Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 41: SIVAJI INTERVIEWS AURANGZIB.

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S. D. [245] Ram Sing met him there and made the substance of the Emperor's speech known to him. The interview was to be according to the manner and style of one that Sahaji had, when he had visited Bijapur. "After due salutations you will answer what he will ask, or you will point your hands to me and I shall submit your prayers and get them granted" [said Ram Sing]. The Raja answered, "The interview should be on terms of equality. I will not salute a Turk by touching the earth with my hands." Ram Sing's reply to the Raja's objection was that as the Maharaja had come to the Emperor for his own interest, it would not be wrong to pay respects in the prescribed form. "Get what you want and when the Emperor will go to your place, demand an interview on terms of equality. Until that time do not think of it." Ram Sing then explained to him the usual limit to be observed in approaching the throne and in speaking there. The Raja listened to him but in his own mind he thought, — "I am an independent king of the Hindus, why should I make obeisances? What do I care for this Turk? Has my position at all been affected because I have come to Delhi?" When asked by Ram Sing he went for the interview. On the right near the imperial throne was the place of honour of Rohila Khan wazir. The Maharaja sat there. Sambhaji Raje was near him and so was Ram Sing. Ram Sing first made his obeisance and then stepped aside to enable the Raja to pay his respects, but he lost his corporal consciousness. He was greatly excited and thought, — "I am a Sarbabhaum King, why should I salute a Yavana?" The Maharaja in his rage appeared to be the Yama himself armed with the rod of death (danda) for punishing the world on the day of extinction. The Emperor noticed it but he understood the case and was calmed when Ram Sing remarked that the Maharaja was a Dakshini. Then Aurangzib addressed the Maharaja in the following manner, — "You have come a great distance. I have heard much about your deeds and I am highly pleased to see you. What I have heard of you is really true. You are really a man of extraordinary capacity." Such was the regardful speech made by the Emperor, and then he presented to the Raja and his son a necklace of pearl, a pearl tura (tassel), a head dress and clothes.
The Maharaja replied, — "You wanted to see me and sent a friendly invitation, so I came. You say I have come far, but this is my country, so the question of distance does not arise at all." In this manner did he speak. Then Ram Sing got the signal for going away and he did the same thing to the Maharaja. He and his son got up without making the usual salute, to retire to the house appointed for them.