New History of the Marathas v2.c24.100

v2.c24.100

4. Husain Ali secures Maratha Help.—This Shankaraji Malhar, a Maharashtra Brahman surnamed Nargundkar possessed a rare genius for political affairs. He had in 1689 accompanied Chhatrapati Rajaram to Jinji and on some irritation had retired to Benares. But a spirit of restless ambition took possession of his mind, and he readily accepted the Emperor's mission to the Deccan to accompany Saiyad Husain Ali, whose good graces he soon managed to secure and he made himself invaluable in his new office, as Husain Ali himself was an utter stranger to the Marathas. Shankaraji's presence soon became known to Shahu and his Peshwa Balaji, through personal agents and commanders. When Saiyad Husain Ali received a peremptory call from his brother at Delhi, his first concern was not only to close his war with Shahu, but also to gain his friendship and military help in order to prosecute his future plans with success. He deputed Shankaraji to proceed to Satara and secure a friendly arrangement with Shahu. Shankaraji arrived at Satara early in 1718. Shahu and his counsellors grasped this mission almost as a heaven-sent opportunity for establishing a direct contact with Delhi, and for putting an end to the vexatious wars which were sapping their strength and resources practically ever since the release of Shahu.³