Shivraj Bhushan Me Gusalkhana Ka Prasang - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shivraj Bhushan me Gusalkhana ka Prasang" by Vedprakash Garg:

This article by Vedprakash Garg clarifies the use of the word "Gusalkhana" (meaning bathroom or washroom) by the great poet Bhushan in his work "Shivraj Bhushan" when describing an important event involving Shivaji Maharaj and Emperor Aurangzeb.

Historical Context:

After facing significant losses and defeats, Aurangzeb appointed Mirza Raja Jai Singh Kachwaha, along with other generals and a large army, to suppress Shivaji.
Mirza Raja Jai Singh skillfully compelled Shivaji to accept a treaty and submission.
Following the treaty, Aurangzeb invited Shivaji to his court for a meeting. Assured by Jai Singh, Shivaji agreed to meet the emperor.
On March 5, 1666, Shivaji, along with his son Sambhaji and some soldiers, departed for North India to meet the emperor.

The Incident in Agra:

Upon arriving in Agra and attending the court, Shivaji did not receive the royal treatment or respect he expected. He was placed in the rank of the five-thousand mansabdars, which he considered a great insult.
This humiliation enraged Shivaji, causing his face to flush, and he felt faint.
Mahakavi Bhushan described this event in several verses of his "Shivraj Bhushan," using the term "Gusalkhana."

The Ambiguity of "Gusalkhana":

The article highlights that scholars have not clearly explained the intended meaning of "Gusalkhana" in this context.
While historians identify the location of the event as the court, Bhushan repeatedly uses the term "Gusalkhana," suggesting it's not a baseless or meaningless usage.
The literal meaning of "Gusalkhana" as a bathroom doesn't fit the context of a royal court.

Clarification Based on Authentic Sources:

The author draws upon authentic historical materials, particularly from the Jaipur State's old records, as presented by Dr. Jadunath Sarkar in his book "Shivaji."
The meeting was scheduled for Aurangzeb's birthday (May 12, 1666), but Shivaji arrived a day late.
On May 13th, Shivaji arrived in Agra in the morning, but the court proceedings had already begun. The emperor had moved from the Diwan-i-Aam (public audience hall) to the Diwan-i-Khas (private audience hall) within the fort.
Kumar Ramsingh escorted Shivaji to the Diwan-i-Khas for the meeting. This Diwan-i-Khas, built of white stone, was decorated for the birthday celebrations, and high-ranking nobles and kings were present according to their ranks.

The True Meaning of "Gusalkhana":

The article cites the historical text "Maasir-ul-Umara," which details the lives of Mughal court dignitaries. In the biography of Sadullah Khan Allama, "Gusalkhana" is explained as follows:
- "Doulatkhana-i-Khas" (Private Chamber of Wealth) was a building situated between the imperial harem and the Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam.
- After court sessions, the emperor would sit there to resolve certain matters, with information only shared with a select few.
- This place was near the hammam (bathhouse), and hence, from Akbar's reign, it was known as "Gusalkhana." Shah Jahan had later renamed it "Doulatkhana-i-Khas."
Jahangir's autobiography also mentions "Gusalkhana," referring to it as a place where he held court, met nobles, servants, and foreign ambassadors, and where he had light meals before going to the Diwan-i-Aam and "Gusalkhana" to sit.
These references confirm that "Gusalkhana" was a specific building where the emperor held his private court. Although Shah Jahan renamed it "Doulatkhana-i-Khas," it continued to be known by its older name. Essentially, it was the Mughal emperor's council chamber, where crucial administrative issues were resolved, and orders were issued. Bhushan used its older, prevalent name, "Gusalkhana."

Distinguishing "Gusalkhana" from a mere room:

The article clarifies that historians' use of the general term "court" for the incident is broad. Any place where the emperor held court, whether Diwan-i-Aam or Diwan-i-Khas, was considered a court.
The meeting on the emperor's birthday in the Doulatkhana-i-Khas was a special, albeit general, court, not the regular private council meeting.
While some historians have suggested Bhushan referred to an adjacent room as "Gusalkhana," based on the provided sources, this is deemed inaccurate. Bhushan referred to the entire building where the emperor's private court was held as "Gusalkhana."
The events described by Bhushan – Shivaji's feeling of insult, his flushed face, the fear in the court, and his fearless, sharp words to Ramsingh – all occurred within this "Gusalkhana" (Diwan-i-Khas), the private council chamber. Bhushan's description captures Shivaji's enraged state that caused the panic, not events after he left the court.

Bhushan's Verses and "Gusalkhana":

The article cites specific verses from "Shivraj Bhushan" (e.g., 33, 74, 169, 186, 191, 242, and 442) where Bhushan uses "Gusalkhana."
These verses depict Shivaji being placed among the five-thousand mansabdars, feeling insulted, and being unable to wear a dagger. The absence of a dagger is said to have "saved the Gusalkhana."
Bhushan describes Shivaji's demeanor upon entering the "Gusalkhana" as if he intended to take Aurangzeb's life.
Other verses highlight Shivaji's bravery, his response to the Delhi ruler, his intimidating presence, and his refusal to bow without weapons or an army.
The verses describe nobles pacifying Shivaji and escorting him away from the "Gusalkhana" after he became angry upon meeting Aurangzeb.
The article emphasizes that Bhushan's descriptions, while possibly containing some poetic exaggeration for effect, are historically consistent with the location and events. The use of "Gusalkhana" for the Diwan-i-Khas is now confirmed as a historical reality, not just a conjecture by some editors.

Conclusion:

The article definitively establishes that "Gusalkhana" in Mahakavi Bhushan's "Shivraj Bhushan" refers to the Diwan-i-Khas, the private audience hall or council chamber of the Mughal emperor, where important deliberations took place and the emperor held his more exclusive gatherings. This clarifies a long-standing ambiguity in the interpretation of Bhushan's powerful description of Shivaji's humiliation and courageous defiance.