History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c73.s2.1

v5.c73.s2.1

In the last year of Shambhuji's reign (1688), the splendid State created by the genius and valour of Shivaji seemed about to break to pieces. Many vassal chiefs, notably the Savants of Vadi, had been in rebellion for some time past and could not be conquered. In November 1688, the Shirké family had risen in arms with the sympathy of the discontented ministers jealous of the foreign favourite Kavikalas and the good wishes of all who despaired of the safety of Shivaji's heritage in the hands of the drunken profligate Shambhu; but they had been defeated and driven out of the country, and the king had taken swift vengeance by throwing into prison Prahlad Niraji, the chief *karkuns* and many other prominent officers (December)—which had the effect of paralysing the administration [Z. S.]