New History of the Marathas v1.c17.50

v1.c17.50

This explains Sambhājī’s situation. Having discovered a plot against his own life, he at once arrested and put to death all those whom he suspected to be involved in the affair, including his step-mother Soyarā Bai. She belonged to the Shirke family, and so Sambhājī’s wrath fell upon the Shirkes, as supporters of the lady; several of them were mercilessly slaughtered. These atrocities occurred during the three months from August to October 1681. As Sambhājī was occupied in the investigation of the plot, he could not meet the Shahzada immediately on his arrival. The harsh punishments which he inflicted upon the offenders, alienated most of his servants. The atmosphere about him became charged with suspicion and hatred for him, and practically continued so till his end. His fury against all those who were rightly or wrongly supposed to be implicated in the plot against him, continued to inflame him throughout his reign. Mānāji More, Gangādhar Pant, Vāsudev Pant, Rāoji Somnāth, Pralhād Nirāji and some others were subjected to hardships and confinement at different times.