Question

Find out how Shivaji Maharaj escaped from his house arrest at Agra:

Answer 1

After the Treaty of Purandar, Mirza Raja Jaisingh asked Shivaji Maharaj to go to Agra and meet the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Shivaji Maharaj travelled to Agra with his son Sambhaji Maharaj and some trusted companions. However, Aurangzeb did not give Shivaji Maharaj the respect and honour he deserved in his court. Shivaji Maharaj became upset and openly expressed his anger. As a result, Aurangzeb placed Shivaji Maharaj under house arrest.

A very cruel ‘Kotwal’ was given the charge of keeping watch on Maharaj.

After a few days, Shivaji Maharaj pretended to be seriously ill. He requested Aurangzeb to send most of his soldiers back to the Deccan. He also expressed his wish to distribute sweets among the poor as an offering for his recovery. Aurangzeb accepted his request. Shivaji Maharaj’s trusted associates then prepared large boxes filled with sweets to distribute among saints and fakirs at temples.

The Kotwal was requested that the boxes of sweets should be touched by Maharaj himself as a custom. All the boxes were strictly checked by the guards. One day, a very confidential and loyal warrior associate of Maharaj put himself in the place of Shivaji and wore the ring of Shivaji Maharaj on his hand.

Taking advantage of the situation, Shivaji Maharaj hid himself and Prince Sambhajiraje in one of the boxes of sweets and escaped from Agra.