Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 33: Phirangoji Narsala's defence of Chakan.

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S.D. [216] Saista Khan reached Chakan, beseiged the fort, mounted his guns (on a bastion) and began to fight. Narsala Phirangoji, Havaldar of the fort defended it for nine months with great valour. The Maharaja was engaged in some other exploits. Reinforcement was sent but it did not reach the place. Saista Khan made all necessary arrangements and then ran a mine. The north-eastern bastion was blown off and the Mughal army was prepared to try an assault. Narsala, a great man, knew that he was now helpless and capitulated on condition of safe retreat. The Khan highly eulogised the Havaldar on that occasion and expressed an earnest desire to have him (in his service). But Narsala was a man of honour and integrity. He answered, "I have eaten the Maharaja's bread and styled myself as his servant. I cannot be disloyal to him and serve you. I shall go back to the Maharaja and continue in his service." * * * * [217] Saista Khan was highly pleased and said, "If Sivaji Raja does not keep you then come to me." But Narsala thought that his parent (Sivaji) will not forsake him as he had committed no treachery and only submitted to the Yavanas as no reinforcement came. If chance offers, one should save his life and that was why he had capitulated. Under these circumstances he had to submit to the Yavanas. With such thoughts he came to the Maharaja and explained what had happened. But the Maharaja thought, — "A servant of mine has submitted with humility to the Yavanas and surrendered a fort to them. To-morrow other officers will follow a similar course and there will be no discipline. Therefore I should punish him. If he is really an honest man, he will stay at home. If on the other hand he is a dishonest self-seeking fellow, he will go over to the Yavanas. It will not then be at all difficult for me to punish him." With this intent he dismissed Narsala and the latter, much distressed, went back with all his horse and men to Saista Khan. With profuse praises he enlisted Narsala into his service with five hundred men, and commissioned him to take charge of a military station at Malkar, a village in the Pargana of Chakan. The Maharaja however was informed of it and sent Netaji Palkar. He went with an army, gathered information, captured Narsala Havaldar, and brought him back. He was appointed Havaldar of Bhupalgad on taking an oath of fidelity.