Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 36: SIVAJI AVENGES HIS FATHER'S ARREST.

36

S. P. [198] A letter came from Sahaji Raje to the Maharaja, — [199] "Baji Ghorpade took me to the Badshah, and in my old age entertained me with excellent hospitality. Thanks to the blessings of our ancestors and the favour of the gods, you have no deficiency of wealth, but still you are behaving improperly. You do not pay any attention (to my counsel) even if I write to you. What property I have earned will be of use to you. You should pay full attention to what may improve or impair it; and so behave as it may continue undiminished in future. But the counsels in my letter appear injurious to you and you behave according to the dictates of your own mind. * * * We had prayed for what was due to our good deeds of previous births and you were born. You are now exerting yourself and you are an expert in what you have undertaken. My prayer is that through God's blessings your heart's desire may be fulfilled, and you may enjoy ever increasing wealth being always well bathed in the stream of tears from the eyes of enemy women. Entertain Ghorpade Raje with notable respect. I need not write at length about it. He has done me great favours and you must have heard of them." The letter greatly enraged the Maharaja and he went to Panhaja. Thence he gathered information and led an expedition to Mudhol, the fief of Ghorpade. Two to three thousand men were put to the sword and fire was set to Mudhol. Baji Ghorpade, his son, and all the family were beheaded. Only a wife of Baji Ghorpade, and Akaji Ghorpade, her son, survived as they had gone to the lady's father's place.