History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c60.s16.2

v4.c60.s16.2

Jai Singh was placed in a dilemma by this unexpected result of Shivaji's visit to the Court. True, he had sent Shivaji away to Northern India "by a thousand devices" in order to get him out of the Deccan when the military situation there turned against the Mughals; but he had also pledged his honour for the safe return of his ally. He, therefore, tried to persuade the Emperor that he would gain nothing by imprisoning or killing Shivaji, as the Maratha chief's wise arrangements had made his Government independent of his personality; on the contrary the imperial interests in that quarter would be best promoted by turning Shivaji into a friend, at the same time that such a course would convince the public of the sacredness of the imperial officers' words. All the while Jai Singh continued to write to his Court agent, Ram Singh, to see to it that Shivaji's life was safe and the solemn assurances of the Rajput father and son remained inviolate.