Chapter 7: Rajput's Problem

Chapter 7: The Rebellion of the Rajputs

Raghunath, the crown prince of the Maratha Empire and the new emperor of India, was enjoying his days in Delhi, surrounded by his wives and concubines, his ministers and generals, and his treasures and trophies. He had sent his father, Baji Rao I, the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, a large share of the spoils of war, along with a letter of gratitude and loyalty. He had also sent his brother, Balaji Baji Rao, the governor of Malwa, an invitation to join him in Delhi with his troops. He had also sent messages to his allies and vassals, inviting them to Delhi to celebrate his victory and to pay their homage to him.

He was unaware, however, of the brewing discontent and resentment among the Rajput princes, who had been forced to pay tribute and submit to his authority. The Rajputs, who had been the traditional allies and supporters of the Mughal emperors, felt humiliated and betrayed by the Maratha conquest of Delhi and the Mughal throne. They also feared that the Marathas would encroach upon their lands and rights, and impose their culture upon them, so they rebelled.

The Rajput rebellion was led by Jai Singh II, the Maharaja of Jaipur, who was also the commander-in-chief of the Mughal army under Muhammad Shah. Jai Singh had secretly maintained contact with Muhammad Shah, who was still a prisoner of Raghunath, and had promised to restore him to the throne if he helped him to overthrow the Marathas. Jai Singh had also gathered the support of other Rajput rulers, such as Suraj Mal, the Maharaja of Bharatpur, Ishwari Singh, the Maharaja of Kota, and Ajit Singh, the Maharaja of Jodhpur.

As Rajputs are very traditional and loyals, Jai Singh planned to launch a surprise attack on Delhi, while Raghunath was busy with his festivities and unprepared for war. He hoped to catch the Marathas off guard, and to free Muhammad Shah from his captivity. He also hoped to rally the Mughal nobles and officials, who were still loyal to the Mughal dynasty, to his cause.

However, Jai Singh's plot was discovered by one of Raghunath's spies, who informed him of the Rajput conspiracy. Raghunath was furious and shocked by the news, and immediately ordered his army to prepare for battle. He also sent a message to his brother, Balaji Baji Rao, to hasten his arrival to Delhi with his reinforcements. He also sent a message to his father, Baji Rao I, to inform him of the situation and to seek his advice.

Raghunath decided to face the Rajputs in the open field, rather than to wait for them to besiege Delhi. He knew that the Rajputs were brave and fierce warriors, who excelled in cavalry and archery. He also knew that the Rajputs were proud and loyal to their clans and leaders, who would fight to the death for their honour and glory. He respected the Rajputs, but he also despised them for their treachery and rebellion.

Raghunath marched out of Delhi with his army, leaving behind a strong garrison to guard the city and the palace. He also left behind his wives and concubines, except for Mastani, the daughter of Chhatrasal, the Bundela ruler, 15 years older than him whom he had married after rescuing her from the Mughal siege(compared to his father in previous life). Mastani insisted on accompanying him to the battle, as she was a skilled warrior and a devoted wife. Raghunath agreed, and gave her a place of honour in his army.

The two armies met at the plains of Panipat, where the fate of India had been decided twice before, in 1526 and 1556, by the Mughals and their enemies. The battle began at dawn, and lasted for several hours. The Rajputs charged at the Marathas with their swords and spears, while the Marathas fired at them with their muskets and cannons. The battle was fierce and bloody, and both sides suffered heavy casualties.

Raghunath fought bravely and skillfully, leading his troops from the front. He killed many Rajput warriors, and wounded Jai Singh in the arm. Mastani fought by his side, and defended him from the enemy attacks. She also killed many Rajput warriors, and wounded Suraj Mal in the leg.

However, the Rajputs were not easily defeated, and they fought with courage and determination. They rallied around their leaders, and counterattacked the Marathas with renewed vigour. They also used their elephants to break the Maratha ranks, and to trample their enemies.

The battle was turning against the Marathas, and Raghunath was in danger of losing his empire and his life. He prayed to the gods for help, and hoped for a miracle. He also looked for his brother, Balaji Baji Rao, who had not yet arrived with his reinforcements.

At that moment, he heard a loud roar from behind, and saw a large army of Marathas, led by his brother, charging at the Rajputs from the rear. Balaji Baji Rao had arrived just in time, and had taken the Rajputs by surprise. He had marched day and night, without resting or sleeping, to reach his brother's aid. He had also gathered more troops on his way, from the Maratha vassals and allies in the north.

The Rajputs were shocked and dismayed by the sudden appearance of the Maratha reinforcements, and they realized that they had been outflanked and outnumbered. They tried to resist, but they were overwhelmed by the Maratha onslaught. Many of them were killed, wounded, or captured. Some of them fled, but they were pursued and cut down by the Marathas.

The battle was over, and the Marathas had won a decisive victory. Raghunath embraced his brother, and thanked him for his timely arrival and his valiant support. He also praised Mastani for her bravery and her love. He then ordered his army to collect the spoils of war, and to treat the wounded and the prisoners with mercy and respect.

He also sent a message to his father, Baji Rao I, to inform him of his victory and to seek his blessings. He also sent a message to Muhammad Shah, who was still his prisoner, to mock him and to warn him of his impending doom. He also sent a message to the Rajput princes, who had survived the battle, to demand their surrender and their allegiance, or else he would destroy them and their lands.

Raghunath had crushed the Rajput rebellion, and had secured his empire and his throne. He had also avenged the insult and the injury that the Rajputs had inflicted upon him and his people. He had also proved his worth and his power, and had earned the respect and the fear of his enemies and his friends. He also earned the treasury that Rajput has saved for centuries saving even from Mughals, he used these Treasures to modernise the education system in India. Started to establish schools(gurukuls) for all in all cities and universities in most of the cities across his realm.