History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c61.s3.1

v4.c61.s3.1

His diplomatic web having been thus subtly woven, Jai Singh collected the sinews of war. The imperial forces* under his banners numbered about 40,000 troopers, to which must be added local auxiliaries. Shivaji sent him 2,000 troopers whom his son as a 5-hazari was bound by the regulations to supply, and 7,000 expert infantry of his own. The Maratha contingent was commanded by Netaji Palkar, reputed in the Deccan as "a second Shivaji." Jai Singh thought that Shivaji could be more usefully employed in capturing forts and making diversions in other parts of the Bijapur territory than in accompanying the imperial army. He had the highest opinion of Shivaji's skill as a general and wrote to the Emperor; "In this expedition he can render very valuable services......His attendance in the present campaign is very necessary." Khafi Khan (ii. 192) also bears witness to Shivaji's usefulness, saying "Shiva and Netaji were noted masters and experienced hands in the art of capturing forts."