New History of the Marathas v1.c10.102

v1.c10.102

At this time a grievous breach occurred between Shivaji and Netāji Pālkar, which cannot be satisfactorily accounted for. It deserves to be carefully noticed and investigated as it has a close relation with Shivaji's history. Netāji was doubtless a valiant soldier, second only to Shivaji in tactics, and he had rendered long and valuable services to the Maratha State. A quarrel arose between them on some point of discipline; and while Jay Sinh's war with Bijapur was on, Netāji left Shivaji's service and joining the Bijapuri forces, created thereby a serious situation for Jay Sinh, who, by means of secret overtures took Netāji into the Mughal service and obtained for him a five thousand command from the Emperor (20 March 1666). We shall hear more of Netāji in due course.