Forgotten by the public and ASI for over 150 years, the cell where Shivaji was imprisoned by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Agra Fort will soon make a comeback from the cobwebs of history.It was from here that the Maratha warrior is said to have made his escape in a sweets and fruit basket in August 1666, only to return as a formidable force against the Mughals.However, currently the Shiva Kothri — comprising five small cells with a central courtyard — exists just as a dumpyard for construction material. The Kothri, as some other parts of the Fort, are currently in possession of the Army.But Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Jagmohan is set to change that. On a visit to the Agra Fort in June, he instructed local ASI officials to mark out the area of the Kothri and start conservation.‘‘History has it that Shivaji along with his son Sambhaji was imprisoned here till August 17, 1666,’’ Jagmohan says. ‘‘Historians give two versions of his escape. According to one, the two escaped in a basket of sweets and fruits while another says Shivaji himself dressed up as a servant and hid his son in a fruit basket.’’The Mughals got to know of Shivaji’s escape only 24 hours later. ‘‘Once out, Shivaji consolidated the Marathas and took on the Mughals,’’ points out Jagmohan.The Union Minister has allotted Rs 70 lakh for the conservation — complete with rendering the Kothri details of the time, like charpais, other furniture and utensils. There are also plans to make slides capturing the escape of the Maratha warrior, and to include the cells in the Sound and Light Show held at the Agra Fort.
