Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 1.3.1

1.3.1

He went and interviewed the Khan. The Khan honoured him. Krshnaji Bhaskar submitted that — "Sivaji had sent Pantaji Pant as his ambassador. He should be given a private interview." On his making this suggestion, the Khan sat in a private apartment, summoned Krshnaji Pant and Pantaji Pant and asked for the news. Krshnaji Pant said — "The Raje is not opposed to your views. As is Maharaja Sahaji Raje, so are you (to him) ; so he asserted on his oaths. The Raje will without any fear come to Jawli. The Khan also should come to Jawli without entertaining any suspicion. An interview between you and him will be held. He will listen to all that you will say." When the Raja's message to this purport was made known to the Khan, he took an oath with evil intentions in his mind. The Khan said—" The Raja is a base-born unbeliever, Jawll is a place difficult of access, he asks me to meet him there. Therefore, if thou Brahman as an intermediary, wilt take an oath, (for my safe return) I shall go to meet Sivajl." Therefore, Pantaji Pant gave an assurance on a solemn oath. — " The Raje is not disposed to do you harm. Have no suspicion. Arrange for going for an interview." Saying so to the Khan, he bribed men in the army and enquired of the clerks and ministers and questioned them. They said, — " Sivaji is a rogue. He cannot be captured by fighting. Therefore an interview should be arranged by diplomacy.