New History of the Marathas v1.c11.24

v1.c11.24

For more than three months from 12th May to 17th August Shivaji stayed at Agra, under confinement which became more rigorous as the days passed. How to remove the deadlock was the question which agitated both the Emperor’s and Shivaji’s minds during this interval. The former, however, made up his mind to put Shivaji to death, in what decent way was the only point he had to decide. Shivaji too understood what fate there was in store for him and set about making preparations to meet it. The Jaipur letters have the following entries on this point :—One day in a general talk in Rām Sinh’s tent Shivaji said, “ it is sheer destiny that has brought me here. Why did you not advise the Mahārājā (Mirzā Rājā) against sending me into the Emperor’s hands ?” Shivaji then paid some money to the Vazir Jafar Khan to win his support ; and on other courtiers too he spent more or less. He sent presents to many Umras to gain their favour. On 20th May Jafar Khan presented Shivaji’s petition to the Emperor and got him to pardon Shivaji’s offence and spare his life. Previous to this the Emperor had ordered Rām Sinh and Shivaji to go on duty to Kābul. But afterwards he rescinded that order. There were hopes that Shivaji would be taken to the Emperor and formally pardoned.