Muntakhab al-lubab 49: War in the Dakkin. Surrender of Sivaji.

Muntakhabu-l Lubáb, of Kháfí Khán (Elliot & Dowson, extracts) 49

Language: English

War in the Dakkin. Surrender of Sivaji.

49.1

Raja Jai Singh proceeded to his command and paid his respects to Prince Muhammad Mu'azzam at Aurangabad. He then went to Puna, and having arranged the affairs of that district, he employed himself in distributing the forces under his command to ravage the country and attack the forts of the enemy. He himself proceeded to attack the forts of Purandhar and Rudar Mal, two of the most noted fortresses in the country, which had formerly belonged to Nizamu-l Mulk. The two forts were close to each other. Diler Khan was sent on in command of the advanced force. * * Diler Khan began the siege, and both the forts were invested. The garrison made a vigorous defence. * * Jai Singh arrived with his son Kesar Singh. * * After a bastion had been blown up on one side, a panic seized the defenders of the foot of the hill. The besiegers then attacked them and succeeded in making their way to the top of the hill, when the defenders called for quarter, which was granted to them by the Raja and Diler Khan. The two commandants waited upon Diler Khan, and were sent to the Raja, who disarmed the garrison, and took possession of the forts. Eighty men, horsemen, infantry and sappers, were lost in the siege, and more than a hundred were wounded. After the conquest of the two forts, Raja Jai Singh sent Daud Khan and * * with seven thousand horse to plunder and lay waste the country which Sivaji had won by force and violence.

49.2

Great efforts were made on both sides, and for five months the Imperial forces never rested from harassing and fighting the enemy. At Sivapur, which was built by Sivaji, and at the forts of Kandana and Kanwari-garh, not one trace of cultivation was left, and cattle out of number were taken. But on the other hand, the sudden attacks by the enemy, their brilliant successes, their assaults in dark nights, their seizure of the roads and difficult passes, and the firing of the jungles full of trees, severely tried the Imperial forces, and men and beasts in great numbers perished. But the enemy also had suffered great losses, and took to flight. The fort of Rajgarh, which Sivaji himself held, and the fort of Kandana, in which were his wife and his maternal relations, were both invested, and the besiegers pressed the garrisons hard. The roads on all sides were blockaded, and Sivaji knew that, however much he might desire it, he could not rescue his family and carry them to a place of safety. He also knew that if these strongholds were taken, his wife and family would be liable to suffer the consequences of his own evil deeds. Accordingly he sent some intelligent men to Raja Jai Singh, begging forgiveness of his offences, promising the surrender of several forts which he still held, and proposing to pay a visit to the Raja.

49.3

But the Raja, knowing well his craft and falsehood, gave directions for pressing the attack more vigorously, until the intelligence was brought that Sivaji had come out of the fortress. Some confidential Brahmans now came from him, and confirmed his expressions of submission and repentance with the most stringent oaths. The Raja promised him security for his life and honour, upon condition of his going to wait on the Emperor, and of agreeing to enter into his service. He also promised him the grant of a high mansab, and made preparations for suitably receiving him. Sivaji then approached with great humility. The Raja sent his munshi to receive him, and he also sent some armed Rajputs to provide against treachery. The munshi carried a message to say that if Sivaji submitted frankly, gave up his forts, and consented to show obedience, his petition for forgiveness would be granted by the Emperor. If he did not accept these terms, he had better return and prepare to renew the war. When Sivaji received the message, he said with great humility that he knew his life and honour were safe if he made his submission. The Raja then sent a person of higher rank to bring him in with honour. When Sivaji entered, the Raja arose, embraced him, and seated him near himself. Sivaji then, with a thousand signs of shame, clasped his hands and said, "I have come as a guilty slave to seek forgiveness, and it is for you either to pardon or to kill me at your pleasure.

49.4

I will make over my great forts, with the country of the Kokan, to the Emperor's officers, and I will send my son to enter the Imperial service. As for myself, I hope that after the interval of one year, when I have paid my respects to the Emperor, I may be allowed, like other servants of the State, who exercise authority in their own provinces, to live with my wife and family in a small fort or two. Whenever and wherever my services are required, I will, on receiving orders, discharge my duty loyally." The Raja cheered him up, and sent him to Diler Khan. After directions had been given for the cessation of the siege, seven thousand persons, men, women and children, came out of the fort. All that they could not carry away became the property of the Government, and the fort was taken possession of by the forces. Diler Khan presented Sivaji with a sword, and * *. He then took him back to the Raja, who presented him with a robe, * * and renewed his assurances of safety and honourable treatment. Sivaji, with ready tact, bound on the sword in an instant, and promised to render faithful service. When the question about the time Sivaji was to remain under parole, and of his return home, came under consideration. Raja Jai Singh wrote to the Emperor, asking forgiveness for Sivaji and the grant of a robe to him, and awaited instructions. * * A mace-bearer arrived with the farman and a robe, * * and Sivaji was overjoyed at receiving forgiveness and honour.

49.5

A discussion then arose about the forts, and it was finally settled that out of the thirty-five forts which he possessed, the keys of twenty-three should be given up, with their revenues, amounting to ten lacs of huns, or forty lacs of rupees. Twelve small forts, with moderate revenues, were to remain in the possession of Sivaji's people. Sambha his son, a boy of eight years old, in whose name a mansab of 5000 had been granted at Raja Jai Singh's suggestion, was to proceed to Court with the Raja, attended by a suitable retinue. Sivaji himself, with his family, was to remain in the hills, and endeavour to restore the prosperity of his ravaged country. Whenever he was summoned on Imperial service, he was to attend. On his being allowed to depart, he received a robe, horse, and * *.