Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 38.4

38.4

Two thousand select men with excellent military stores had been carefully stationed in the fort, and the Khan was taken above when the principal hall was made ready for an assemblage. The Khan noticed that the military stores in the fort were excellent and if any treachery was attempted he would himself suffer. He therefore came below and felt ashamed. "The project cannot be successfully carried out. It is difficult to capture the fort as the Raje has stationed excellent men (there), and they fight to the best of their power." So thought the Khan and he returned to his camp. It had been settled that a personal interview (between Sivaji and Jaya Sing) should take place. But the Raja sent the following message, — "The Khan captured Rudramal by erecting batteries. It should first be restored and the army should be withdrawn from Purandar, — the interview should take place afterwards." Thereupon Rudramal was restored, the army was withdrawn and the Pandit Rav was again despatched. "How can we believe you?" said he, — "Although some terms had been settled, you committed a breach of the treaty; how can a meeting be arranged now? Some assurances should be given." Thereupon the Khan and Jaya Sing gave assurance.