{"id":1451,"date":"2013-07-13T01:34:54","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:34:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1451"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:34:54","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:34:54","slug":"71-baji-prabhou-vol-05-collected-poems-volume-05","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/01-sabcl\/05-collected-poems-volume-05\/71-baji-prabhou-vol-05-collected-poems-volume-05","title":{"rendered":"-71_Baji Prabhou.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n
\n\t\tBAJI PRABHOU<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

<\/b>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAuthor\u2019s
\nNote<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n 
\n <\/span><\/p>\n

\n\n\n
 <\/td>\n\n

\n
\n This
\npoem is founded on the historical incident of the heroic self-sacrifice of Baji
\nPrabhou Deshpande, who to cover Shivaji’s retreat, held the pass of Rangana for
\ntwo hours with a small company of men against twelve thousand Moguls. Beyond the
\nsingle fact of this great exploit there has been no attempt to preserve
\nhistorical accuracy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage-279<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\tBaji Prabhou<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nA
\nnoon of Deccan with its tyrant glare <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOppressed
\nthe earth; the hills stood deep in haze, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd
\nsweltering athirst the fields glared up <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLonging
\nfor water in the courses parched
\nOf streams long dead. Nature and man alike, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nImprisoned
\nby a bronze and brilliant sky,
\nSought an escape from that wide trance of heat. <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor
\non rare herdsman only or patient hind <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTilling
\nthe earth or tending sleeplessly
\nThe well-eared grain that burden fell. It hung<\/span>
\n<\/span>Upon
\nthe Mogul horsemen as they rode
\nWith lances at the charge, the surf of steel
\nAbout them and behind, as they recoiled
\nOr circled, where the footmen ran and fired,
\nAnd fired again and ran; "For now at last,"
\nThey deemed, "the war is over, now at last
\nThe panther of the hills is beaten back
\nRight to his lair, the rebel crew to death
\nIs hunted, and an end is made at last."
\nTherefore they stayed not for the choking dust,
\nThe slaying heat, the thirst of wounds and fight,
\nThe stumbling stark fatigue, but onward pressed
\nWith glowing eyes. Far otherwise the foe,
\nPanting and sore oppressed and racked with thirst
\nAnd blinded with the blazing earth who reeled
\nBackward to Raigurh, moistening with their blood
\nTheir mother, and felt their own beloved hills
\nA nightmare hell of death and heat, the sky
\nA mute and smiling witness of their dire
\nAnguish,<\/span>
\n– abandoned now of God and man,
\n<\/span>Who
\nfor their country and their race had striven,<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n–<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn
\nvain, it seemed. At morning when the sun
\nWas yet below the verge, the Bhonsle sprang
\nAt a high mountain fortress, hoping so
\nTo clutch the whole wide land into his grasp;
\nBut from the North and East the Moguls poured, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSwords
\nnumberless and hooves that shook the hills <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd
\nbarking of a hundred guns. These bore<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nPage-281<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\nThe hero backward Silently with set
\nAnd quiet faces grim drew fighting back
\nThe strong Mahrattas to their hills; only <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTheir
\nrear sometimes with shouted slogan leaped <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

At
\nthe pursuer’s throat, or on some rise
\nOr covered vantage stayed the Mogul flood
\nA moment. Ever foremost where men fought,
\nWas Baji Prabhou seen, like a wild wave
\nOf onset or a cliff against the surge.
\nAt last they reached a tiger-throated gorge <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUpon
\nthe way to Raigurh. Narrowing there <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe
\nhills draw close, and their forbidding cliffs <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThreaten
\nthe prone incline. The Bhonsle paused, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis
\nfiery glance travelled in one swift gyre
\nHill, gorge and valley and with speed returned <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Mightily
\nlike an eagle on the wing
\nTo a dark youth beside him, Malsure
\nThe younger, with his bright and burning eyes, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho
\nwordless rode quivering, as on the leash; <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis
\nfierce heart hungered for the rear, where Death
\n<\/span>
\nWas
\nsinging mid the laughter of the swords.<\/span>
\n<\/span>"Ride,
\nSuryaji," the Chieftain cried, his look
\nInward, intent, "and swiftly from the rear <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSummon
\nthe Prabhou." Turning at the word <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSuryaji’s
\nhooves sped down the rock-strewn slope <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInto
\nthe trenchant valley’s death. Swiftly,
\nThough burdened with a nation’s fate, the ridge <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey
\nreached, where in stern silence fought and fell, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTheir
\niron hearts broken with desperate toil,
\nThe Southron rear, and to the Prabhou gave
\nThe summons of the Chief: "Ride, Baji, ride,
\nThe Bhonsle names thee, Baji." And Baji spoke <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNo
\nword, but stormed with loose and streaming rein <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo
\nthe high frowning gorge and silent paused <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBefore
\nthe leader. "Baji, more than once<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\nIn
\nbattle thou hast stood, a living shield,
\nBetween me and the foe. But more today, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO
\nBaji, save than any single life,<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n–<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy
\nnation’s destiny. Thou seest this gorge <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNarrow
\nand fell and gleaming like the throat<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n Page-282<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\nOf some huge tiger, with its rocky fangs <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAgrin
\nfor food: and though the lower slope <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDescends
\ntoo gently, yet with roots and stones <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt
\nis hampered, and the higher prone descent. <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Impregnably
\nforbids assault; too steep
\nThe sides for any to ascend and shoot
\nFrom vantage. Here might lion-hearted men, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Though
\nfew, delay a host. Baji, I speed
\nTo Raigurh and in two brief hours return. <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSay
\nwith what force thy iron heart can hold<\/span>
\n<\/span>The
\npassage till I come. Thou seest our strength, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

How
\nit has melted like the Afghan’s ice
\nInto a pool of blood." Ana while he paused <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho
\nhad been chosen, spoke an iron man <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith
\niron brows who rode behind the Chief, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTanaji
\nMalsure, that living sword:
\n"Not for this little purpose was there need <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo
\ncall the Prabhou from his toil. Enough, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGive
\nme five hundred men; I hold the pass <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Till
\nthy return." But Shivaji kept still
\nHis great and tranquil look upon the face <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf
\nBaji Prabhou. Then, all black with wrath, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWrinkling
\nhis fierce hard eyes, the Malsure: <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n"What
\nponders then the hero? Such a man <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf
\nmen, he needs not like us petty swords <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\nforce behind him, but alone will hold
\nAll Rajasthan and Agra and Cabool
\nFrom rise to set.’" And Baji answered him: <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n"Tanaji
\nMalsure, not in this living net
\nOf flesh and nerve, nor in the flickering mind <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs
\na man’s manhood seated. God within <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRules
\nus, who in the Brahmin and the dog <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCan,
\nif He will, show equal godhead. Not <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy
\nmen is mightiness achieved; Baji
\nOr Malsure is but a name, a robe,
\nAnd covers One alone. We but employ <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBhavani’s
\nstrength, who in an arm of flesh <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIs
\nmighty as in the thunder and the storm. <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\nask for fifty swords\u201d And Malsure:
\n"Well, Baji, I will build thee such a pyre<\/p>\n

 
\n <\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nPage-283<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\nAs man had never yet, when we return;
\nFor all the Deccan brightening shall cry out, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBaji
\nthe Prabhou burns!" And with a smile
\nThe Prabhou answered: "Me thou shalt not burn. <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor
\nthis five feet or more of bone and flesh, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhether
\npure flame or jackals of the hills
\nBe fattened with its rags, may well concern <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOthers,
\nnot Baji Prabhou." And the Chief
\nWith a high "’calmness in his shining look,
\n"We part, O friend, but meet again we must, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen
\nfrom our tasks released we both shall run <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLike
\nchildren to our Mother’s clasp." He took <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom
\nhis wide brow the princely turban sown <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith
\naigrette diamond-crowned and on the head <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf
\nBaji set the gleaming sign, then clasped
\nHis friend and, followed by the streaming host <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat
\ngathered from the rear to farther hills <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRode
\nclattering. By the Mogul van approached <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Baji
\nand his Mahrattas sole remained
\nWatched by the mountains in the silent gorge.<\/p>\n

Small respite had the slender band who held <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFate
\nconstant with that brittle hoop of steel; <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor
\nlike the crest of an arriving wave
\nThe Moslem van appeared, though slow and tired,
\nYet resolute to break such barrier faint,<\/span>
\n<\/span>And
\nforced themselves to run: – nor long availed;
\nFor with a single cry the muskets spoke,
\nOnce and again and always, as they neared,<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd,
\nlike a wave arrested, for a while
\nThe assailants paused and like a wave collapsed <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSpent
\nbackward in a cloud of broken spray, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRetreating.
\nYielding up, the dangerous gorge <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSaw
\nonly on the gnarled and stumbling rise
\nThe dead and wounded heaped. But from the rear <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe
\nmain tremendous onset of the North
\nCame in a dark and undulating surge
\nRega<\/span>rdless
\nof the check, – a ming<\/span>led
\nmass,
\n<\/span>
\nPathan<\/span>
\nand Mougl and the Rajput clans, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll
\nclamorous-wifli the brazen throats of war<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n 
\n Page-284
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\nAnd
\nspitting smoke and fire. The bullets rang
\nUpon the rocks, but in their place unhurt,
\nSheltered by tree and rock, the silent grim
\nDefenders waited, till on root and stone
\nThe confident high-voiced triumphant surge
\nBegan to break, to stumble, then to pause,
\nConfusion in its narrowed front. At once
\nThe muskets clamoured out, the bullets sped,
\nDeadly though few; again and yet again,
\nAnd some of the impetuous faltered back
\nAnd some in wrath pressed on; and while they swayed <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPoised
\nbetween flight and onset, blast on blast
\nThe volleyed death invisible hailed in
\nUpon uncertain ranks. The leaders fell,
\nThe forward by the bullets chosen out,
\nProne or supine or leaning like sick men
\nO’er trees and rocks, distressed the whole advance <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\nprohibition by the silent slain.
\nSo the great onset failed. And now withdrawn
\nThe generals consulted, and at last
\nIn slow and ordered ranks the foot came on,
\nAn iron resolution in their tread,
\nHushed and deliberate. Far in the van,
\nTall and large-limbed, a formidable array, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe
\nPathan infantry; a chosen force,
\nLower in crest, strong-framed, the Raiputs marched; <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\nchivalry of Agra led the rear.
\nThen Baji first broke silence, "Lo, the surge!
\nThat was but spray of death we first repelled. <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Chosen
\nof Shivaji, Bhavani’s swords,
\nFor you the gods prepare. We die indeed,
\nBut let us die with the high-voiced assent
\nOf Heaven to our country’s claim enforced
\nTo freedom." As he spoke, the Mogul lines <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEntered
\nthe menacing wide-throated gorge, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCarefully
\nwalking, but not long that care
\nEndured, for where they entered, there they fell. <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOthers
\nbehind in silence stern advanced.
\nThey came, they died; still on the previous dead <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNew
\ndead fell thickening. Yet by paces slow<\/p>\n

 
\n <\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nPage-285<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\nThe lines advanced with labour infinite
\nAnd merciless expense of valiant men.
\nFor even as the slopes were filled and held,
\nStill the velocity and lethal range
\nIncreased of the Mahratta bullets; dead
\nRather than living held the conquered slope, – <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe
\nliving who, half-broken, paused. Abridged, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYet
\nwide, the interval opposed advance,
\nDaunting those resolute natures; eyes once bold <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith
\ngloomy hesitation reckoned up
\nThe dread equivalent in human lives
\nOf cubits and of yards, and hardly hoped
\nOne could survive the endless unacquired
\nCountry between. But from the Southron wall <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe
\nmuskets did not hesitate, but urged
\nRefusal stern; the bullets did not pause,
\nNor calculate expense. Active they thronged <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHumming
\nlike bees and stung strong lives to death <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMaking
\na holiday of carriage. Then
\nThe heads that planned pushed swiftly to the front <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe
\ncentre yet unhurt, where Rajasthan, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPlaymate
\nof death, had sent her hero sons.
\nThey with a rapid royal reckless pace
\nCame striding over the perilous fire-swept ground, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor
\nanswered uselessly the bullets thick
\nNor paused to judge, but o’er the increasing dead <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLeaping
\nand striding, shouting, sword in hand, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRushed
\nonward with immortal courage high
\nIn mortal forms, and held the lower slope. .
\nBut now the higher incline, short but steep, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBaffled
\ntheir speed, and as they clambered up, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCompact
\nand fiery, like the rapid breath <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf.Agra’s
\nhot simoom, the sheeted flame
\nBelched bullets. Down they fell with huge collapse, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd,
\nrolling, with their shock drove back the few <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWho
\nstill attempted. Banned advance, retreat <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThreatening
\ndisgrace and slaughter, for a while <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLike
\na bound sacrifice the Rajputs stood <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDiminishing
\neach moment. Then a lord. <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHigh-crested
\nof the Rathore clan stood out<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage-286<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\nFrom<\/span>
\nthe perplexed assailants, with his sword <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBeckoning
\nthe thousands on against the few.
\nAnd him the bullets could not touch; he stood <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDefended
\nfor a moment by his lease
\nNot yet exhausted. And a mighty shout
\nRose from behind, and in a violent flood
\nThe Rajputs flung themselves on the incline
\nLike clambering lions. Many hands received
\nThe dead as they descended, flinging back
\nThose mournful obstacles, and with a rush
\nThe lead surmounted and on level ground
\nStood sword in hand; yet only for a while,<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n–<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor
\ngrim and straight the slogan of the South<\/span>
\n<\/span>Leaped
\nwith the fifty swords to thrust them back,
\nBaji the Prabhou leading. Thrice they came, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Three
\ntimes prevailed, three times the Southron charge
\nRepelled them; till at last the Rathore lord,
\nAs one appointed, led the advancing death, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor
\nwaited to assure his desperate hold,
\nBut hurled himself on Baji; those behind
\nBore forward those in front. From right and left <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Mahratta
\nmuskets rang their music out
\nAnd withered the attack that, still dissolved, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStill
\nformed again from the insistent rear
\nAnd would not end. So was the fatal gorge <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFilled
\nwith the clamour of the close-locked fight. <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSword
\nrang on sword, the slogan shout, the cry <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf
\nguns, the hiss of bullets filled the air,
\nAnd murderous strife heaped .up the scanty space, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRajput
\nand strong Mahratta breathing hard, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\ndespe<\/span>rate
\nbattle.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\nBut
\nfar off the hosts
\n<\/span>Of
\nAgra stood arrested, confident,
\nWaiting the end. Far otherwise it came <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThan
\nthey expected. For, as in the front <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe
\nRathore stood on the disputed verge <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd
\never threw fresh strength into the scale <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith
\nthat inspiring gesture, Baji came<\/span>
\n<\/span>Towards
\nhim singling out the lofty crest,
\nThe princely form: and, as the waves divide <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBefore<\/span>
\na driving keel, the battle so<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n


\n Page-287
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n


\nBefore
\nhim parted, till he neared, he slew.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAvoiding
\nsword, avoiding lifted arm
\nThe blade surprised the Rajputs throat, and down
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nAs
\nfalls an upright poplar, with his hands
\nOutspread, dying, he clutched Mahratta ground.
\n<\/span>
\nLoud
\nrose the slogan as he fell. Amazed,<\/span>
\n<\/span>The
\neager hosts of Agra saw reel back<\/span>
\n<\/span>The
\nRajput battle, desperate victory <\/span>
\n <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Turned
\nsuddenly into entire defeat,
\nNot headlong, but with strong discouragement, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSullen,
\nconvinced, rejecting the emprise.
\nAs they retired, the brilliant Pathan van<\/span>
\n<\/span>Assumed
\nthe attempt. "Exhaust," the generals cried,
\n"Exhaust the stubborn mountaineers; for now
\nFatigued with difficult effort and success
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThey
\nhardly stand, weary, unstrung, inert.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nScatter
\nthis fringe, and we march on and seize
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nRaigurh
\nand Shivaji." Meanwhile, they too<\/span>
\n<\/span>Not
\nidle, covered by the rocks and trees,
\nStraining for vantage, pausing on each ledge,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nSeizing
\neach bush, each jutting promontory,
\nSome iron muscles, climbing, of the south
\nLurked on the gorge’s gloomy walls unseen.
\nOn came the Pathans running rapidly,
\nBut as the nearmost left the rocky curve
\nWhere lurked the ambush, loud from stone and tree
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThe
\nsilence spoke; sideways, in front, behind
\nDeath clamoured, and tall figures strewed the ground
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nLike
\ntrees in a cyclone. Appalled the rest
\nBroke this way and broke that, and some cried, "On!"
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nSome
\nshouted, "Back!" for those who led, fell fast.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nSo
\nthe advance dissolved, divided, – the more
\nIn haste towards the plains, greeted with death
\nEven while they ran; but others forward, full
\nOf panic courage, drove towards the foe
\nThey could not reach, – so hot a blast and fell
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nStayed
\ntheir unsteady valour, their retreat
\nSo swift and obstinate a question galled,
\nFew through the hail survived. With gloom their chiefs
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nBeheld
\nthe rout and drawing back their hosts<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nPage-288<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\n In
\n<\/span>dubious
\ncouncil met, whether to leave
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nThat<\/span>
\ngorge of slaughter unredeemed or yet
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nDemand
\nthe price of so immense a loss.
\n<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n


\nBut
\nto the Prabhou came with anxious eyes
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThe
\nCaptain of the band. "Baji," he cried,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\n"The
\nbullets fail; all the great store we had
\nOf shot and powder by unsparing use
\nIs spent, is ended." And Baji Prabhou turned.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nOne
\nlook he cast upon the fallen men
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nDiscernible
\nby their attire, and saw
\nHis ranks not greatly thinned, one look below
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nUpon
\nthe hundreds strewing thick the gorge,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\ngrimly smiled; then where the sun in fire
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nDescending
\nstooped, towards the vesper verge
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nHe
\ngazed and cried: "Make iron of your souls.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nYet
\nif Bhavani wills, strength and the sword
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

Can
\nstay our nation’s future from o’erthrow
\nTill victory with Shivaji return."
\nAnd so they waited without word or sound, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nover them the silent afternoon
\nWaited; the hush terrestrial was profound.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nExcept
\nthe mountains and the fallen men
\nNo sight, no voice, no movement was abroad,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nOnly
\na few black-winged slow-circling birds
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThat
\nwandered in the sky, only the wind
\nThat now arose and almost noiselessly
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nQuestioned
\nthe silence of the wooded sides,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nOnly
\nthe occasional groan that marked the pang
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nBy
\nsome departing spirit on its frame
\nInflicted. And from time to time the gaze
\nOf Baji sought the ever-sinking sun.
\nMen fixed their eyes on him and in his firm
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nExpression
\nlived. So the slow minutes passed.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nBut
\nwhen the sun dipped very low, a stir
\nWas felt far off, and all men grasped the hilt
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nTighter
\nand put a strain upon their hearts.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nResolved
\nat last the stream of Mogul war<\/span>
\n<\/span>Came
\nonce more pouring, not the broken rout
\nOf Pathans, not discouraged Rajput swords,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nPage-289<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\nBut
\nAgra’s chivalry glancing with gold
\nAnd scimitars inlaid and coloured robes.
\nSwiftly they came expecting the assault
\n<\/span>
\nFire-winged
\nof bullets and the lethal rain,<\/span>
\n<\/span>But
\nsilence met them and to their intent
\nSo ominous it seemed, awhile they paused,
\nFearing some ruse, though for much death prepared,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nYet
\ncareful of prevention. Reassured,
\nOnward with a high shout they charged the slope.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nNo
\nbullet sped, no musket spoke; unhurt
\nThey crossed the open space, unhurt they climbed
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThe
\nrise; but even as their hands surprised
\nThe shrubs that fringed the vantage, swords unseen
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nHacked
\nat their fingers, through the bushes thrust
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nLances
\nfrom warriors unexposed bore through
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nTheir
\nbosoms. From behind the nearest lines
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nPressed
\non to share their fate, and still the sea
\nOf men bore onward till with violent strain
\nThey reached the perilous crest; there for a while
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nA
\nslaughter grim went on and all the verge
\nWas heaped and walled and thickly fortified
\nWith splendid bodies. But as they were piled,
\nThe raging hosts behind tore down their dead
\nAnd mounted, till at last the force prevailed
\nOf obstinate numbers and upon a crest
\nSwarming with foemen fought\u2019 gainst desperate odds
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThe
\nSouthron few. Small was the space for fight,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nmeeting strength with skill and force with soul
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThe
\nstrong and agile keepers of the hills
\nPrevailed against the city-dwelling hosts,
\nWith covert and the swiftly stabbing blades
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nO’erpowering
\nall the feints of Agra’s schools.
\nSo fought they for a .while; then suddenly
\nUpon the Prabhou all the Goddess came.<\/span>
\n<\/span>Loud
\nlike a lion hungry on the hills
\nHe shouted, and his stature seemed to increase
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nStriding
\nupon the foe. Rapid his sword
\nLike lightning playing with a cloud made void
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nThe
\ncrest before him, on his either side
\nThe swordsmen of the South with swift assault<\/p>\n

<\/span> \n<\/p>\n

\n Page-290<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n


\n
\nPreventing the reply, till like a bank
\nOf some wild river the assault collapsed
\nOver the stumbling edge and down the rise,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nonce again the desperate moment passed.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThe
\nrelics of the murderous strife remained,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nCorpses
\nand jewels, broidery and gold.
\nBut not for this would they accept defeat.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nOnce
\nmore they came and almost held. Then wrath
\nRose<\/span>
\nin the Prabhou and he raised himself
\n<\/span>In
\nsoul to make an end; but even then
\nA stillness fell upon his mood and all
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThat
\ngodlike impulse faded from his heart,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\npassing out of him a mighty form
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nStood
\nvisible, Titanic, scarlet-clad,<\/span>
\n<\/span>Dark
\nas a thunder-cloud, with streaming hair
\nObscuring heaven, and in her sovran grasp
\nThe sword, the flower, the boon, the bleeding head,-
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

Bhavani.
\nThen she vanished; the daylight
\nWas ordinary in a common world.
\nAnd Baji knew the goddess formidable
\nWho watches over India till the end.
\nEven then a sword found out his shoulder, sharp <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\nMogul lance ran gliding through his arm.
\nFiercely around him gathered in a knot
\nThe mountaineers; but Baji, with a groan,
\n"Moro Deshpande, to the other side
\nHasten of the black gorge and bring me word.
\nRides any from the West, or canst thou hear
\nThe Raigurh trumpets blow? I know my hour
\nIs ended; let me know my work is done."
\nHe spoke and shouted high the slogan loud. <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Desperate,
\nhe laboured in his human strength
\nTo push the Mogul from the gorge’s end
\nWith slow compulsion. By his side fell fast <\/p>\n

<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Mahratta
\nand Mogul and on his limbs
\nThe swords drank blood, a single redness grew
\nHis body, yet he fought. Then at his side
\nGhastly with wounds and in his fiery eyes
\nDeath and rejoicing a dire figure stood, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMoro
\nDeshpande. \u201cBaji, I have seen<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n Page-291<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\nThe
\nRaigurh lances; Baji, I have heard
\nThe trumpets." Conquering with his cry the din
\nHe spoke, then dead upon a Mogul corpse
\nFell prone. And Baji with a gruesome hand
\nWiping the blood from his fierce staring eyes
\nSaw round him only fifteen men erect
\nOf all his fifty. But in front, behind,
\nOn either side the Mogul held the gorge.
\nGroaning, once more the grim Mahratta turned
\nAnd like a bull with lowered horns that runs, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\nCharged
\nthe exultant foe behind. With him
\nThe desperate survivors hacking ran,
\nAnd as a knife cuts instantly its way
\nThrough water, so the yielding Mogul wall
\nWas cleft and closed behind. Eight men alone
\nStood in the gorge’s narrow end, not one
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

Unwounded.
\nThere where hardly three abreast
\nHave room to stand, they faced again the foe;
\nAnd from this latest hold Baji beheld
\nMounting the farther incline, rank on rank,
\nA mass of horsemen; galloped far in front
\nSome forty horse, and on a turbaned head
\nBright in the glory of the sinking sun
\nA jewelled aigrette blazed. And Baji looked
\nOver the wide and yawning field of space
\nAnd seemed to see a fort upon a ridge,
\nRaigurh; then turned and sought again the war.
\nSo for few minutes desperately they strove.
\nMan after man of the Mahrattas fell
\nTill only three were left. Then suddenly
\nBaji stood still and sank upon the ground.
\nQuenched was the fiery gaze, nerveless the arm:
\nBaji lay dead in the unconquered gorge.
\nBut ere he fell, upon the rocks behind
\nThe horse-hooves rang and, as the latest left
\nOf the half hundred died, the bullets thronged <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\nThrough
\nthe too narrow mouth and hurled those down
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nWho
\nentered. Clamorous, exultant blared
\nThe Southron trumpets, but with stricken hearts
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nThe
\nswords of Agra back recoiled; fatal<\/p>\n

<\/span> \n<\/p>\n

\n Page-292<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n


\nUpon
\ntheir serried unprotected mass
\nIn hundres from the verge the bullets rained,
\nAnd a quick disordered stream, appalled,
\nThe Mogul rout began. Sure-footed, swift
\nThe hostile strength pursued, Suryaji first
\nShouting aloud and singing to the hills
\nA song of Ramdas he smote and slew.
\nAnd Shivaji by Baji’s empty frame
\nStood silent and his gaze was motionless
\nUpon the dead. Tanaji Malsure
\nStood by him and observed the breathless corpse,
\nThen slowly said, "Thirty and three the gates
\nBy which thou enterest heaven, thou fortunate soul,
\nThou valiant heart. So when my hour arrives,
\nMay I too clasp my death, saving the land
\nOr winning some great fortress for my lord."
\nBut Shivaji beside the dead beheld
\nA dim and mighty cloud that held a sword
\nAnd in its other hand, where once the head
\nDepended bleeding, raised the turban bright
\nFrom Baji’s brows, still glittering with its gems,
\nAnd placed it on the chief’s. But as it rose
\nBlood-stained with the heroic sacrifice,
\nRound the aigrette he saw a golden crown.<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 293<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

BAJI PRABHOU Author\u2019s Note        This poem is founded on the historical incident of the heroic self-sacrifice of Baji Prabhou Deshpande, who to…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1451","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-05-collected-poems-volume-05","wpcat-32-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1451","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1451"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1451\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1451"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1451"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1451"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}