New History of the Marathas v2.c24.s2.102

v2.c24.s2.102

"You are one of my select sardars, of high respectability, professing the Muslim faith. I am therefore allowing you the possession of the Satara fort for the accommodation of the throne with the title of Sardeshmukh. The Begam Zinat-un-nisa looked upon you as a son." This Khatib brought with him the gold palm of the Emperor given him by the Begam which Shahu worshipped faithfully during his life. The Khatibs still live at Satara. Shahu made no difference between Muslim saints and Hindu ones. Brahmendra-swami, Kacheshvar Bawa, Thakurdas Bawa, the Ramdasis, the Gosavis and others were all equally respected by him. He conferred inams and gifts upon all without distinction. He extended his patronage to the Christians also. After the fall of Bassein he took utmost care of Christian priests and places of worship. Equal respect for all religions was fully ingrained in his blood. Aurangzeb's daughter Zinat-un-nisa treated him like a son and he always respected her as his own mother.