuna.

Who then was Suraj Mal and what role did he play to make him so powerful in 1757.

The Jats were known as tillers of their land and also as warriors. Badan Singh (Suraj Mal's father), had consolidated the Jat faction to a certain extent and prepared an army to defend his land. The tribe was lawless and it was Suraj Mal who turned this to his advantage into an army of warriors, so feared that it shook the Mughals, Marathas and Rajputs into noticing and respecting them. He ruled his kingdom from Bharatpur.

Suraj Mal was an astute, shrewd and powerful warrior. His war strategies and the desire to keep his land safe from all intruders from within and foreigners was his foremost priority.

There are many incidences in his life which give credence to this.

I will take you through some of them.

With Safdar Jung:

Safdar Jung was named the Wazir of Delhi by Prince Ahmed after Muhammad Shah died in 1748. There was constant strife amongst the Turrani and Irani factions and Safdar Jung who was a Shia, had many enemies in court. The Rohillas of Rohilkhand opened a new front against him. Knowing how powerful the Jat ruler was, the Wazir did not want to alienate him. Suraj Mal on the other hand, had an expanding kingdom to rule but no Imperial recognition. Hence both parties needing each other extended a hand of friendship towards each other.

In the Wazir's time of need, Suraj Mal fought by his side. Before Malhar Rao Holkar came to the aid of the warring factions, an astute diplomatic move by Suraj Mal, assured the Wazir of his office and the viceroyalties of Oudh and Allahabad.

Suraj Mal saved his ally from ruin but made an enemy in Imad who had proposed to be the emperor of Hindustan.

Suraj Mal and Ahmad Shah Abdali:

With tact and diplomacy he averted an open war with Abdali. The message he sent says it all.

In Qudratullah's - "Jam - i - Jahan Nama", a passage summarises his negotiation with Abdali.

" You have not conquered India yet. If you have taken hold of an inexperienced child ( Imad-Ul-Mulk Ghazi-ud-din ), who held Delhi, what is their to be proud of? Why this delay in attacking me? I have spent large sums of money on these forts. The Shah can fight with me and the world will remember that a Badshah came from Vilayat and conquered Delhi, but was helpless against an insignificant Zamindar."

The forts were so strong that Abdali returned back to Delhi and could never defeat Suraj Mal. Not only his arrogance but also his supreme confidence in his ability shines through in this message.

Seige of Kumher Jan - May -1754:

It was here that Suraj Mal defied a combined army of about 80,000 troops of the Mughals and Marathas. Again through negotiation and still not losing any territory, Suraj Mal acquired further greatness and achieved the glory of being able to bargain with 2 chiefs, ( Raghunath Rao and Malhar Rao Holkar with Imad), who in their own armies were equal in rank with him, and could impose on them his conditions for a treaty. The combined forces had laid seige on Kumher for 4 months and although the fort was stocked with provisions, there was shortage of water. Credit should also be given to his wife Rani Hansia whose bold initiative brought about the break of the siege and helped Suraj Mal emerge unscathed.

Panipat:

2 severe blows were dealt to the Marathas while they prepared for war with Abdali. One was the defection of Shuja-ud-daula to the Abdali camp and second was the sudden desertion and departure of Suraj Mal from Delhi.

There are four main reasons for this desertion given by historians:

1) The families of the Marathas were not sent to Gwalior. Suraj Mal had insisted that a light army with no burdens would be able to move quickly.

2) The Wazirship was not offered to Ghaziuddin-Imad-Ul-Mulk

3) The removal of the Gilt and silver ceiling at the Diwan-E-Khas.( Suraj Mal was completely against this).

4) The management of Delhi was not given to Suraj Mal. (This was not possible at the time as rightfully the throne belonged to Shah Alam the Emperor).

There are conflicting theories about his reasons for the desertion, as is bound to happen amongst historians, but the fact is, he left the Marathas to fight the battle against Abdali, without his backing.

To his credit, unlike Shuja-ud-Daula of Oudh, he did not join Abdali and secured his kingdom from the marauders. After Panipat, all the battle weary who came into his territory, were given food, clothing and shelter.

He also built beautiful forts and palaces in Bharatpur, Deegh, Kumher and Weir. Aside of these gardens, lakes, palaces and temples were also built by him, each structure more aesthetically beautiful than the other. The poet Somnath in his poetry "Sujan Vilas' has described it extensively.

Deegh Palace

In his death, as in his life, Suraj Mal has attained glory. He died in a fierce battle against Najib-ud-daulah at just 56 years of age depriving the Jats of a great Statesman, and Military leader.

Maharaja Suraj Mal's great and unrivalled achievement was to create a kingdom bringing together all the Jat factions and gaining them respect, as a formidable force, in the uncertain times of the 18th Century.

Courtesy: Maharaja Suraj Mal. K. Natwar Singh

Courtesy: History of the Marathas. G.S.Sardesai

Photographs: Google Images and the book Maharaja Suraj Mal

Solstice at Panipat - A Review

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Tue, 10 May 2011 09:24:00 +0000

I am back after a long hiatus.
The year 2011 is the 250th year of Panipat. The war that changed the course of History.
It is also the war, which up until this day, we remember with scorn. Even today, the Marathas look back in shame and are weighed down by the defeat in Panipat. "जीवाचे पानीपत झाले" ( My life is lost like Panipat), is a common phrase.

Yes we lost that war, but is it fair to condemn the thousands of warriors , who lay down their lives. Fighting for freedom?
India for Indians being their belief and their sole objective. Living each day through all adversities? Miles away from their homeland, braving the rains and the cold, in unknown terrains, without food and shelter for months on end?
They were brave and fearless, these Marathas and it is our duty to give them their due respect and honour each and every one of them.
It was the day of Makar Sakrant when the great Sadashiv Rao Bhau Peshwa and the 19 year old Vishwas Rao lost their lives amongst many others.
What more befitting a way, than to pay tribute to them 250 years later, than with a book describing those times.
Named aptly "SOLSTICE AT PANIPAT". It is written by Dr Uday Kulkarni. An army Doctor by profession and an intense researcher of history.
When I hear people talk about Panipat, I hear anger, bitterness and scorn. I could cite ignorance as one of the major reasons and hearsay as the other for this attitude.
Panipat was not caused in a day. It was a conglomeration of events which occurred over a period of time. Right from the time Baji Rao Ist. became the Peshwa, till January 1761. The seeds of Panipat were sown in 1720 and the seed became a huge unavoidable battle in 1761.
As the great historian Mr. Ninad Bedekar writes in the Forward to the book:
"There are Three main Questions that are asked about Panipat"
1) Why was the battle fought by the Marathas and the Afghans?
2) How was it fought in Panipat?
3) What happened after the battle at Panipat in 1761?
Dr. Kulkarni has answered these questions with great elan. His research has been thorough. He has taken the time and immense effort to visit the places around and in which the campaign took place. Relating the event with the help of maps and drawings, he has made the book true to life.
His exact depiction of the year and a half which led to the war, and the circumstances in which the campaign met its end are written with a precision of a history researcher.
I would suggest that every person who is an avid reader of Maratha history or interested in the bygone era must read this book.
I end with an excerpt from "Evan Bells"
The battle of Panipat was a triumph and a glory for the Marathas. They fought in the cause of "India for the Indians, while the great Muhammadan princes of Delhi, Oudh, and the Deccan stood aside intriguing and trimming. And though the Marathas were defeated, victorious Afghans retired and never interfered in the affairs of India".

Balaji Vishwanath and Shrivardhan

noreply@blogger.com (Mohini) — Sat, 08 May 2010 06:29:00 +0000

Shri Shivchatrapati Shivaji Maharaj laid the foundation for the Hindu Self Rule and it was handsomely carried forward by the Bhat family from Shrivardhan.

The line of the Bhat Peshwas began from BalajiVishwanath and ended after 105 years, when Baji Rao II. accepted defeat and handed the reigns to British Rule.

Shrivardhan was ruled by the Siddi's of Janjira since the 1400's. The governance of the talukas and districts was given to the Brahmins.
The governance of Dandarajpuri fell in the hands of the Bhats.Later fed up with atrocities by the Abyssinians the Bhat family left Shrivardhan. It was at this time that Balaji Vishwanath travelled to Satara and through his courage and wisdom was confered the title of Peshwa by Shahu Maharaj in 1710.

Shrivardhan is a quaint town, with lush Vadi's and narrow lanes. Extremely picturesque and quiet, it gives the hint of the sea from every direction.

NanaSaheb alias Balaji Bajirao who was the 3rd. Peshwa, decided to build a Vada (a distinct style of a house) in the birthplace of Balaji Vishwanath. The foundation stone of the house was 20mtrs. long and 13mtrs. wide. It boasted of a water body and beautifully carved lotus flowers on the steps leading to it.
Today all this is hidden with a building which the Municipal Corporation uses for games and an auditorium.

I had made it a point to go and see for myself the birthplace of the 1st. Peshwa after whom the glorious era of the Peshwa's came into existence.

Standing Proud and Tall is the statue of Balaji Vishwanath, the only memory of this courageous administrator.

What is heartening to see, however is that at the entrance to Shrivardhan, there is a placard stating the Birthplace of the 1st Peshwa.

To reach Shrivardhan, you can take the Mumbai Pune Expressway to Pali then onwards via the Mumbai Goa Expressway to Mangaon and onwards to Shrivardhan.

Unexplored and hence cut off from being a "Tourist Attraction", its beauty engulfs you, imploring you to become a part of its bounty.

Footfalls into the Maratha Era

Ramana Dakshina

The Dispatch

The Peshwa's Ganesh Ghat at Varanasi

Ganesh and Raja Ghat Varanasi

Peek into AnandAshram

AnandAshram...Pune

Raviwar Peth Pune

Raivwar Peth Pune

Water Resources In the Peshwa Era.

Water supply to Pune and Maharashtra

Retracing Pune's Past

Walking Along The Forgotten Paths Of Pune

Parshuram Bhau Patwardhan

Parshuram Bhau Patwardhan of Tasgaon

Visiting Raver Khedi

A Visit To RaverKhedi

Journey at Sea

Tryst With The Sea

When Stones Speak

Pataleshwar Caves...Pune

DYNAMIC WOMAN.....ANUBAISAHEB GHORPADE

Life And Times Of Anubaisaheb Ghorpade

My Recent Travels ToThe United Kingdom

History On A Different Footing...

Is History Nevertheless...!!

The Modi Script in the Maratha Era

Unraveling Maratha History Through The Modi Script

The Peshwa's Ganesh Utsav

Ganesh Utsav of the Peshwa's at Shaniwarwada

Anandibai Saheb Peshwa

Anandibai

Huzur Paga The Royal Stables

Huzur Paga

The Royal Stables

Dynamic Women Part 2

Gopikabai

Dynamic Women Behind Dynamic Men

RadhaBai Saheb Peshwa

Radhabai Saheb Peshwa:

Saswad

Saswad

Saswad and Balaji Vishwanath Peshwa

Balaji Vishwanath Peshwa and Saswad

Samsher Bahadur..The Nawab of Banda

Samsher Bahadur

The Nawab of Banda

Suraj Mal Jat

Maharaja Suraj Mal Jat 1707 - 1763

Solstice at Panipat - A Review

Balaji Vishwanath and Shrivardhan

Raivwar Peth
Pune