New History of the Marathas v1.c15.49

v1.c15.49

Father and son lived together for nearly a month at Panhālā, both deeply distressed at heart. But if human minds could be suddenly reclaimed by mere wordy advice or remonstrance, the world would be an entirely different place. “There was no repentance, no change in Sambhājī,” says Sabhāsad. Shivaji was overtaken by a serious ailment. His future appeared altogether clouded to him, his health rapidly failed. That his own son should join his enemies was too much for the father to bear. He gave hurried orders for Sambhājī being kept in confinement at Panhālā and appointed Hiroji Farzand, Somājī Naik Banki, and Vithal Trimbak (grand-son of Murār Bāji and keeper of the fort) to watch him closely. He also asked Janārdan Pant to remove himself from Kopbal to Kolhāpur, exercise strict supervision upon Sambhājī and prevent him from committing further mischief. Shivaji in a despairing mood started to seek solace at Sajjangad in the company of the saint Rāmdās.