A History of the Mahrattas v1.c17.9

v1.c17.9

The intrigue on the part of the friends of Annajee Dutto was said to have been supported by the whole of the Sirkay family in the Concan, whose motive was revenge for the death of Soyera Bye. Ballajee Aujee Chitnees, a man of the Purbhoo cast who had stood high in Sivajee’s favour,¹ and had been employed by Sumbhajee himself on a confidential mission to Bombay, was accused of being a principal instigator in the meditated treachery. This person, together with his eldest son, one of his relations named Samjee Aujee, Heerajee Furzund, such of the Sirkays as could be apprehended, and lastly Annajee Dutto himself, were at once led out to execution, tied to the feet of elephants, and trampled to death. The principal members of the Sirkay family fled in consternation, and several of them entered the Moghul service. Sumbhajee’s severity, even if just towards Ballajee Aujee, which is doubtful, was extremely impolitic in regard to Annajee Dutto. To put a Bramin to death is always looked upon with horror,² and the fate of the gallant Punt Suchew, who had performed such important services during the rise of Sivajee, was viewed by every one capable of appreciating his worth as a violent and harsh measure, calculated rather to create fear and dissension than to ensure obedience and unanimity.