New History of the Marathas v1.c8.51

v1.c8.51

Shivaji’s and Dādājī’s experiment of improving the land and the government of the jagir, roused a spirit of emulation and gave a new life to the Maval country. Young friends and playmates of the locality and surrounding regions began to flock round him to share his labours and render any sacrifice that might be demanded. In this way he began to gather around himself a band of young faithful comrades. His vision expanded; he began to dream of a new *swarajya* outside the limits of the original jagir but based upon it. He used to hold secret consultations with these comrades in arms, planning to capture forts, secure funds by daring attacks on private and public treasures, selecting suitable persons for particular jobs, employing spies to gather information about the strength of the garrisons of forts, about buried wealth, and the measures concerted by the Bijapur and other authorities to stop these activities. On broad, plain issues these young enthusiasts sought the advice and guidance of Dādājī Kondadev. Gomāji Naik Panasambal, Yesāji Kank, Tānāji Malusre, Bāji Pāsalkar, and Bājirao Jedhe, son of Kānhoji Jedhe, became Shivaji's early helpmates. They possessed influence in different localities which they soon organized for the main objective.