Chapter 10: The Secret Alliance: Part 3
Chapter 10: The Secret Alliance: Part 3
Raj had left Shivaji and Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV in Mysore, and had embarked on a solo mission to the Cochin Kingdom. He had a letter from Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, who had a friendly relation with the Maharaja of Cochin, Rama Varma XV. The letter was a request for an audience with the Maharaja, and a proposal for an alliance against the British.
Raj had travelled through the Malabar Coast, and had reached the border of the Cochin Kingdom on Aug, 1896. He had admired the natural beauty and the cultural diversity of the region. He had seen the annual festival of Thrissur Pooram, which was a grand spectacle of elephants, fireworks, and music, held in the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, the cultural capital of the kingdom¹. He had met the Cochin royal family, who traced their ancestry to the Perumpadappu Swarupam, a branch of the Chera dynasty. The royal family had a matrilineal system of succession, and the ruler was known as the Maharaja of Cochin². He had learned about the history and culture of the Jewish community in Cochin, who had settled there since ancient times and built the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. He had explored the Fort Kochi area, which was the first European settlement in India and had a mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences.
He had reached the capital of the Cochin Kingdom, Cochin, which was a bustling port city and a trade hub. He had entered the city, and made his way to the palace. He had shown the letter from Krishnaraja to the palace guard, who had escorted him to the durbar hall, where the Maharaja was holding his court.
In this world Royalty of Mysore kingdom is 30 years ahead of the previous world as Maharaj Chamarajendra Wadiyar X father of Maharaj Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV died early in 1985 and he became the king.The Maharaja was a middle-aged man in his 40s, with a fair complexion and a thin moustache. He wore a white mundu and a gold necklace, and had a crown and a sceptre. He had a dignified and benevolent look, and a calm and courteous manner.
He looked at Raj, and said, "Who are you and what is your purpose?"
Raj bowed, and said, "I am Raj, a messenger from Krishnaraja, the Maharaj of Mysore. I have a letter for you from him."
The Maharaja nodded, and said, "Give me the letter."
Raj handed him the letter, and the Maharaja opened it and read it. He smiled, and said, "Krishnara Maharaj of Mysore is a good friend and a great ruler. He has written to me about you and your mission. He has praised your courage and your wisdom, and he has asked me to Betray British and join your alliance against the British. He has also invited me to meet you and your other allies in Mysore."
Raj said, "Yes, Maharaja. That is the purpose of my visit. I have come to seek your alliance and your friendship. I have come to tell you about our plan and our vision. I have come to ask you to join us in our fight for our freedom and our dignity."
The Maharaja said, "Tell me more."
Raj told him about his plan and his vision. He told him about his alliance with the Indore Kingdom and the Mysore Kingdom, and his intention to form a confederation of Indian Southern states. He told him about his strategy to attack the British from different fronts, and to cut off their supply lines and their communication. He told him about his vision to create a united and independent India, free from foreign domination and oppression.
The Maharaja listened to him with interest and curiosity. He asked him many questions, and Raj answered them with confidence and clarity. He weighed the pros and cons of his proposal, and he considered the risks and the rewards. He was impressed by his courage and his ambition, and he was tempted by his offer. He also felt a bond of friendship and respect with him, and he wanted to join him.
He said, "You have a bold and a noble plan, and a grand and a glorious vision. You have a strong and a loyal alliance, and a smart and a effective strategy. You have a brave and a honest heart, and a clear and a bright mind. You have convinced me and inspired me, and I agree to join you. I will form an alliance with you, and I will fight against the British with you. I will support you and cooperate with you, and I will share your vision with you. I will be your ally and your friend, and I will be your partner and your leader."
He extended his hand, and said, "Are you with me?"
Raj smiled, and said, "I am with you."
They shook hands, and sealed their alliance. They felt a surge of emotion and energy. They knew that they had found another partner and a leader. They knew that they had strengthened their cause and their chances. They knew that they had made a history and a destiny. They knew that they had forged a rebellion and a revolution.
They moved to Mysore the following day to formally sign the alliance with the other two allies. This alliance came forward as Southern Indian States Alliance (sisa) 1896.
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SISA 1896
Contract of Alliance between the Kingdoms of Hyderabad, Mysore, Cochin, and Indore
We, the undersigned sovereigns of the kingdoms of Hyderabad, Mysore, Cochin, and Indore, hereby agree to form a united front against the British Raj and its allies, who have been exploiting and oppressing our people, culture, and religion in the south of India. We pledge to support each other with our military, financial, and diplomatic resources, and to coordinate our actions and strategies for the common cause of liberating our lands from the foreign invaders.
We further agree to the following terms and conditions:
1. The alliance shall be led by Raj, who we help capture Hyderabad and the future Nizam of Hyderabad, who shall be the supreme commander of the combined forces of the allies. He shall have the authority to decide the plan of campaign, the allocation of troops, and the negotiation of peace or war with the enemy.
-1.1: The help provided to Prince Raj to capture state of Hyderabad is to be paid in the form of shares of richest diamond Golconda Mines as Hyderabad 40%, Mysore 25%, Cochin15%, and Indore 10%. A separate contract is to be signed for the same transfer of shares.
:1.2- In the future war with British, Hyderabad will not take British land adjacent to all the parties in the contract.
2. The alliance shall be offensive in nature, and shall initiate any aggression or provocation against the British or their allies, whenever and wherever possible. The alliance shall also seek to undermine the loyalty and cooperation of the local chiefs, zamindars, and peasants, who may be loyal or subservient to the British rule.
3. The alliance shall seek the support and recognition of other foreign powers, such as Afghanistan, Russia, Germany, and Japan, who may be hostile to the British. The alliance shall also try to win over the sympathy and solidarity of the Indian National Congress, the Muslim League, and other nationalist movements, who may be striving for the independence of India.
4. The alliance shall share the expenses and burdens of the war equally, according to the size and wealth of each kingdom. The alliance shall also share the spoils and benefits of the war proportionally, according to the contribution and sacrifice of each kingdom. The alliance shall claim and annex any territory or property belonging to the British or their allies, as well as any other Indian states that may oppose or resist the alliance.
5. The alliance shall remain in force until the British Raj and its allies are completely driven out of the south of India, or until a satisfactory peace treaty is signed with them, or until any of the allies withdraws from the alliance by giving a notice of six months. The alliance shall not be dissolved or violated by any of the allies under any circumstances, unless there is a clear and compelling reason to do so.
Signed and sealed by:
Prince Raj, Nizam of Hyderabad
Chamaraja Wodeyar X, Maharaja of Mysore
Rama Varma XV, Raja of Cochin
Shivaji Rao Holkar II, Maharaja of Indore
Date: 1 December 1896
Place: Mysore
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