Saturday, May 29, 2010

The Expedition Of Siddi Jauhar

After routing Afzalkhan, Shivaji Maharaj captured Adilshahi forts of Panhala, Vasantgad, Khelna. He renamed Khelna as 'Vishalgad'. Adilshah sent Siddi Jauhar, the Sardar of the Karnul region, against Shivaji Maharaj in AD 1660.Adilshah gave Siddi the title 'Salbatkhan'. Shivaji Maharaj took shelter in Panhala fort. Siddi's soldiers laid siege to the fort for about 5 months. Siddi showed no signs of relenting. So, Shivaji Maharaj opened talks with Siddi. This led to slacklessness in the siege. Taking advantage of this situation, Maharaj escaped through Panhalgad and proceeded Vishalgad. Siddi came to know this. His army pursued Shivaji Maharaj. Bajiprabhu Deshpande  accepted the responsibility of stopping Siddi's army at the foot of Vishalgad. Bajiprabhu stopped Siddi's army at the Ghod pass near Gajapur. He fought with greatest valour.He died a hero's death. Also, while proceeding to Vishalgad Shivaji Maharaj crushed  Adilshahi Sardars Dalvi of Palwan and Surve of Shringarpur. Maharaj reached Vishalgad safely. While Shivaji Maharaj was trapped at Panhala, Mughal sardar Shaistekhan had invaded Pune province. Shivaji Maharaj realized that it was not safe to fight both powers at the same time. So, Maharaj entered into treaty with Adilshahi. As per the treaty, he returned the fort of Panhala to the Adilshahi.