The state of Maharashtra is known for the legacy that was left behind by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was not only known for his great administrative skills but also for setting up well trained military forces including the powerful navy along the coastline, starting from Khanderi in Raigad district.
Marathi play Darya Bhawani, which will be staged in the city today (Saturday) focuses on his journey of commanding a sea fort with a strong naval base. The play, which comprises 40 artists, has been written by Sandeep Vichare and directed by Dr Anil Bandiwadekar. Produced by Urveeja Theater group, Darya Bhawani has made use of 10 folk songs and Dr Amol Kolhe, who is playing the titular role in Swarjyarakshak Sambhaji in the teleseries, has given the voiceover for Shivaji Maharaj in it.
TRACING THE PATH
“In mid-1679, Shivaji Maharaj gave instructions to Admiral Maynak Bhandari to set up naval force at Khanderi. Two fleet consisting of 400 soldiers, under the command of Admiral Bhandari and Daulat Khan, arrived at Khanderi. They started building a fort and were repeatedly attacked by both British forces and Siddi Kasim of Murud Janjira, but in vain. The Marathas built the fort and also gained a stronghold over Khanderi,” says Vichare, who also visited Khanderi a couple of times to observe and note a few elements to add more authenticity to the story.
The writer referred to the diaries that were maintained by the Britishers and are still available in the libraries. Says Vichare, “These diaries have records of day-to-day activities. Shivaji Maharaj wanted to wrest away the control of Mumbai from Britishers but due to his untimely demise, this couldn’t happen.”
Explaining the name Darya Bhawani, he says, “Durgadi is a fort near present day Kalyan. In 1644, Shivaji Maharaj set up a naval force at the fort and it is said that the goddess of the sea or Darya Bhawani, was impressed by him. From then, the journey of setting up naval forces took off with speed till 1680. In the play, we have a photo of the goddess along with a dance performance.”
Dr Bandiwadekar, who has earlier directed plays like Bandh Mukta and Bayko la Jevha Jaag Yete, has been working in Marathi theatre for over three decades now. Talking about Darya Bhawani, he says, “Today the Indian Navy has built a lamp post at the Khanderi fort and named it ‘Kanhoji Angre Bet’. It was Shivaji Maharaj’s strategic decision to construct a sea fort and have a naval base in Khanderi, which is around 11 km from Mumbai.”
Bandiwadekar, who also runs a theatre group known as Madhyam Kalamanch, says that they have constructed a mammoth set for the play — about 28 feet in height. The stage has been designed by Prasad Valavalkar, while Manohar Golambare has done music.
ST READER SERVICE
Marathi drama Darya Bhawani will be staged on August 24 at 9 pm at Balgandharva Rangmandir, J M Road. Tickets are available at the venue
