New History of the Marathas v2.c24.136

v2.c24.136

under severe trial. After Aurangzeb's death at Ahmadnagar the party were forced to follow his son Azam Shah in his journey to the north and were taken to Delhi as hostages. After the long and wearisome detention at the capital Yesubai was released in March 1719 and soon after reached Satara to find her son securely seated on the Maratha throne. After her return to Satara she seems to have lived for at least 12 years more. Yesubai ended her chequered life very happily, leaving behind a pious memory of a pure and selfless soul. Sambhaji wrote the following letter of condolence to Shahu on learning of the death of Yesubai. It discloses the unusual reverence in which the lady was held by all.