Ranjit Desai

Even though this is the story of Baji Prabhu Deshpande, one of the great generals in Shivaji's army, throughout the story you can sense the towering presence of Shivaji's personality in the background. Whether it is the war against Bandals, construction of fort under the guidance of Baji or even siege to Panhala and subsequent escape plan, you can clearly see and feel the strategy and thinking of Shivaji. Rest all generals were in awe
with their king and there was deep devotion in all the soldiers and generals to their beloved king, without which they couldn't have achieved what they did during Shivaji's rule. And this story is more about that devotion and bravery than anything else.

Everyone knows the story of how valiantly Baji Prabhu stood at the Ghod-Khind fighting and waiting for the cannon sound from Vishalgarh. But the narrative by Ranjit Desai is so lively and involving, that you can clearly visualize the dark nights, fog and narrow gorge in dense forest where the Baji's sacrifice takes place.

In this story, there was one more mention of supreme sacrifice and it really moved me -
Shiva, the barber had very close resemblance to Shivaji and hence was identified by Baji Prabhu to help Shivaji escape by posing himself as Raje Shivaji.
On the night of escape, when Shiva was taking leave of Baji and knew that once caught, there is not going to be any mercy from Siddi Jauhar, asked a favour from Baji -
Baji - "Shiva?"
Shiva - "Baji, don't worry about me. Anything for Raje."
Shiva - "But you are a father-figure to all of us and you have spent a lot of time with Raje. So can you please give me a blessing?"
Baji - "?"
Shiva - "Please bless me that I wont be scared while facing death"

There must be something really unique about Shivaji that made so many people sacrifice their own lives happily for him and their motherland!
… (mais)