Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 25.2

25.2

Ch. [51] The Elder Begam and Ali Adilshah Badshah observed that, Sivaji had turned a rebel, taken possession of provinces, forts and strongholds, and led raiding expeditions as far as Bidar. His army and revenue had grown considerable. And it would not be well unless a general of high rank was sent with a well matured plan and punished Sivaji. He did not listen even to his father's counsel. What should be done ? When this question was put, Afzal Khan made the following determined speech, — "Is Sivaji's affair of so much importance ? If I am ordered I shall go and bring him a prisoner or kill him outright." Thereupon he was greatly extolled, given robes of honour, and sent with a powerful army and vast stores. Then three thousand new Mawle footmen, well acquainted with the locality, were enlisted and with a total force of thirty thousand Afzal, in his pride, marched to Tuljapur. He would have committed sacrilege upon the goddess but she was removed by the officiating priest. Then the Khan came to Pandharpur and molested the people of that place, but the image was hidden by the attending priest. Thence he marched towards Mahadev, committing oppression upon gods and Brahmans as he went.