Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 37.1

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.