Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 19.1

19.1

Ch. [39] Nilkantha Haibatrav, a brave intelligent and ferocious soldier held the fort of Purandar, [40] built by Murar Pant, with its Inam villages and all dues and perquisites under the Mughal Badshahi, and subsequently transferred his allegiance to the Nizamsahi. * * The army of the Governor of Aurangabad came upon his fort. His people advised him not to turn a traitor against his master, but he paid no heed. When his wife offered the same counsel she was blown from a cannon. When this news reached the Mughal army they marched away. The cruel man who had rebelled and forcibly taken possession of the fort in this manner, died. Thereupon his three sons Nilo Nilkanth, Pilaji Nilkanth and Sankraji Nilkanth, these three brothers, Chavlikar Brahman Naiks, began to quarrel (about the inheritance). Nilo Pant had friendly relations with Dadaji Konddev and consequently enjoyed the friendship of the Maharaja. The Maharaja marched from Rajgad towards Purandar on his way to Supe and encamped near the temple of Narayan. The garrison of Purandar argued at that time that, as there was family dissension the fort will be captured by some enemy. Sivaji Maharaj was a great man and the adjacent lands belonged to him. Therefore they decided to submit to him, and said to the three brothers, — "The Raja Saheb is a friend of your father, and he has come in the neighbourhood of the fort.