Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 22.2

22.2

Near him was his wife Sai Bai Saheb and the Maharaja asked for her counsel, — " What should be done with respect to my father's letter ?" " We are women," answered she, " and the Sastras say that women's counsel proves disastrous. There are many great and wise Karkuns and Sardars in Your Majesty's service, you should seek their counsel. But as you have asked me, I beg to submit that, you should found a kingdom, restore the gods and the Brahmans (in their place of honour) and your desire to preserve the religion is worthy of you. Depend on God and proceed with your work. He is powerful enough to grant you success. If you have to found an empire what is the use of fond affection ? The Maharaja is far off, otherwise he too would have been pleased with your aims and achievements." The Maharaja felt pleased with her words as he also was of the same opinion. Then he assembled his Karbharis and Sardars and put the same question to them. They also gave the same counsel. It was then decided to send the following answer to be shown to the Badshah — " You say that the Badshah will extol me if I come, but I shall not surrender what forts and strongholds I have captured. On the other hand I shall capture more.