New History of the Marathas v1.c9.30

v1.c9.30

In this long and vexatious affair many have accused Shivaji of wanton treachery. The Morays could easily have saved themselves if they had had the wisdom to yield, as happened in the case of the Sarnaik of Purandar. The women and dependents of the Morays were most kindly looked after. The verdict pronounced in common parlance on the Moray affair says, “ A dozen advisers gathered, and the state of the Chandrarais suffered a fall.”¹ Out of a long tale of conflicting details only the main story is summarized above. Shivaji seized the domain with all its wealth and treasure accumulated through centuries of power. History will certainly pronounce an adverse judgment upon Shivaji’s dealings with the Morays. The result, however, proved highly beneficial to his purpose, as the world came to know what to expect from him if an open opposition were offered to his plans and desires. Fort Wasota which belonged to the Morays soon fell into his hands. So all the twelve Mavals from Junnar to Wai came into Shivaji’s possession.