The First Capital of Swaraj :

One

day Shivaji climbed up the hill with a select

band of his followers and took possession

of the partially completed fort. The money

found on Torana was used to complete

the fortifications of Murumbdeo. Shivaji

named this fort Rajgad. Stone masons,

carpenters, blacksmiths, water carriers,

other workers - all the people got busy.

They built the Rajmahal, Bara Mahal and

eighteen workshops. Rajgad became the

first capital of Swaraj.

Shivaji’s Rapid Progress : From

then onwards, Shivaji moved swiftly and

captured one fort after another in Maval.

The whole country known as Bara Maval

- the twelve Mavals - was overflowing

with joy and excitement. The Patils and

Deshmukhs from many villages came

and swore allegiance to Shivaji. But

Maval had its own share of black-legs

who were ever ready to put a spoke in

the fast moving wheel of Swaraj. Jealous

of Shivaji’s success, they complained

to the Adilshahi Collector at Shirval.

The Collector despatched messengers

to Bijapur and informed Adilshah of

Shivaji’s rapid progress.

Shivaji the Shrewd Politician :

Adilshah was most surprised to get the

news. He asked Shahaji Raje for an

explanation. Shahaji Raje got himself

out of this difficult situation by telling

the Sultan that Shivaji Raje had probably

taken over the fort for better administration

of the Jagir. Shivaji also sent this message

to the Sultan. “I have taken possession

of the fort for better administration of

the countryside. We did this only in the

interest of the Sultan. There was no evil

design at the back of this action.”

The two forts of Kondana and

Purandar too had strategic locations.

Shivaji used his political skill and took

control of both the forts. The next fort

to come under his sway was Rohida.

This was fast work indeed and there was

nothing to stop Shivaji now.