New History of the Marathas v1.c14.36

v1.c14.36

As Shivaji proceeded to the south Sher Khan opposed him with his forces in the vicinity of Tiruvadi. After repeated skirmishes Sher Khan found it impossible to resist Shivaji and offered to surrender. He came for a personal visit which took place on 5th July 1677, when he paid 20 thousand Hons as expenses, delivered his son as a hostage for the balance of his ransom, and effecting his own release ceded the whole country to Shivaji. The ransom was paid in February 1678 when the son was allowed to join his father. It will thus be seen how easily the whole coastal territory of the Karnatak from the Tungabhadrā to the Kāveri came into Shivaji's possession and how the Adilshahi Government was fast dissolving. Shivaji at once organized a regular system of defence and administration by importing twenty thousand hands from Mahārāshtra for revenue and military service.⁵