Chhatrapati Shivaji was a mighty strategist

Rohan looked at the imposing statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji on the fort of Pratapgad. Reading about the Pratapgad Campaign had given him a new perspective of the rivalry between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, far removed from the chance scuffle that most books he read had made it out to be. 

But hardly anyone today knew of the brilliant strategy of Chhatrapati Shivaji. 

“This place is a turning point for India’s history” he remarked to his friend Rakesh. 

“India’s history?” 

“Yes, for the advent of Chhatrapati Shivaji changed the course of India’s history. And here in 1659 he faced his first challenge. To lose meant to court certain death. How well he responded! A chain of carefully planned moves leading finally to victory over Afzal Khan. Every facet of an excellent leader is brought out in that campaign. Ability to inspire loyal followers, leading from the front, mental strength, sound strategy…and all of it with the full knowledge that a single misstep meant doom and disaster.”

“I have never really looked at the campaign from that angle! Although I must say, I read that book much before you did!” 

Rohan laughed.

“Every minute detail was attended to by Chhatrapati Shivaji. Here’s a snippet about Kanhoji Jedhe. Afzal Khan arrived at Wai from Bijapur and started giving away inaams and jagirs to various Maratha sardars. Shivaji had nothing to give— except the dream of “ swarajya.” Large scale defections stared him in the face. It was at this point that Kanhoji Jedhe , much senior to Shivaji in age and experience, and fully aware of what Afzal Khan was capable of, gave up his own lands to Chhatrapati Shivaji and proudly declared that he would not join Afzal Khan. All desertions stopped!

Also, Shivaji offered quality leadership — he was straighforward in his approach. He did not deploy someone else or send somebody in disguise when he could have done so. Shivaji faced death himself! 

Now why Pratapgad of all places? It was located on boundary of areas under Chhatrapati Shivaji at the time. Its natural defenses  were very strong, including the jungles of Javli and steep precipices. Holding talks on Rajgad meant all fighting would be well within Shivaji’s own domains. In fact, not only was enough thought put into Pratapgad the fort, but also the exact spot to meet on the fort! I sometimes marvel at the deep knowledge Shivaji had of the forts. That particular spot was chosen because it was visible from the citadel but the citadel was not visible from there. This became crucial in the battle with the Bijapur army after Afzal Khan was killed. Every pass, ravine and river was guarded with troops. Which area to employ cavalry, which area to employ infantry. For example, the detail is such that soldier’s waiting to ambush Afzal Khan’s camp at short notice were deliberately infantry heavy, so risk of Afzal Khan’s soldiers being alerted by neighing of horses was absent. It is in these matters and keeping track of Afzal Khan that his spies and intelligence played an invisible but vastly crucial part. And how can one forget the role played by his astute diplomat — Gopinath Pant Bokil. It was he who convinced Afzal Khan that Shivaji was scared to death, and would meet him only at a certain spot on Pratapgad. Afzal Khan was Bijapur’s most brilliant general. He was also the man who had caused the death of Shivaji’s own brother not so long ago. Shivaji’s queen — Saibai — had died just two months prior to the meeting. The mental stress just on personal front must have been immense. Neither did he give kneejerk reactions to Afzal’s clear instigations on way to Wai, near Pratapgad. Shivaji understood that war was lot more than just weapons and fighting. He employed his entire range of resources to trap Afzal Khan and his army. All the steps culminated into Afzal Khan’s death on Pratapgad.”