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 Shahjahan, when he heard about the latter's illness. It was the war of accession in which Aurangzeb fought with his brother Dara Dara Shukoh. 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 late mughal Sardar Raje Udaram, fought alongside the Aurangzeb. He died at Samugarh fighting valiantly. When his troops were left leaderless, one lady warrior led his troops. Aurangzeb might have seen her fighting. He was so impressed. She was the only Lady warrior in 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 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 and he gave her the title of Raibagan, i.e., The Royal Tigress.[1]

Confrontation with Chhatrapati Shivaji :

It was in 1661, when Shahista Khan was appointed as the governor of deccan by Aurangzeb. He captured Pune and nearby main stations when Shivaji Maharaj was stuck in Seize of Panhala fort. When Raja Shivaji Maharaj managed to came to Rajgad, he turned his focus on Shahista Khan. He made some truces with Shahista Khan and also with Adil Shah. It was 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 force with both of them. They chose the path of Umberkhind. Shivaji Maharaj and his army was waiting for them in the forest around. The number of Marathas was around 1000 archers and swordsmen. But Marathas defeated Mughals ruthlessly. Raibagan was the appraiser of Shivaji Maharaj. Though she was fighting against Shivaji Maharaj, she praised him even in the court of Shahista Khan and criticized the Shahista Khan fearlessly. Since, she had saved the whole army of mughals, Aurangzeb praised Raibagan for her presence of mind. This battle is famously known as Battle of Umberkhind.[2]

In April, 1663, Shivaji Maharaj made a Surgical strike on Lal Mahal and attacked Shahista Khan. Khan managed to elope, but had to lose three fingers of his hand. He was so frightened that he left Pune. Later, he was sent to Bengal. Raibagan was still ordered to patrol in same area.[3]

It is said by some historians, that she again confronted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during the First sack of Surat. She fought but lost eventually. She was captured and was brought to Raigad. Shivaji Maharaj showed hospitality towards her, honoured her and sent her back.[4]