A History of the Mahrattas v1.c12.100

v1.c12.100

After the Sawunts were reduced, the minister of Ali Adil Shah, Abdool Mohummud, entered into a secret compact with Sivajee.³ The particulars of this agreement, or the means by which it was brought about, are totally unknown; but it is not improbable that it may have been effected through the intervention of Shahjee. It is certain, that about this period, Shahjee, who had been delighted with the exploit of his son against the treacherous Ghorepuray, came from the Carnatic, accompanied by his other son Venkajee, and visited Sivajee, with the consent and approbation of his own government. Sivajee treated his father with the greatest distinction, and on hearing of his approach, according to Mahratta notions of profound respect, went several miles to meet him, dismounted from his horse, and saluted him with the obeisance due by a servant to his sovereign; insisted on walking by the side of his father’s palanquin, and would not sit in his presence until repeatedly commanded. After some weeks spent in conviviality, and visiting various parts of Sivajee’s territory, Shahjee, highly gratified, returned to Beejapoor, the bearer of presents from Sivajee to the king⁴; and what strengthens the supposition of Shahjee’s having been the mediator, hostilities from that time were suspended between Sivajee and Beejapoor during the life of Shahjee; nor, when they were renewed, was Sivajee the aggressor.