Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 38.3

38.3

You have upset (my) diplomatic efforts. What course should be followed now?" In the meantime an officer named Sultan Dhava had been sent with an army to lay siege to Sinhagad; news came that the Maharaja had routed him by four or five surprise attacks in the early morning and plundered the army. Thereupon the Khan was cooled down and he addressed Jaya Sing as follows, — "Do what will bring about the interview and inspire the Raja's confidence. But I constructed batteries against Purandar and led an assault upon it. I had taken a vow for capturing the fort but it was not fulfilled. [105] Therefore he (Sivaji) should raise our standard on the fort but it will be returned to him by treaty again. Do this much and the rest may be done according to the former negotiation." "I shall try and see what can be done," answered the Raja. The Maharaja and Jaya Sing were of the same mind. The envoy had been sent away simply because of the Khan's obstinacy, but in reality they held the same view. An envoy was again sent (to Sivaji) with the following message, — "What is done is done. The terms previously settled should be now confirmed. Our standard should be only once raised on the fort but the fort should remain yours. Concede this much only." To this message Sivaji answered, — "Your standard cannot be raised on the fort. The Khan may visit the fort with one thousand followers in any manner he likes." Thereupon it was settled that the Khan should visit the fort.