New History of the Marathas v1.c10.97

v1.c10.97

This Persian metrical letter on the face of it reveals the surcharged atmosphere of the Mughal camp during the days of Shivaji’s visit, which is admirably depicted even by Manucci. There was an unprecedented stir in the camp. Great vigilance prevailed there, lest some mischief should occur through the wily Shivaji. The small details mentioned in the letter could not have been reproduced unless the author had breathed that vivacious atmosphere. Shivaji brought to Jay Sinh’s notice how he was being deluded into false hopes by the wily Emperor; he removed all Jay Sinh’s fears about treachery on his own part on account of the way he had behaved in the affair of Afzal Khan. But, urged Shivaji, people did not know that Afzal Khan had kept a reserve of 1200 Abyssinian troops in hiding near the place where they met; and had therefore to act in the way he did to save his own life. The letter mentions the severe taunts that Shivaji personally conveyed to Jay Sinh. The latter, however, all along soberly maintained, “after all the Emperor was their master; it is our duty to obey him and to be perfectly loyal to him.” Thereupon Shivaji earnestly put him the plain question, “were you not equally bound to be loyal to Shah Jahan, when you were ordered to march under Dara Shukoh’s command against the rebel Aurangzeb? Were not Shah Jahan and Dara your masters? Did they not put perfect faith in your honesty? What happened to your loyalty then when you treacherously deserted them and joined Aurangzeb? Don’t you suppose you have been finally absolved from these heinous sins? You will surely have to answer for them before the Final Arbiter, if not even in this world. Anyway, friend, beware of Aurangzeb. If you give me a helping hand, well and good; if not, I am perfectly able to take care of myself. I have already cast my die, and am prepared to stand by it.”