The fiefdom of Pune to Maloji went

By Nizam's will but general Pandit

Razed her to the ground by ass-drawn ploughs in

A parade of supremacy until

Maloji's son- Shahaji- with sweet tongue

And sharp mind, by Bijapur's own will brought

The deccan queen back to her kin and saw

Returning caravans bearing old names.

The red palace built, Ganesha rising

In the ranks of heart, in poetry and art.

Shivaji's rise and birth of Maratha

Golden age of resistance and conquest,

Of sturdy forts and detailed temples, of

United pride and forward stride, of blood

And ink and the immovable object

To the unstoppable Mughal force- wait.

~Ajay
25/3/19