New History of the Marathas v1.c11.28

v1.c11.28

16th June. Shivaji petitioned the Emperor asking permission to go to Benares and there pass his days as a religious recluse. The Emperor replied, “ Let him become a *fakir* and live in the Allahabad fort. My Subahdar there will keep a good watch on him.” Shivaji’s residence is strictly patrolled by the Emperor’s troops. The Kumār too enforces all strictness and caution. Rām Sinh takes Shiva’s son to the Darbar.² No reply has been received by the Emperor from Jay Sinh. It is rumoured Shivaji is secretly soliciting some of the nobles for his release. He offered through them to the Emperor to be allowed to go personally to hand over the forts. The Emperor declined, saying, “ Why need he go there himself? His men will yield the forts upon writing to them.” Shivaji had run out of funds during his unexpectedly long stay at Agra. He had to spend heavily in bribes, presents and perquisites in order to secure his release. He had also to make large purchases. By the middle of July he appealed to Kumār Rām Sinh for a loan and obtained 66,000 rupees for which he gave a hundi on his officers in the Deccan to pay the Mirzā Rājā.”