New History of the Marathas v1.c9.39

v1.c9.39

With the capture of Kalyan Shivaji’s sway came to be exercised over a triangular tract the base of which was formed by the line of the sea-coast from Bassein to Rājāpur and the two sides running from these points and meeting at Indāpur. He reduced several forts in this region, among which was fort Prabalgad near Panvel, which was held by a Bijapuri captain named Kesari Sinh, who lost his life in the encounter. Thereupon Shivaji personally went up the fort and discovered at a certain spot a hidden treasure in large vessels full of *mohars*, *hons* and gold bars. Kesari Sinh’s mother and two children were at the same time taken, hiding from fear of Shivaji. He, however, went to the lady, prostrated himself before her as if she were his own mother, gave her a Palki to ride in and sent her to her native residence at Deulgaon under his own escort. The dead bodies of Kesari Sinh and others who had fallen in defending the fort, were cremated with due rites and honours. Such treatment given to the vanquished foe spread to distant places Shivaji’s fame as a benevolent ruler.