Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 43.1

43.1

Ch. [131] Naro Pant's son, Raghunath Narayan, was a learned man of great intelligence and ability. After Sahaji's death he conducted the administration, preserved the estate and made considerable addition to the treasury. So long as Vyankaji Raje was a minor he was guided by him. But afterwards though he had little power and application, Vyankaji aspired to take the Government into his own hands. But he was wanting in intelligence and could not act as instructed. So he began to dislike the doings of the Karbharis and great men and promoted low people and listened to their advice. Thereupon Raghunath Pant perceived that it would be difficult to maintain the influence won by his father in the service of Vyankaji. It was true that Vyankaji was his master, but the power and influence of Sivaji Maharaj was daily increasing and he too was an owner of the kingdom. He might therefore blame Raghunath. It appeared fit to Raghunath that he should remain indifferent (to worldly matters) performing baths and prayers and live at holy places. But it would be a stain on his faithful service, if the kingdom suffered any diminution while he was still alive. Therefore Raghunath decided to offer Vyankaji some counsel. So he began to watch the Raje's doings indifferently, and when the Raje did something wrong he admonished him in the following manner. — "Raje Saheb! We are your ancestral servants. We know that it is beneficial to us to bring about your good and we work to that end.