The inception of Swarajya- After joining the Adilshahi court, Shahaji Maharaj entrusted the administration of his Jahagirs at Pune, Shirwal, and Supe region (pargana) to Chh. Shivaji Maharaj.
Yet the forts located in those Jahagirs and nearby areas were in the custody of Adilshahi court. The one ‘who owns the forts owns the land’ was the ruling of the day.
Hence, Chh. Shivaji Maharaj began with capturing the forts in the vicinity of his Jahagirs.
He took over the fort of Torana and laid the foundation of Swarajya.
Chh. Shivaji Maharaj established the first capital of Swarajya at the fort of Rajgad.
Javali episode – Chandrarao More proved to be a hindrance in Chh. Shivaji Maharaj’s efforts to create Swarajya. Chh. Shivaji Maharaj successfully took over Javali. After this victory the activities of Chh. Shivaji Maharaj in Konkan was escalated.
Afzal Khan – Realising the danger of the increasing activities of Chh. Shivaji Maharaj, the Bijapur court sent their powerful General Afzal Khan to curb the increasing power of Chh. Shivaji Maharaj. Chh. Shivaji Maharaj had anticipated the intentions of Afzal Khan who had taken up the challenge of killing Chh. Shivaji Maharaj. He met Afzal Khan at Pratapgad. As expected, Afzal khan attempted treachery but Chh. Shivaji Maharaj was well prepared and killed Afzal khan in self-defense. Afzal Khan’s huge army was set on the run and huge booty and weapons were collected eft behind by them. This made Swarajya’s treasury richer.
Siddi Jauhar – After Afzal Khan’s defeat, the Bijapur court sent Siddi Jauhar to attack Swarajya. He seized the fort of Panhala and closed all possibilities of escape for Chh. Shivaji Maharaj. In this difficult situation Shiva Kashid, a loyal servant of Swarajya, disguised himself as Chh. Shivaji Maharaj and made it easy for Chh. Shivaji Maharaj to escape.
When Siddi came to know the truth, he killed Shiva Kashid. Thus, Shiva Kashid sacrificed his life for the cause of Swarajya. Baji Prabhu took up the task of blocking Siddhi Masud’s path in Ghodkhind and stop him in his chase of Chh. Shivaji Maharaj. Baji Prabhu was successful in doing this. He fell dead only after receiving the news of Chh. Shivaji Maharaj reaching Vishalgad safely.
