At this point, it seems appropriate to also briefly describe the condition of Maharaj Shivdutt. Maharaj Shivdutt was forced to accept defeat against Kunwar Virendra Singh in every way. Consequently, he abandoned the city and departed toward the south of Chunar with several of his old well-wishers.
A vast jungle stretches a short distance south of Chunar. This is the continuation of the Vindhya mountain range, running for hundreds of kos through Robertsganj, Surguja, and Singrauli, encompassing large mountains, valleys, passes, and caves. Villages are also scattered every two to four kos. In some places on the hills, the ruined signs of magnificent old forts are still visible. Eight to ten kos south of Chunar, near Ahraura, the sight of the remnants of an old, ruined fort on a hill still evokes a profound feeling. Close observation suggests that when this fort was intact, it must have covered an area more than three kos in length and breadth. Eventually, this fort came under the control of the famous Raja Chet Singh of Kashi.
Wandering through these jungles with his queen and several well-wishers, along with their wives and children, Maharaj Shivdutt traveled about fifty kos from Chunar. He established his camp in an old, broken but sturdy fort atop a lush, pleasant hill and named it Shivduttgarh. Even then, several rooms and halls in the fort were habitable. This small hill was so hidden and suppressed among the taller mountains surrounding it that it was difficult for anyone to suddenly reach or discover its location.
At this time, Maharaj Shivdutt had only twenty men with him, including three Muslim aiyars who were perhaps relatives of Nazim and Ahmad. They had joined Maharaj Shivdutt believing that by staying with him, they would eventually get an opportunity to take revenge on Raja Virendra Singh. Moreover, besides Shivdutt, no one else seemed suitable to employ these deceitful men for aiyari.
The three aiyars were called by the following names: Baqar Ali, Khuda Baksh, and Yaar Ali. All these aiyars and companions helped Maharaj Shivdutt with money as much as they could.
Shivdutt's heart was not clear of ill-will towards Raja Virendra Singh, but due to a lack of opportunity, he had to remain quiet for a long time. Using his cunning and cleverness, he became the ruler of the hill tribes like the Bhils and Kharwars. He began collecting grain, ghee, honey, and many forest products as land revenue (malguzari). He would then send these to the city through these very people, sell them, and accumulate wealth. He also formed a small army by training these local people. Gradually, these hill tribes also became clever and started going to the city themselves to sell grain and collect money. Shivdutt, too, became well-established.
Meanwhile, aiyars like Baqar Ali trained some of their companions who had come with them from Chunar very well in the art of aiyari. During this period, a son and then a daughter were born to Maharaj Shivdutt. Seizing an opportunity, he left Shivduttgarh with many of his men and aiyars and spent several months wandering, scheming to take revenge on Raja Virendra Singh.
With this brief account of Maharaj Shivdutt's life, we conclude this statement and return to the story of Indrajeet Singh.
After Indrajeet Singh's arrest, those disguised lions also changed their appearance and reverted to their original forms as aiyars, among whom Yaar Ali, Baqar Ali, and Khuda Baksh were the leaders. Maharaj Shivdutt was extremely happy and believed that his fortunes had turned. He thought, God willing, he would once again acquire the throne of Chunar and take full revenge on his enemies.
He imprisoned Indrajeet Singh and took him to Shivduttgarh. Everyone was astonished that Kunwar Indrajeet Singh did not cause any disturbance when he was arrested, showed no anger towards anyone, did not raise a weapon against anyone, and did not even allow grief, regret, or fury to show in his eyes. In fact, it was surprising that the brave and lion-hearted son of Virendra Singh would remain silent in such a state and accept the shackles without protest. However, no, there must be a reason for this, which will be revealed later.