A History of the Mahrattas v1.c4.28

v1.c4.28

State of politics in the Deccan when Sivajee undertakes his expedition into the Carnatic.—How suggested—preliminary arrangements.—Sivajee departs.—Conference and alliance with Kootub Shah at Hyderabad—proceeds to the southward—extraordinary devotions.—Progress of the conquests.—Negotiations with Venkajee.—Golcondah is invaded by the Moghuls, and the army of Beejapoor—they are repulsed.—Death of Abdool Khureem.—Musaood Khan, by the influence of Dilere Khan, appointed regent.—Sivajee sets out on his return—takes Bellary, etc.—Venkajee attacks Sivajee’s troops, and is defeated.—A body of Mahrattas in the service of Beejapoor defeated by Sivajee’s troops.—Successes of Jenardin Punt, who by the aid of Humbeer Rao reduces the Dooab.—Proceedings of Moro Punt.—Sultan Mauzum returns to Aurungabad as viceroy.—Dilere Khan again ordered against Beejapoor.—Musaood Khan calls in the aid of Sivajee, who commits dreadful devastation in the Moghul provinces—plunders Jaulna—is attacked, and in danger of being worsted, when he retrieves the day by his personal exertions—is subsequently saved from great danger by one of his guides.—Twenty-seven forts taken.—Musaood Khan earnestly solicits further assistance.—Sumbhajee deserts to the Moghuls.—Dilere Khan’s proposals.—Emperor’s objections.—Sumbhajee returns to his father.—Dilere Khan raises the siege of Beejapoor—crosses the Kistna, with a body of horse, and is attacked and defeated by Jenardin Punt.—Sivajee’s claims in consequence of the assistance afforded to Beejapoor.—Supremacy of Tanjore, etc., transferred to Sivajee.—Venkajee’s independence affected by this arrangement—his behaviour in consequence.—Sivajee’s excellent advice.—Sivajee’s death and character—possessions and treasures.—The ministers influenced by Soyera Bye, propose setting Sumbhajee aside, and appointing Raja Ram to the succession.—Sumbhajee discovers the plot—takes command of Panalla—displays considerable energy—seizes Jenardin Punt.— Moro Punt and Humbeer Rao join Sumbhajee.—The garrison of Raigurh and the army declare for him . . . pp. 211–234