Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 12: SIVAJI INVITED TO THE DARBAR.

12

Ch. [27] It was decided to take Sivaji to an interview with the Badshah. The Pant (Murar Jagdev) had highly eulogised the Raja's son as well qualified and fit for wazir's office in the Badshah's presence. (The Badshah) wished him to be brought to the court, and when the Pant sent this information, an auspicious moment was ascertained. Sivaji sent the following message to the Maharaja—"We are Hindus and they Yavanas. They are very low—in fact there is none lower,—I feel a loathing to salute them. They commit evil deeds like cow slaughter. It is wrong to witness any slight on religion and the Brahmans. Cows are slaughtered as we pass by the roads. It pains me and I feel inclined to cut off the head of the offender. In my mind I feel disposed to decapitate the oppressor of the cows but I am helpless as I do not know what my father will think of it. But I think it wrong to associate ourselves with the Muhammadans and to visit the houses of the amirs and the wazirs. If perchance we touch them we should change our clothes.