Shivaji Maharaj and Rani Padmini's Johar

Mr. Ranjit Desai in his book "Shirman Yogi- Marathi" (The Great Maratha- English translation), narrates Shivaji Maharaj's (he was in his teens then) reaction while watching the singing and dance performance of Queen Padmini.

"The singer was now singing with high emotions and the entire crowd sat mesmerized as the ballad progressed. Shivaji had a lump in his throat and was barely able to breathe. It was a tale of a victory for the righteous. The lust of the foreigners had made mothers and sisters surrender themselves to the sacrificial fire. But it seemed that God had turned a blind eye. The sacrifice of the women seemed in vain as the might of the Rajputs was laid to dust.
Unable to hear the story any further, Shivaji got up and left, tears flowing down his cheeks. He stood in his room with his back to the door. Jijabai asked, as she entered, ‘Raje, what happened?’
He turned to face her. His face was swollen as his eyes welled up with tears again. ‘Maa saheb, even a person with a heart of stone cannot listen to such poignant stories. I cannot bear it anymore!’
‘Padmini herself had to bear this burden. There is no species more shameless than us human beings. When the daughters of Dahir were put under arrest by the Khalifa, nobody objected. Padmini was lucky to perform Johar and escape. But there are thousands of such Padminis who are silently tolerating such barbaric acts, praying to their gods. My own sister-in-law had gone for a bath in the Godavari when she was kidnapped in broad daylight by Mahabat Khan. What did we do then?’
Shivaji asked, ‘Then why do our men go around proudly twirling their moustaches?’
‘It is easy to talk of these things, Raje. There is no value for false pride.’
‘When will all this stop?’
‘When there is someone to stop it. Those who can are enjoying royal patronage while the poor ryot, the tenant farmer, has gotten used to being a slave.’
‘Maa saheb, I will stop these atrocities.’
‘Raje, if only we could see our dreams being fulfilled, such things would not occur. Now wipe your tears and go back to the courtyard. It does not suit you to walk away in the middle of a performance. The singer will feel insulted. You must stay till the end.’"

Shivaji the Great Maratha, Ranjit Desai- Translated Vikrant Pande.