Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 37: Jaya Sing's Expedition.
Siva Chhatrapati (S. N. Sen) 37
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Jaya Sing's Expedition.
37.1
Ch. [101] Jaya Sing appreciated the Raja's character and power of conquest. "This king is a very virtuous Hindu," — thought he — "He will restore the religion. He rules his kingdom with justice. He should somehow be saved and at the same time the Badshah's interests should also be served by diplomacy. If we fight against him no one knows what will be the result, victory or defeat. His army and stores are good, [102] he is himself a diplomat, his strongholds are excellent, and every thing else is to his advantage. Moreover other generals had to retreat unsuccessful; it will be bad if the same thing happens to me. I should therefore (manage to) go with my honour (intact)." Arguing in this manner, he decided to seek the Maharaja's friendship and sent an envoy with the following message, — "Aurangzib is the mighty ruler of the Earth, you should make friendship with him. The ultimate result of hostility will not be good. I am a Hindu and Raja of Jayapur, — you are a Sisodia of the Udayapur family. You are a scion of a great family, and the defence of our faith is traditional in your family. Your efforts are directed to that end. I am therefore favourably disposed towards you. It is my earnest desire to save you and to maintain your kingdom. Let me know what is your intention." When this message was sent the Maharaja deliberated thus, — "It is the Sri's order that I should go to Delhi once, see our eastern provinces and visit the Ganges and the holy places.
37.2
It is therefore well that a friendly proposal has come. I should, therefore, receive (the envoy) with honour and respect and send my own envoy with him." This decision being approved by all, Raghunath Bhat Pandit Rav was sent on an embassy with horses, elephants and servants. Clothes of honour were sent to Jayasing Raje and the Khan. When the Pant obtained an interview, he submitted the following proposal of the Maharaja in course of his negotiation, — "You say that I should make friendship with the Badshah and (I know) I should do so. But what territories and forts I possess I have won by my own prowess. They were foreign territories (previous to my conquest). They should not be disturbed by the Badshah and peace should be maintained. It is necessary to me that I should secure promotion and advancement by a personal interview. We have therefore no difference of opinion." Hearing this frank proposal Jaya Sing Raje answered, — "As you have restored and defended the overthrown Hindu religion, I am pleased with you. As Ram Sing is my son, so are you. By my oaths I assert I have no other intention. Let me know what you want me to get for you from the Badshah and we will decide (our future course) accordingly." Having answered him in this manner, Jaya Sing arranged an interview between the envoy and Dilel Khan.
37.3
Clothes and jewels, the envoy had brought, were presented to Dilel Khan and he was made acquainted with the purport of the negotiation. His (Duel's) counsel taken, Jaya Sing gave clothes to the Pandit Rav and then sent him back with a dress of honour and jewels for the Maharaja. [103] The envoy came back and acquainted the Maharaja with the proposal of Jaya Sing. The Maharaja then wrote out his own intents, — "What territories I have conquered should be all left to me. Besides them the Chauth and the Sardesmukhi of the Deccan should be granted to me. What forts and strongholds I have built or captured should be continued in my possession and friendship should be concluded." With this message the envoy was again despatched. He went and produced the paper. Jaya Sing was thereupon convinced that the Maharaja wanted to conclude peace. [It was settled that terms of peace should be settled after an interview with Sivaji but Dilel Khan protested that no terms should be settled without previously obtaining the Imperial sanction. In the meantime he proposed to make an exhibition of their power by capturing Purandar and Sinhagad. As Jaya Sing was not agreeable Dilel Khan tried to storm Purandar without waiting for Jaya Sing's co-operation, but he had to return unsuccessful. Sivaji naturally resented this breach of faith and the subsequent negotiation according to Chitnis was very humiliating to the Mughals]