Chhatrapathi Shivaji

[Bodhi]

छूट्यो है हुलास आमखास एक संग छूट्यो
…हरम सरम एक संग बिनु ढंग ही
नैनन तें नीरधीर छूट्यो एक संग छूट्यो
…सुखरुचि मुखरुचि त्यों ही मनरंग ही
भूषण बखानै सिवराज मरदाने तेरी -
…धाक बिललाने न गहत बल अंग ही
दक्खिन के सूबा पाय दिली के अमीर तजें
…उत्तर की आस जीवआस एक संग ही ॥
(shivarAja-bhUShaNa.150, ’sahokti’ alaMkAra in kavitta meter of the ‘manaharaNa’ vareity)

The poem describes the terror of the founder of marahaTTA nation in the hearts of the Imperial officers of Delhi, and how they react when they hear from their superiors about their posting in the souther provinces:

With all excitement evaporated; matters of palace and forts interest no more;
Harem and chivalry have become meaningless;
Pride has left the glances so also the bravery the heart;
Tastes and Pleasures, all dried up; face paled…
O shivarAja, how can bhUShaNa describe your manliness -
Effect of your terror is such, that:
No boastfulness (of their bravery, from their bards) brings life back to the Amirs of Delhi,
When ordered to march to the Southern Provinces;
They cease both at once - hope to ever return back to North, and to live further!