The Return of The Lion

Three

Three sadhus come to meet Jijabai. Step 1: The attendant clearly states 'there are three holy men at the gate outside.' Step 2: The text describes them as 'three sadhus who seem to be poor, humble men dressed in rags.' Step 3: Two of them are described as tall, and the third is a small man who doesn't look up. Step 4: The third sadhu, who remains silent, is actually Shivaji in disguise. Step 5: The number three is significant as it includes the disguised hero of the story.

He has taken a vow of silence

According to the first sadhu, the third sadhu has taken a vow of silence. Step 1: When Jijabai asks why the third sadhu doesn't speak, the first sadhu explains 'He has taken a vow of silence, noble lady.' Step 2: This is actually a clever disguise by Shivaji to avoid recognition. Step 3: By remaining silent, he avoids the risk of his voice being recognized. Step 4: The vow of silence is a common practice among certain religious ascetics, making it a believable cover. Step 5: This adds to the dramatic tension as the audience knows his true identity while the characters don't initially.

By touching his face

Jijabai recognizes Shivaji when she passes her hand gently over his face. Step 1: When the third sadhu falls at her feet, she passes her hand gently over his face. Step 2: The text states 'she passes her hand gently over his face, utters a cry and draws his head to her breast.' Step 3: This physical touch allows her to recognize her son despite his disguise. Step 4: A mother's touch and intuition help her identify her child even in disguise. Step 5: This moment represents the powerful bond between mother and child that transcends physical appearances.

Fox's den and vulture's claws

Aurangzeb's court is described using metaphors of 'fox's den' and 'vulture's claws.' Step 1: Jijabai calls it a 'fox's den' when she says 'They can't stay long in the fox's den.' Step 2: Shivaji himself uses both metaphors when he says 'Shivaji has escaped from the fox's den and the vulture's claws.' Step 3: The fox represents cunning and deception, fitting Aurangzeb's character. Step 4: Vulture's claws suggest predatory nature and death, representing the danger Shivaji faced. Step 5: These animal metaphors effectively contrast with Shivaji being called a 'lion,' showing the difference between