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, based on the provided PDF excerpt:

The article "The Episode of the Gusalkhana in Shivraj Bhushan" by Vedprakash Garg addresses a specific detail in Mahakavi Bhushan's renowned work, Shivraj Bhushan. The central point of discussion is the repeated use of the word "Gusalkhana" (literally, a bathroom) by Bhushan in his description of the meeting between Shivaji and Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

The Historical Context:

Following significant losses and defeats, Aurangzeb appointed Mirza Raja Jai Singh Kachwaha, along with commanders like Diler Khan and a large army, to subdue Shivaji.
Mirza Raja Jai Singh, through intelligence and cunning, compelled Shivaji to agree to a treaty and submission.
After the treaty, Shivaji was invited to the Mughal court in Agra to meet Aurangzeb. Assured by Jai Singh, Shivaji agreed to the meeting.
On March 5, 1666, Shivaji, along with his son Sambhaji and a few soldiers, departed for North India to meet the Emperor.
Upon arriving in Agra and attending the court, Shivaji did not receive the royal treatment he expected. He was placed in the ranks of the five-hazari (5000 mansabdar) officers, which he found deeply insulting.
This insult caused Shivaji to become enraged, his face flushed, and he nearly fainted.

Bhushan's Description and the "Gusalkhana":

Mahakavi Bhushan extensively describes this incident of insult and Shivaji's reaction in his Shivraj Bhushan, using the term "Gusalkhana" repeatedly.
The author notes that no scholar has definitively explained the meaning of "Gusalkhana" in this context, and while historians generally identify the location as the court, Bhushan's persistent use of the word suggests a specific intent.
The literal meaning of "Gusalkhana" (bathroom) does not logically fit the context of a royal court meeting.

Clarifying the Meaning of "Gusalkhana":

The article then delves into historical sources to clarify the meaning of "Gusalkhana" in the context of the Mughal court:

Dr. Jadunath Sarkar's Account: Based on historical materials from the Jaipur state archives, Dr. Jadunath Sarkar's Shivaji details the meeting. Shivaji was scheduled to attend the Emperor's birthday celebration on May 12, 1666, but arrived a day late. He reached Agra on the morning of May 13th, by which time the Diwan-i-Aam (public audience hall) had concluded, and the Emperor had moved to the Diwan-i-Khas (private audience hall) within the fort. Shivaji was brought to this Diwan-i-Khas for the meeting. This white marble Diwan-i-Khas was elaborately decorated for the birthday celebration, with high-ranking nobles and kings standing according to their status. It was in this Diwan-i-Khas that Shivaji met Aurangzeb and the humiliating incident occurred.
Mā'āthir al-Umarā: This historical text, which chronicles the lives of Mughal courtiers and dignitaries, explains the "Gusalkhana" in the biography of Sadullah Khan Allami. It states that the Daulatkhana-i-Khas was a building situated between the royal harem and the Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam. The Emperor would sit here after the court to decide certain matters, information about which was not disclosed to anyone except a select few. Since this place was near a hammam (bathhouse), it had been known as "Gusalkhana" since Akbar's reign. Shah Jahan later renamed it Daulatkhana-i-Khas.
Jahangir's Memoirs (Jahangirnama): Jahangir also mentions the "Gusalkhana" in his autobiography. He refers to spending time there on certain nights with select nobles and servants, and on one occasion, with the Persian ambassador. He also states that after a light meal, he would regularly go to the Diwan-khanas and sit in the Jharokha (window) and the Gusalkhana.

Conclusion on "Gusalkhana":

Based on these historical references, the article concludes that:

"Gusalkhana" was a specific building or chamber where the Emperor held private court sessions.
Even though Shah Jahan renamed it Daulatkhana-i-Khas, it continued to be known by its older name, "Gusalkhana."
In essence, it was the Mughal Emperor's council chamber or chamber for deliberation, where intricate administrative matters were resolved and orders were issued.
Bhushan used the older, more prevalent name "Gusalkhana" for this specific venue.

Addressing Historical Interpretations:

The article differentiates between the general term "darbar" used by historians (which could refer to any place the emperor held court, be it the Diwan-i-Aam or Diwan-i-Khas) and Bhushan's specific term "Gusalkhana."
It also clarifies that the meeting on the birthday was a special, albeit somewhat public, session in the Daulatkhana-i-Khas (Diwan-i-Khas), not the daily private council meeting.
Some scholars have speculated that Bhushan referred to a separate room adjacent to the main court where Shivaji retreated after the insult. However, the author argues, based on the historical evidence of the Daulatkhana-i-Khas being known as "Gusalkhana," that Bhushan was referring to this entire private chamber, not just a secondary room.

Bhushan's Verses and the "Gusalkhana" Incident:

The article quotes several verses from Shivraj Bhushan to illustrate Bhushan's portrayal of the event:

Shivaji's anger at being placed among the five-hazari, and the averted disaster due to the absence of a dagger.
Shivaji's defiant demeanor upon entering the "Gusalkhana," as if he intended to take Aurangzeb's life.
Shivaji's bravery in responding to the Delhi Emperor, striking fear into the courtiers, and refusing to bow without weapons or an army.
Bhushan describes how, after meeting Aurangzeb and becoming enraged, Shivaji was led away by nobles from the "Gusalkhana" after being pacified.
The verses also mention being taken to the "Gusalkhana" for consolation but receiving only sorrow, and that in the "Gusalkhana," Shivaji's courage shook Aurangzeb's authority without weapons.
One verse explicitly mentions Aurangzeb, with great preparation and caution, meeting Shivaji in the "Gusalkhana" with armed guards, Raja Jaswant Singh nearby, and Shivaji's weapons tied and removed by nobles.

Final Conclusion:

The author asserts that the verses quoted from Shivraj Bhushan confirm that Bhushan's description of the meeting and the location is historically accurate, despite some natural poetic exaggeration and embellishment to highlight Shivaji's valor. The explanation provided transforms the previous assumption about the meaning of "Gusalkhana" into a confirmed reality.