A History of the Mahrattas v1.c10.56

v1.c10.56

Whilst the Wukeels were thus amusing the government at Beejapoor, Sivajee was collecting Mawulees and strengthening and repairing Torna. When digging up some ruins in that fort,³ he accidentally discovered a large quantity of gold, which had been buried at some remote period: a piece of good fortune attributed to a miracle worked in his favour by the goddess Bhowanee, which afforded great support and encouragement in prosecuting his plans. Arms and ammunition were purchased; and he resolved on employing the money thus bestowed in building another fort. For this purpose he pitched on the Mountain of Mhorbudh, three miles south-east of Torna, and used astonishing exertion in fortifying it. When finished he gave it the name of Rajgurh. During its progress, reports of what was going forward from time to time reached Beejapoor; the work was forbidden, and letters were dispatched to Shahjee in the Carnatic, calling upon him to account for these proceedings: Shahjee replied that his son had not consulted him; but as he himself and all his family were devoted servants of the king's government, Sivajee, without doubt, had been acting for the improvement or security of the Jagheer. Shahjee, at the same time, wrote to Dadajee Konedeo and his son, censuring the proceedings of the latter, desiring an explanation, and calling upon him to desist. Dadajee Konedeo, with the deepest interest in his welfare, urged every argument to induce Sivajee to abandon his designs; he represented the probable ruin and the certain risk he incurred, by such daring and unjustifiable conduct. He likewise set forth great prospects which his father's name and respectability presented, in a faithful adherence to the government of Beejapoor. Sivajee answered by fair words; but the old man saw that his purpose was unshaken. Infirm by age, worn out by disease, and now a prey to anxiety for the fate of his master's house, Dadajee did not long survive. But just before his death he sent for Sivajee; when so far from dissuading him in his accustomed manner, he advised him to prosecute his plans of independence; to protect Bramins, kine, and cultivators; to preserve the temples of the Hindoos from violation; and to follow the fortune which lay before him. After this, having recommended his family to his young master's care, he expired.