lavanasur

In the year 2024, an ordinary Maratha man from modern India finds himself mysteriously transported back to 1689, moments before one of the most pivotal events in Indian history—the execution of Sambhaji Maharaj, the warrior-king of the Maratha Empire. Armed with a mysterious technology system that offers him rewards and knowledge based on the points he earns, the protagonist is thrust into a dangerous mission: to save Sambhaji Raje from execution by Aurangzeb’s forces and prevent the fall of the Maratha Empire.

However, the protagonist is no seasoned warrior—he is timid, cautious, and completely out of place in this violent era. Through gradual technological advancements, military strategy learned through gaming, and deep respect for Sambhaji Maharaj, he must navigate the treacherous political landscape, using his modern understanding of economics, strategy, and guerilla warfare to support the Maratha Empire.

Over the course of his journey, he uncovers the betrayal that led to Sambhaji's capture, faces the might of Aurangzeb’s empire, and helps Sambhaji reclaim his throne while planning for the long-term goal of creating Akhand Bharat—a unified India. Together, they plot for freedom, but can history be rewritten, or will the legacy of the lion be cut short once more?

The Rise of Maratha Empire : The Akhand Bharat

Narayanrao's voice echoed through the courtyard as he approached. Vidur Pant stood by the shattered gates of Fort Panhala, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon.

"Narayanrao," Vidur greeted, without turning.

Narayanrao sighed, stopping beside him. "We've held the fort, but the men are tired. We've found a few Mughal soldiers hiding in the fort. Could be spies."

"A handful," Narayanrao replied. "Enough to cause trouble."

Vidur's jaw tightened. "Bring them to me. I'll deal with it."

The Mughal prisoners stood in a line, their faces bruised and dirtied. Vidur approached them with Narayanrao by his side. The soldiers were young, their expressions defiant.

"Who's in charge here?" Vidur asked, his voice steady.

The prisoners exchanged glances but said nothing. Vidur stepped closer to the one standing at the front. "Speak. Who sent you?"

The young man swallowed but kept silent.

Vidur's patience was thinning. "If you talk now, you might live."

The young man finally spoke, his voice shaky. "We were left behind… there were no orders."

"We… we tried to escape," the young man muttered, glancing at his comrades.

Vidur watched him carefully. "You'll stay in the cells until we know more."

The guards moved to take the prisoners away, but the young man called out, "Wait!"

The prisoner hesitated, then whispered, "There's something bigger. Aurangzeb… he's planning something. This was just the beginning."

Later, Vidur gathered with Narayanrao, Santaji Ghorpade, and the other commanders in the war room.

"One of the prisoners mentioned a larger plan," Vidur said, his tone grim. "Aurangzeb is preparing something bigger than retaking Panhala."

Narayanrao's brow furrowed. "Something larger? What could it be?"

Santaji crossed his arms. "If that's true, we need to prepare immediately. This fort won't hold if they bring more forces."

Vidur nodded. "We'll need reinforcements, and fast. I'll send word to Raigad. We have to find out what Aurangzeb is planning."

Narayanrao leaned in. "Scouts. We should send them after the Mughal retreat."

Vidur agreed. "Do it. We need information."

As the night settled over Fort Panhala, Vidur stood alone on the ramparts. The wind was cool, but his mind was heavy with the weight of what lay ahead.

Narayanrao's voice came softly from behind.

"Narayanrao," Vidur acknowledged, his eyes still on the dark landscape.

"The battle is over for now," Narayanrao said. "But I can see it in your face—this isn't sitting right with you."

Vidur nodded. "Aurangzeb won't stop here. He's planning something worse."

Narayanrao sighed. "Then we'll fight again. Just like we did today."

Vidur smiled faintly. "Yes. But this time… it feels different."

"Maybe," Narayanrao replied, "but we'll still be ready."

They stood in silence, the calm after the storm settling around them. But Vidur knew the next battle was already on the horizon.

Chapter 29: The Calm After the Storm