A History of the Mahrattas v1.c13.76

v1.c13.76

Aurungzebe, in a long letter to Sivajee, distinctly confirms the substance of what is recorded by the Mahrattas to have taken place at the convention of Poorundhur, enumerates the twelve forts, and promises a munsub of five thousand horse to Sivajee’s son. Aurungzebe’s letter does not specify Chouth and Surdeshmookhee; indeed, it is probable he did not comprehend their meaning or insidious tendency, but as he also had sinister views, in his plan of undermining the government of Beejapoor, he agrees to Sivajee’s proposal, on condition of his accompanying Raja Jey Sing with his troops, exerting himself in the conquest of that state, and paying the first instalment of the promised Peshkush.¹