New History of the Marathas v1.c14.12

v1.c14.12

Like Dādāji Kondadev in Mahārāshtra Nāro Trimal Hanumante had been in Shahji's employ first under the Nizam-shah and had later migrated with him to Bangalore. Soon after Nāropant died leaving two able sons Janārdan and Raghu-nāth, who in their turn continued to render faithful service to Shahji. Janārdan Pant's services were transferred to Shivaji while Raghunāth Pant continued to look after Shahji's interests in the Karnatak. After Shahji's death Raghunāth Pant served Ekoji with equal zeal and capacity. The principality of Tanjore was a vassal of Bijapur. Ekoji managed to take possession of it in 1675 under the advice and guidance of Raghu-nāth Pandit. Whether his coronation connoted a break from the vassalage of Bijapur is a moot point. It is sufficient for our purpose to note that Ekoji's administration under the wise guidance of Raghunāth Pant proved highly beneficial to the subjects. The Jesuit Missionary writes in 1676,—