Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 22.1

22.1

Ch. [36] The Badshah wrote to Sahaji Raje—"Your son has turned a rebel and is behaving improperly. He has captured forts and plundered cities. You are a faithful omrao of this empire. It is not at all right (on the part of your son) to do so. You should therefore bring him to the huzur. The Raje answered, — "My son does not obey me. (Your Majesty) should punish him as you please." So wrote the Raje, but the Badshah got angry and did not believe him. The Raje wrote a letter to Sivaji Raje — (in the following manner) — "Your conduct has put me into disfavour, so it is not good. Come and see the Badshah and restore the forts and territories according to his order." He wrote much in this strain. Then the Maharaja argued,—"Father is to a son as sacred as a god. His orders should be respectfully obeyed. But religion has been overthrown and in every thing the Mleckchhas are supreme. I should risk my life and all (that belongs to me) for preserving my religion by overthrowing them. How can I then do what my father has asked me (to do) in his letter. I have adopted this course because I thought it more creditable. But the Badshah is displeased with my father on my account, and if my father feels troubled what should I do ? " He was arguing to himself in this manner.