New History of the Marathas v1.c9.75

v1.c9.75

⁸ Afzal Khan’s ballad composed and sung by Ajnāndas has been printed, in which the author says he was sent for from Poona by Jija Bai to Pratāpgad and was ordered to sing the glorious achievement of her son. In those days this was the only means of publishing such events. Ajnāndas says he composed the ballad and so impressed Jija Bai and Shivaji with its recitation that they rewarded him with two lbs. of gold ingot and a horse. The piece stirs our heart even to-day and contains many details which may be taken as accurate. Any way this is the only extant record of that memorable incident. The writer has used the words "Chhatrapati" and "Maharaj" for Shivaji. He describes him as one out of whose tank all animals have their drink in peace. Religious fanaticism is attributed to Afzal Khan. A very readable English translation in verse is published by Acworth.