A History of the Mahrattas v1.c10.52

v1.c10.52

In the Mawuls were three persons with whom Sivajee constantly associated; their names were Yessjee Kunk, Tannajee Maloosray,² and Bajee Phasalkur. The last was Deshmookh of Moossay Khora; the other two had also some hereditary rights among their native hills. These three were the first known adherents and military followers of Sivajee. Assisted by them, he held communication with the Killidar of Torna, a hill fort exceedingly difficult of access, twenty miles south-west of Poona, at the source of the Neera river; and by means the particulars of which are not known induced him to give over the place. This event happened in the year 1646.¹ As soon as they had got possession, Sivajee, who pretended that he was acting for the advantage of government, sent Wukeels to Beejapoor to represent what he had done, and the many benefits likely to result to the king from having a faithful servant in that sequestered part of the country, the value of which had never been ascertained owing to the farming of districts to Deshmookhs whose interest lay in concealing their resources. As a proof of this statement, he offered a much larger rent than had been paid during the ten years which that tract had been in possession of Beejapoor. The answers to these applications were put off from day to day, which suited Sivajee’s purpose, as his object was merely to gain time. His representations were seconded by bribes to the courtiers, as usual on such occasions, and for several years little notice was taken of him.²