History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c63.s19.12

v4.c63.s19.12

It was proposed that Shivaji should cede 17 of his forts to Aurangzib and send his son Shambhuji with a contingent to serve under the Mughal subahdar, while the Emperor would create Shambhuji a commander of 6 thousand horse, and grant Shivaji all the country on the right bank of the Bhima. The negotiations were deliberately spun out. Shivaji "demurred to sending his son to the Mughal general until he had better security for his safety." Bahadur Khan reported the terms to the Emperor, who sent in reply a farman accepting them and pardoning Shivaji's past misdeeds. Then the viceroy sent messengers to Shivaji to receive the farman and deliver the forts. But, by this time (July 1675), Phonda had been captured. Shivaji now threw off the mask and dismissed the Mughal envoys with taunts, saying, "What pressure have you succeeded in putting on me that I should seek peace with you? Go hence quickly, or you will be disgraced."