Rai Bagan

RaiBagan or Royal Tigress was the title given by Aurangzeb to Savitribai Deshmukh, wife of Raje Udaram Deshmukh of Mahur sarkar in Deccan.

Rai Bagan (रायबागन)

Story behind the title:

In 1658, Aurangzeb rebelled against his father Shah Jahan, when he heard about his illness. It was the war of accession in which Aurangzeb fought with his brother Dara Shikoh. The whole of the Mughal Empire was divided into two factions, one with Aurangzeb and another with Dara. They fought the final Battle of Samugarh near Agra. Jagjivanrao, son of the late Mughal Sardar Raje Udaram, fought alongside Aurangzeb. He died at Samugarh fighting valiantly. When his troops were left leaderless, one lady warrior led his troops. Aurangzeb saw her fighting. He was so impressed because she was the only Lady Warrior in the Mughal Army.[1]

When Aurangzeb crowned himself, he ordered the lady to be presented before him. She appeared before him in his court. He inquired about her. It came forth that her name was Savitribai Deshmukh and that she was the mother of late troop leader Jagjivanrao and wife of late Raje Udaram of Mahur. Even when her only son died in front of her eyes, she led the troops and fought valiantly. Aurangzeb was so impressed he gave her the title of Raibagan, i.e., The Royal Tigress.[1]

Confrontation with Shivaji

In 1661, when Shaista Khan was appointed governor of Deccan by Aurangzeb, he captured Pune and nearby main stations while Shivaji was stuck in the siege of Panhala Fort. When Shivaji managed to come to Rajgad, he turned his focus on Shahista Khan. He made some truces with Shahista Khan and also with Adil Shah but it was part of his strategy. Raibagan was told to assist Shahista Khan. Meanwhile, Shahista Khan appointed Kartalab Khan and RaiBagan to attack Rajgad fort, which was the capital of Swaraj. He gave around 20,000 forces to both of them. They chose the path of Umberkhind. Shivaji and his army were waiting for them in the forest around. The number of Marathas was around 1000 archers and swordsmen. But the Marathas still managed to defeat the Mughals. Raibagan, after seeing his bravery and fighting skills, started to praise Shivaji. Though she was fighting against Shivaji, she praised him even in the court of Shahista Khan and criticized Shahista Khan fearlessly. Since she had saved the whole army of Mughals, Aurangzeb praised Raibagan for her presence of mind. This battle is known as Battle of Umberkhind.[2]

In April 1663, Shivaji made a surgical strike on Lal Mahal and attacked Shahista Khan. Khan managed to escape, but lost three fingers of his hand and his son was also killed by the Marathas. He was so frightened that he left Pune. Later, he was sent to Bengal on the orders of Aurangzeb. Raibagan was still ordered to patrol in the same area.[3]

It is said by some historians, that she again confronted Shivaji during the Battle of Surat. She fought but lost eventually. She was captured and was brought to Raigad. Shivaji showed hospitality towards her, honoured her, and sent her back. She was then sent back to her husband and after that she retired from military service. She died around 1680-1690.[4]

References
  1. "Indian historical records commission". XIV. 1937. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. कवींद्र परमानंद कृत श्री शिवभारत. pp. अध्याय २८.
  3. Selected Waqai of Deccan. p. 89.
  4. श्री शिवदिग्विजय.
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