A History of the Mahrattas v1.c15.1

v1.c15.1

A.D. 1670. — THE apparent inactivity of Sivajee, and the peace between the Beejapoor state and the Moghuls, gave hopes of a tranquillity long unknown in the Deccan. Sivajee, it was supposed, satisfied with what he had already acquired, or sensible of his inability to cope with the imperial armies, would now abstain from depredation and endeavour to secure the favour of the Moghul viceroy by presents, such as were customary from those who were not altogether independent of his authority. It was indeed well known that both Sultan Mauzum and Jeswunt Sing were in the habit of receiving large sums of money from Sivajee ; and the report became at last so general, that Aurungzebe, desirous probably of dissolving their connection, if he could not succeed in again drawing Sivajee into his power, sent a peremptory order, threatening his son with severe displeasure if he did not apprehend Sivajee, Pertab Rao Goozur, and several of the principal officers. Before the public order arrived, Sultan Mauzum, apprised of its approach, privately warned Pertab Rao Goozur, who, accompanied by Sivajee’s envoy, Neerajee Ramjee, fled with the horse the same night and safely reached Poona, although pursued by a detachment sent after them by Sultan Mauzum to save appearances with the Emperor.