Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 1.14.4

1.14.4

Vyankoji Pant toiled hard (and) got (no less than) twelve wounds. He came after inspiring such terror that the Siddi had to open negotiations for peace. But the Raje did not conclude peace and remained in his (Siddi's) country, strengthening himself (by the erection of) new forts and strongholds at various places. Formerly a hill near Rajpurl had been fortified, (the Raje) captured it, built a fort (there) and conquered the whole country. Military posts were established. Then he (the Siddi) had no resource. (The Raje) stationed a Subha with a train of five to seven thousand militia men. Such (measures) did he take. Then no territory was left to Rajpurl. Where from was grain to come ? (For that) there were ships in the sea. With them they began to plunder other lands, bring provision, and subsist (thereon). On that account the Raje fitted ships in the sea. (Fitting out) ships of various types as Gurabs, and Tarandes, and Tarus, Galvats, sibads, Gurabs and Pagar, (he) appointed two Subhedars, a Musalman Subhedar sent chortas or professional thieves to rob Maratha subjects. The chiefs of Janjira ruthlessly tortured their unhappy captives and compelled them to abjure their faith and embrace the religion of the Arabian prophet. It may be noted here that Balaji Avji was originally a subject of the HabsTs and was forced to leave his ancestral home and seek Sivaji's serrice by the tyranny of the alien rulers.