Chapter 6: Delhi

Chapter 6: The Conquest of Delhi

Raghunath, the crown prince of the Maratha Empire, rode his horse at the head of his army, followed by his loyal generals and commanders. He had just won a decisive victory over Muhammad Shah, the Mughal emperor, at the Battle of Karnal, where he had captured him and his entire court. He had also seized a vast amount of treasure, weapons, and elephants from the Mughal camp.

Now, he was marching towards Delhi, the capital of the Mughal Empire, to claim it as his own. He had sent a message to the governor of Delhi, demanding his surrender and allegiance, or else he would face the wrath of the Marathas. He had also sent a detachment of his troops to secure the nearby forts and towns, and to collect tribute from the local rulers.

As he approached Delhi, he saw the majestic walls and gates of the city, which had once been the seat of power and glory for the Mughals. He also saw the smoke and flames rising from the outskirts of the city, where his soldiers had set fire to the Mughal camps and gardens. He felt a surge of pride and satisfaction, knowing that he had avenged the humiliation and losses that the Mughals had inflicted on the Marathas in the past.

He reached the main gate of the city, where he was greeted by the governor of Delhi, who had come out to surrender. The governor bowed before Raghunath and offered him the keys to the city, along with a letter of submission from the nobles and officials of Delhi. He also presented him with gifts of gold, jewels, and silk, and begged for his mercy and protection.

Raghunath accepted the keys and the gifts, and told the governor to open the gate and let his army enter the city. He also assured him that he would spare the lives and properties of the inhabitants of Delhi, as long as they remained loyal and obedient to him. He then entered the city with his army, amid the cheers and salutes of the people, who had grown weary of the Mughal tyranny and corruption.

He made his way to the Red Fort, the palace of the Mughal emperors, where he was welcomed by the Mughal princes and princesses, who had been left behind by Muhammad Shah. They bowed before him and offered him their homage and allegiance. Raghunath treated them with respect and courtesy, and assigned them quarters in the palace. He then ascended the throne of the Mughal Empire, and declared himself the new emperor of India.

He sent a message to his father, Baji Rao I, the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, informing him of his conquest of Delhi and his coronation as the emperor. He also sent a message to his brother, Balaji Baji Rao, the governor of Malwa, asking him to join him in Delhi with his troops. He also sent messages to his allies and vassals, inviting them to Delhi to celebrate his victory and to pay their homage to him.

He then ordered his ministers and officials to administer the affairs of the city and the empire, and to maintain peace and order. He also ordered his generals and commanders to secure the borders and the provinces, and to prepare for further expansion and consolidation. He also ordered his treasurer and accountant to count and distribute the spoils of war among his soldiers and officers, and to send a portion of it to his father and his brother.

He then retired to his private chambers, where he was joined by his wife, Maharani Indu, the daughter of Chhatrasal, the Bundela ruler, whom he had married after rescuing her from the Mughal siege. He also summoned his other wives and concubines, whom he had acquired from the Mughal harem and the courts of the local mughal rulers. He spent the night with them, enjoying the pleasures of love and wine.

He felt that he had achieved the pinnacle of his glory and power, and that he had fulfilled his destiny. He thanked the gods for his success and fortune, and prayed for their continued blessings and protection. He also remembered his ancestors and his mentors, who had inspired and guided him in his life and career. He also thought of his father and his brother, who had supported and assisted him in his campaigns and conquests.

He felt a deep sense of gratitude and affection for them, and hoped that they would be proud and happy for him. He also felt a strong sense of duty and responsibility for them, and vowed to uphold and honor their name and legacy. He also felt a sincere and loyal attachment to his allies and vassals, and resolved to treat them with justice and generosity. He also felt a benevolent and paternal concern for his subjects and people, and promised to rule them with wisdom and compassion.

He then fell asleep, dreaming of his future plans and ambitions, and of his glorious and prosperous empire.

He was Raghunath.