The era of the early 1600s saw the Mughal empire at its peak. Western Maharashtra, or “Dakkhan” called by those who lived north of the mighty Narmada, was under the rule of the Shahis. Adilshah of Bijapur ruled much of the lands between the rivers Krishna and Bhima. In the small village of Shivapur, nestled in the rugged terrain of Western India near the present-day city of Pune, Kisan stood in his parched field. His calloused hands gripped the worn plough handle, his weathered face etched with worry and years of sun The year, known as Virodhi in the lunar calendar,