New History of the Marathas v1.c11.50

v1.c11.50

4. After effects, peace.—Shivaji’s escape from the Emperor’s custody at once nullified all the work of conquest that Jay Sinh had effected in the Deccan and increased the Emperor’s anxieties. His visit to Agra benefited Shivaji more than if he had remained contented with the treaty of Purandar ; he now felt himself no longer bound to observe that treaty. To guard against Shivaji, the Emperor thought of Netāji Pālkar whom Jay Sinh had recently admitted to the Mughal service, and who possessed valuable experience of war in the Deccan. Aurangzeb wrote to Jay Sinh to arrest Netāji and send him a prisoner to the Court, thinking perhaps that he would create further trouble in conjunction with Shivaji. So Netāji and his uncle Kondāji arrived at the capital, when the Emperor suggested to Netāji that if he would turn Muhammadan, he would be amply rewarded ; if he declined, he would have to remain in life-long confinement. Netāji reluctantly agreed and was converted, receiving the name of Muhammad Kuli Khan. He was then married to a Muslim lady and asked to accompany Mahabat Khan on war duty to Afghanistan. Here he remained for 8 years, receiving high praise for the good work he did there. The future career of Netāji and his reconversion will be noticed in a later chapter.