New History of the Marathas v1.c19.s1.16

v1.c19.s1.16

4. Raybhanji Kaka.—Shivaji’s father Shahji had several illegitimate sons, one of whom by name Raybhanji managed to get into the Mughal employment about 1703 and helped Shāhu to the best of his power. He was then popularly known as Bhanji Kaka. The Emperor created him a commander of six thousand and often employed him as a medium of communication with the Maratha Government. After 1703 the Emperor began to entertain serious ideas of closing the war on honourable terms and returning tq Delhi. It was in this connection that he found Raybhanji serviceable, as his close personal association with men and affairs of the Deccan during the last several years gave him a unique position. Raybhanji lived to see Shāhu properly crowned at Satara at a later date. To all appearances the Emperor showed deep interest and great concern in the well-being of Shāhu, and thought it the best means of closing the war to release him and send him to claim from his aunt his paternal right to the Maratha throne.