History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c69.s5.4

v4.c69.s5.4

In this dearth of talent at the Maratha Court and camp, Kavi-kalash's ability shone more conspicuously and his predominance became naturally unrivalled, while Shambhuji's affairs in the outlying parts of his dominions suffered from the lack of competent agents on the spot. The evil was aggravated by fresh conspiracies against the king, which were inevitably followed by the execution or at least imprisonment of more Maratha generals and ministers of leading positions. We hear of the arrest of Manaji Moré (a great general), Gangadhar Pant, Vasudev Pant, and Sahuji Somnath on 29th Oct. 1684 [J.S.] A few months later Hambir Rao (the commander-in-chief) is said to be in prison along with Rajaram. [Karwar to Surat, 8 Apr. 1685 in O.M. 118.] At all events, there is a surprising silence about Hambir Rao's doings after 1683 which shows that he was out of favour and office, even if not in prison. What could not the enterprising spirit, eye for the actual situation and promptness in seizing it, which Netaji and Hambir possessed, have done for Shambhuji in his war with the Portuguese and his attempt to raise Aurangzib's last siege of Bijapur?