CHAPTER 4.

Extra-nuuital Relationships (Mistresses)

In addition to tiie practice of polygamy, tliere was a tradition of men having mistresses; called

Vaiaks'luila, llcikslu2, Atigavcistrci, Marji etc. indicating their vai ious (aliis. Men from tlie loyal, noble and rich

'amilies and all those who could afford had a misti ess.

Ilie whole of tlie Peshwa period was a continuous period of warfare. Not a yeai passed witiiout a

nihtary Cfimpaign or war. llie victors became the masters over the losers; may the>' be Hindus or Muslims,

[here was only one class; victors and those who were defeated; man and woman. Powaful men could have any

A'oman they pleased. One letter written to Alijabahadur; grand-son of Bajirao and Mastani, son of

Samsheibaliadur, in 1789 A.D. by Maliadaji Shinde rellects the attitude. Ganibeg, matenial cousin of

Alijabahadur, who was given a prestigious position in the miiy of Alijabaliadur, had forceful!) taken a i’rahniin

girl and her father had complained to Shinde. Shinde warns in the letter that it was disgraceful according to the

discipline and hence would not be tolerated Ganibeg had not acted in any extra-ordinary way; but such action

was not to be tolerated. Men had women by force but later they married those women. They did not force the

higher class women Ganibeg had forcefully taken a Brahmin girl.

"fhere was a tradition of the defeated party otfering beautiful women to the victorious leader as a mark of their .submission. The beautiful daughtei-in-law of the Subhedar of Kalyan had been otTeied to Shivaji, who respectfully returned her' to her family . He set an exarn{)le which few followed in later yeai s.

Wien Sambhaji t:ried to seduce a niairied Bralimin girl, Shivaji admonished him by saying that a King's

■ubjcct.i v\ ci c like liis childicr,. If' Sambhaji please,':, lie could many an)’ number of wives and enjoy them; hut he ciinnot Jiiuas'.s t!)c subjects find would iJiercJ'ore be punislied . Chatrapati Rajaram, younger brother of Sambhaji, had a beautiful mistress, in addition to 4 wives, called

Saaiinabai. She had a son from him, a hjindsome child, called l^nja Kama says a vvTiter of Rakhar.

Chatrapati Shahu superseded all of tliem. He had a haiaii like that of the Mogliul Emperors, vvitli

soldiers to guard it. In addition to this, he had few women as secret (Gupta Marji) mistresses. One such Yamna

fell in love witli her guard Chandroji, which was mutual and when it was disclosed, Chandioji was assassinated

while niiirching with the forces of Fatehsingh Bhonsale. Such affairs w ae common in all the times.

Chatjapati Shahu had one such special Marji, (favourite Mistjess) called Viroobai, who had entered his

hfe at a critical moment. Wliai Shaliu was imprisoned by tlie Mogliuls, (1689 - 1707 A.D.) he was mairied to

two girls; Ambikabai Jadhav cind Savitribai Shinde. Emperor Aurangzeb wislied to congratulate the newly weds

Tm person and expressed his desire. ITie royal bride could not be exhibited in public; specially the Muslim

Emperor, a stranger belonging to another faith. Hence Yesubai, mother of Shaliu, dressed Viroobai, a

maidservant sent with the Shinde bride and Viroobai represented as Shahu’s bride The whole incident must

have been for a short while, but Viroobai had an impact in Shaliu’s life thi'oughout her life. Even alter his

release, when Shaliu married twice, Sakawarbai Shirke and Sagunabai Mohite, her status did not change.

Viroobai was Wani by ca^te and she was not married to Shahu; yet she was respected and honoured as his

*^egally wedded wife. Nanasalieb writes to his fathei, Peshwa Bajirao that during Nanasaheb’s visit to Satara, he

w.is in the royal audience and presented Mitosliree (Respected Mother) Viroobai 2 gold Mohurs (coins) as w'as

!'.e custom

Viroobai made used of her status to order the Peshwa, to make certain repairs in the royal kitchen

immediately Chatrapati Sambhaji of Kolhapur State, who was the cousin of Shahu, wished to improve the

relations between Shahu and himself and hence urges Viroobai, calling her Vahini (sister-in-law) to take a lead

in the matter He had full faith in her capiicify and hopes she would be successful ' ' ’ Viroobai mid Shaiiii had a daugfilcr caiieci Rajasbai. Aii the ceienionics ;ind rites it-gaidiiig her u'ae peifonned as if .she was a princess. Rajasbai delivered a daugliler and all the ceremonies regarding the Barnse oi'

^c\ t!' hnstening ceremon)' were conducted according to her royal status \

7* Viroobai died in December 1740. A.D. when she was alive, she had control over Shahu's oilier wives,

Sakwarbai and Sagunabai. Aflei iier death, they behaved as tiie>' pleased and dieir behaviour troubled Shahu.

Viroobai was cremated at Sangani Maliuli and Fatehsingli Blionsale, whom Shatu treated as an adopted son pert'onned her I'uneral rites. Her personal property, ornaments etc. were given to Fatehsingh, who made a gold (9) stHtue of Viroobai and placed it in the family worship house it now belongs to Bhonsale family of .Akkalkot .

Viioobai lived as a Queen and even aller her deatli was given a honour. But all such women w ae not so

^ucky. Thev' too were loyal and loved their mai with same devotion, but during their life time their relationships were strongly opposed and after tfieir death, they' were immediately forgotten. One such was Mastani.

Thei e is no record of her exact birth date nor about her parents. She is refened in tiie life of Bajirao, sometime atler his campaign of Bundelkhand in 1729 A.D. Chatrasaal of Bundelkhand had invited Bajirao, to lielp him against tlie invasion of Mohaimied Shah Bangash. Tlien, Mastani must be 15/16 years old. Dr

Bhagwandas Gupta, in Maharaja Chatrasaal Bundela, (1958) writes about tlie Raja’s children iuid states tliat tlie

^Kaja had some Muslim Upcistreeyas (wives), one of which had children called Samsherkhan, Khanjaluui and

Mastani'^''.

Mastani was very beautiful and a Kanchani (a dancing gul), possessing fine horsemanship and skill in handling tlie sword and the spear. .She always accompanied Bajirao in his campaigns and rode stirrup to stirrup with !u:.i. Altiiougli Muslim by birtli, she changed herself completely, in her di'ess, eating habits, and her conduct attei' she met Bajirao.

Bajirao t.oo loved Mastani openly. In 1739 A.D., he vi.^iled SuUua alter a iiulitaiy Lciiiipaign l>-' pdV iu.' res[)ect'^ to the Chatrapati Shahu, and she accompanied him 'Ihere was ;t separate residence, built in the premiscv

11.5 'of ShaniwajAvada, the family residence, specially for her, Bajirao was an undefeated chieftain wliei c w.ufai e was

concerned but he was defeated regarding the opjjosition I'or his lo’/e tovvaids Mastani, more from his family

. menibu s tJian tlie society. r 'Die contemporary society was ready to tolerate secret mistresses. His father, Balaji Vishwanath, had a

' niistiess and two illegitimate sons, called Dhikaji and Ranoji Shinde^^"’. Mastani would have been tolerated if

she had been secretly associated with Bajirao. ft was not to be tolerated that she be resided with the rest of the

family )n the same premises, "Hie Brafimins of Pune insisted on a penance, which he was ready to peilbirn, but

' he was not ready to leave Mastani

Bajirao was niazi ied to Kashibai, who was weak in pliysique and was well aware of it. She was in good

terms with Mastani, who found a friend and protector in her lone life when she did not accompany Bajirao.

Kashibai was not neglected by her husband for Mastani, Kashibai had two sons, Ragliiinathrao (bom on

1 August 1734 A.D. at Mahuli) and Janardhanrao in 1735 A.D,

Ihere were complaints against Mastani-Bajirao relationship to Chatrapati Shahu. llie Chatrapati had

warned Chimajiappa and Nanasalieb to leave tlie matters as tliey were, Shaliu had himself given A’iroobai tlie

V .'tatus of his wife. He was aware that Bajirao was the sole support of the Maratha kingdom and as such, should

' not be olTended. Shaliu’s stand and indirect support in the matter prevented Mastam’s life from being in

danger ^

( [n 1734 A.D. Mastani gave birtli to a son, called Samshersingh. Kashibai had helped and supported her as

an elder sister during this critical stage. Samsheisingli was also called Krishnasinha. Tlie name Krishna existed

intheBhat family, his fathei'Bajirao’s family even before Bajirao

^ Baiirao wished to openly (real Srunsiictsin<’h 'On. which 'Oemed impossible in the contonpoi'rin'

social set-up. Nanasaheb had imprisoned Mastani find Bajirao was away on tlie campaign find fell ill. Nanasaheb

1 1 r. leiit Kiishibai tuidJaiiaiYltiaiU’cio to him. Bajiiao died on tiie btuika of N.uiiiada on 28'“ April 1 710 A.D. Mastani lid not live ailei, yiihough tliere is no record of how and when she died.

Kadhabai, mother of Bajirao and Chiniajiaj)pa, had in the end given up hei' opposition, but it was loo late. rX/iiniajiappa had suggested to make a gold Tank; (image inscribed on the surface of metal, as goddess) to be daced in the worship house, niis meant tliat Mastani was married to Bajirao But that does not seem

)ossible, for no two persons of different faiths c

Sanisliersingh was 6 years old when he lost both his parents. He was brouglit up by Peshwa Nanasalieb as

I brotlier. He was made a Saidai' in his childhood and was given tlie property Bajirao had received from

’iiaUasaal. Maliadaji Govind Ktikirde was appointed as his Kaibhaii(manager) to adminisiu tlie estate " His lecedents are known as Nawabs of Banda. Banda is a state in the province of Sagar, in Bundelkli'

;on ol'Samsherbahadur, captured tiie estate and was gi anted the Jaliagir of Banda in 1788 A.D. ' .

Smnsherbaiiadur died during the defeat of Panipat, Nanasalieb sent his widow and infant son to her father,

^lanasaheb died short while after. ITie widow came to Pune and the later Peshwa made arrangements for her

ivelihood, proper to their status as members of tlie Peshwa family.

Viroobai and Mastani died in the same year, (1740 A.D.), both loved intensely and were loyal as wives

\ ithout the actual marriage ceremony. Vii >bai lived and died with honour as Queen. Mastani received only

^Ijposilion lluougliout 11 years, her life with Bajirao. Her death remains a m>'ster>' even today. ";i tlie

:i ’temponuy’ correspondence, Viroobai is refen'ed as Saubhgjavati (title of married status) Matoshjee respected mother) Viroobai while in tlie conespondence rcgaiding Mastani, she is referred as a \'astu (a

(20) iisigniticant tiling) 'llic opposition to Bajirao-Mastani relationship was due lo hei' religion; the society tolerated mistresses.

It'she would have been a Hindu, the society' could have tolerated many such Mastanis or if F^ajirao had secretly

loved hei, the Bralunins would have had no objection to it. But Bajirao openly accepted her and built her a lUalial in the same premises of Shanivvamada, the Peshwa family residence. A Muslim woman openly staying witli tlie Brahmin Peshwa was not to be tolerated by tiie society. In the patriarchies society, tlie fatliei ’s religion is considered as the religion of the children; but both Mastani and Samsherbahadur were treated with their

Ii.'Other s religion.

Aabaji Sondeo had offered Shivaji the beautiful daughter-in-law of the Subhedar of Kalyan. Shivaji had respectfully sent her to her family, not because she was a Muslim woman but because it did not suit his etiiics,

(’hairapati Shaliu had given his indirect consent to the relations because he was libei al enougli to undastiind the relationship. Mastiini-Bajirao love remains ideal in romance only. Tlie society expected the women to love and

^acritlce like N’astani in practical life.

Ihe influence of Mastani-Kajirao relationsiiip juid the opposition it faced had a serious impact on the i hfe of Peshwa Nanasaheb. He had ver>' strongly opposed the relation. In his own life, he had many mistresses i’ut took care to select them from Hindu religion. In one letter, he specifically mentions by saying to send two

voung girls, about 10 yeais old, beautiful ;md HinduTliere weie many such letters.

Raghunatli Bajirao had a harem of Natakshalas. His son, Bajirao II was famous for his various extra inanlal pleasures. In a record of 12 December 1808 A.D., he writes in his own handwriting lliat Rs. 10,000/-

WCTe si)ent on Vilasprahcvi (pleasures). He would donate gitls and other rich presents to his mistj'esses and sometimes even to/a////v (respected) married women. 'Iliere are such records found in his diary.

On 25 3.1809 A.I)., Rs. 1,000/- were given each to Kashibai Petiie and Mrs. Sagunabai Dixit Maratlie.

s;r,'aii!)luiu a contemporaiy poet (Sh;ilii!) wn'ilc 1 l,avani on i’ajnao’s lnl^t^es^es " .

Bajirao’s uncontrolled :uid unlimited pleasures life is described in “Mahmashtrachi S:unajik

Funargfiatana" in details. In his private life, he was religious and superstitious. He would spend tionrs in worship, fiasting and meditation, but this did not obsti-uct his pleasures. 'Hie rest of the time was spent with women. He did not spent a single day without being in the company of women for some hours. He took pleasure in wiUiessing the sexual acts of otliers. The women present in his company, were related to the noblemen of his court. Those who refused to send their wives in the service of the Peshwa were treated with disgrace. When Khanderao Raste refused to send his women, he was tortured and killed. Madhavrao Raste was invited and later was imprisoned at Fort Raigad, in 1809 A.D. At first, Bapu Gokhale refused to send his wife and was disgraced. Later, w h ^ Gokhale agreed to do as was asked, he was given a honourable position at the court. This was the example set by the Peshwa and the subjects followed it. His officers were no different in their conduct with the public

However, all men, as a aile, did not have mistresses. Ihere were some exceptions like Chimajiappa, vounger brother of Bajirao. During tlie capture ofTaiapur, Vasai, (Bassein) few women were captured uy Llie

Mui atlia amry’ but Chimajiappa respectfully sent them to their families. He treated the widow of Captain Louse

Venolzue witli great courtesy and respect, states tJie Portuguese Bakliar writei' . Appa’s only son,

Sadashivraobhau, followed tlie footsteps of his father. Tliere is no record of either having any extramarital relations, mistiesses; nor of any illegitimate children. Pesli.va Madhavrao, son of Peshwa Nanasalieb and

Gopikabai, belongs to this monogamous category, and also Madhavrao's younger brother Peshwa Narayanrao and his posthumous son, Peshwa Savai Madhavrao.

Parshuram Sriniwas or Parshuram II, Pratinidhi was licentious, alcohol addicted and of immoral character. He deserted his two v^.ves and had a mistress called Tai Telin (belonging to oilmen caste). He

I evoked against Peshwa Bajirao U and during a battle against the Peshwa forces lost his hand. His mother

Kashibai, with the help of Senapati Bapu Gokhale, imprisoned him. Tai collected an amiy and released him and

Lliey lived at Fori Vasota. Bapu captured UieFort, but for 8 months "I'ai bravely resisted. When the food storage vvas set to fire she had no otliei' alternative but to sunender the fort .

1 1 9 Kashitai PetJie, wife of Trimbak .^iruteslivvar Pethe, came in contact with Bajirao n afler he became

Peshvva. She always pleased him with different means and there are records to show that 'he Peshwa showered her witli gifts. After Bajirao returned from Vasai, (Bassein) the property of her husband was attached and she

gianted an allowance of Rs. 2,000/- per annum. Later, her husband complained against her immoral

{in\ c induct and she was imprisoned and sent to Foil Trimbak. She Jied on 27-9-1892 . This is the only case from tlie higlia- class, where a woman from the respectable family was punished for adultery at her husband’s comphiiiit.

Keshari was the mistress (Rakti) of Mahadaji Shinde. She lived at Ujjain and was on good terms with

'Nana Phadnavis. Nana sent warning through her, to Daulatiao, Mahadaji’s adopted son, tJiat if Daulatrao wishes

’,0 live peacefully, he should not ignore Nana. Daulatrao listened to this advice and followed it. Keshari had a daugliter who was married to a Dasiputra (illetimate son) of the Chatrapati of Kolhapur

Tulsabai was the mistress of Yashwantiao Holkar. She was vay beautiful and was the daughter of

Aajiba, a follower of Mahanubhava sect. The womenfolk of Holkar family respected Aajiba and became his disciples. Harkubai, Khandarani of Malhairao Holkar, and her maid Meenabai, both were his disciples. Tulsabai would visit the Holkar household with her father. During one such visit, Yashwantrao met her and fell in love.

Tulsabai was then married. Yashwantrao tried to locate her husband, and paid him a large amount to release her i'rom the marriage bond Yashwantrao was very much in love with her. During his last illness, when he would be uncontrollable; it was only Tulsabai who could pacify and control his rage.

After ;iie death of Yashwantrao, Tulsabai administered the state for 7 years in the name of Yashwantrao’s

4 years old minor son Malharrao. Her rule was not liked by many of her own subjects and she was very bnitally assassinated, v, ith pieces of her body mercilessly (lirown in the River Kshipra, on 20-12-1797 A.D.

These wa e tlie tales of tliose who had moiicv', power uiul beauty. Tliose who could not all'ord them, had some means to have such relations and Uie society- accepted them. Offences like murder were committed due to

1 '7n such leifitions evuj amongst common people, e.g. Havji, Rudraji cuid Habji weie tiuee brotiieii;. Tlic)' vveie

, jealous ot'Bhivji. Due to this jealous}', Baji, son of Rudraji, left his home town and went to stay at Pali. Bhivji

had thice sons, one which Babaji, went to Pali, to infonn Baji that tliey, (his brothers) w'ere quarrelling.

Babaji was told tliat his wife and Habji liad illicit relationship, haice he should kill both of ttieni. Babaji’s wife

, vvas pregnant and was on a visit to her natal family. Babaji, first went and killed Habji and then went to the

' wife’s natal home and killed her too. He did not return from his journey, for he was killed by the three sons and

then his murderers absconded ’I A chain of murders began on a flimsy doubt of a woman’s character.

The society in general, accepted such relations. Nanasaheb, Raghunatlirao, Bajirao II or any oUier man

, behaved in accordance to contemporary practices. But women belonging to the same class were treated as if tliey

were the property of their husb^ds and masters.

“Vishwanath Bhat Petliye of Kadus in Taluka Khed deserted his wife and lived with a Kunbi woman. He

was called to the Huzur and directed to give up his mistiess and live with his wife. He agreed to do so and the

attacliment on his fields were removed. "Hie Kunbi woman was sent to be imprisoned at Foil Sinhagad and the

children (3 of them) which she hijd by the Brahmin were entrusted to the care of the wife” ’“I llie husband is set

scot free in this case. The wife was first deserted, the husband lived with another woman, had three children, and

when ordered from the Huzur, agreed to live with the wife and lell the mistress. Even his fields, which were

• attached, were set free and returned to his possession. The Kunbi woman, was imprisoned, hei' offence being she

lived with a Brahmin married man and had childien by him. She had to leave behind those infant children who

needed the mother’s care. Therefore this duty was entiiisted to tlie wife. The husband was left free, probably, he

would do a penance (Prayashchitta) and purity himself of tlie offence of living witli a low caste woman.

Ghashiram Kotwal, the police officer in charge of the Pune city (died in 1791 A.D.) had tried most of the

offences regarding adultery and had punished them. Some Bralimin men had Muslim misUesses. Gangadhar

P;iiidi(, a Icained Braluniii in Vedic studies {Vedaniurti) had a beautiful Kunbin (female slave) in his house. Stic

had a daugliter l^y him. Later, it was disclosed that she belonged to Uie Mahai caste ;ind she confessed i(

121 Gangadliar Pandit purified himself by doing a penance It seems that women from tlie lower castes were

easily available to the men of higher castes, witliout taking any responsibility of tlie consequences of iheir

relationships.

It seems tliat to buy female slaves for sexual pleasure oi' have illicit relations with the female sei"vants of

the household was a common practice of the period. The children bom out of such relation were regarded as of

inferior caste; i.e. of their mother’s caste. Ihere would not be any change in the integral part of the caste systan.

Such children would be called Kndu ch\\(ken(Saniali).

The best example that could be cited is tliat of Mastani’s son Samsherbahadur. He was regarded as a

Muslim and not of Bajirao’s, his lather’s religion. Tlie society was more concerned in the rituals rather than the

I principles of religion. On the other hand, the Muslims regarded such children as of their father’s religion.

Moghul Emperor Akbar married Jodliabai, daughter of Rajput king Maldeo of Jodhpur. Her son, Shahajahan

became the Emperor after his fath^.

Tlie childi en of Hindu women and Muslim fatlier had social prestige but on the otiier hand children of

Hindu fatiier and Muslim mother did not. Such children were not left to survive on their own. Mistresses and

their children, called Lekawaie, were taken care of by the heirs and widows of their masters. Anandibai

Ragluinath, while imprisoned at Kopergaon, took care of the Natakshalas of her late husband. Her son, Bajirao

n, records in his diary, that Rs. 700/- paid for the daily expenses of the mistresses of his late fatlier Sardar

Pandurang Govind Patwardhan made a will and directed his son and heir, after his death, to take care of Gulab

Naikin and Rama, Panha, Vini and Sheli, his mistresses

The sons, bom from such relationships, however favourite they may have been of tlieir father, weie

t.-eated w'ith inferior status in the society. The>' could not many' high caste girls howevo* rich or powerful the}

be. Ihe man'iage alliances took place amongst themselves. Samsherbahadur was given education fit I'or the

Peshwa son by Nanasaheb, he was made a S-ardar in inffincy. Nanas;ilieb wished to many’ him to a respectable

1 7 7 rich Hindu girl but tliat was not po.s.siblc. He was iiian ied to a girl, whose t'aniily was originally Paw m', a Hindu but later had been converted to Islam. ,\fter tlie death of Samsherbahadur, the property which was given to

Baiirao, was returned to his widow

Men had women from lower castes to satisfy their sexual needs and such men were found in every society.

Children bom out of such relations were regarded of inferior caste, but this did not change the stnicture of

iociety. Women on the other hand, had no such freedom.

— XXX — Reference List

1 . Maratlii Dallar. Rumal 3. (Pg. 117)

2. Shivadigvijaya. (Pg. 189)

3 Saptaprakranatmaka Charitra. (Pg. 41)

4. Madhayayugin Charitrakosh. Yesubai Bhonsale. (Pg. 670)

5. P.D. Vol. 18. letter No. 33.

6. P.D. Vol. 18. letter No. 6.

7. Karvir Riyasat. (Pg. 201-202)

8. P.D. Vol. 18. letter No. 2.

9. Nibhandha Sangraha. July 1965. (Pg. 96)

10. Oak. (Pg. 165)

11. Oak. (Pg. 65) 1 12. Oak. (Pg, 231)

13. Peshwa Bajirao. (Pg. 409)

14. Peshwa Bajirao. (Pg. 412)

15. Oak. (Pg. 170)

16. Oak. (Pg. 167)

17. Oak, (Pg. 170)

IS, Oak. (Pg. 172)

19, P.D, Vol. 18. letter No. 33.

20. Asa Ha Maliarashtra. part 1. (Pg. 40)

-1. Deslunukh. (Pg. 123)

22. Jb id .

1 23. Life Of Mount Stuart Eiphinst one, Vol. l.(Pg. 289)

24. Maliai'Hshti'achi Sainajik Punarghataiia. (Pg. 32)

25. Poitugueses Maratha Saniandha. ( Piiisurlencai. Vol. rV’.) (Pg. 66)

26. MacUiyayugin Charitrakosh. Tai Tel in.

27 Marathi Riyasat, Uttar Vibhag 3. (Pg. 557)

28. Ibid. (Pg. 34, 75)

29. Ibid. (Pg. 445)

30. Ibid. (Pg 442)

31. Marathi Daftar. Rumal 3. (Pg. 26 - 27)

32. P. Dy. Vol. V'm.No. 1118. (Pg. 259)

33. Deslunukh. (Pg. 129)

34 Deshniukli. (Pg. 124)

35. R.P P S. (Pg. 13.) Sardar Pat'' ardhan Pandurang Govindchya Gharanyacha Itihas.

36. Oak. (Pg. 171)

... XXX —

125