History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c73.s2.7

v5.c73.s2.7

Finding the Mughal pursuit dangerously close and persistent, Rajaram left Panhala about 30th June 1689,* passed through many perilous adventures and a period of concealment in Bednur territory, and then by rapid marches reached Vellore on 28th October, and some four days later entered Jinji "in humble guise" like a poor private person. There he took over the government from the unwilling hands of Harji Mahadik's widow and son, formed a full Court and began to reign like a king, though in extreme poverty. The Peshwa Nilkantha M. Pinglé accompanied his master to Jinji, but there fell completely into the second place. He merely stamped his seal on the royal letters, while the king's leading counsellor and the supreme authority in the State was Prahlad Niraji, on whom the high title of Regent (Pratinidhi) was conferred and who thus stood outside and above the cabinet of eight ministers (Ashta-Pradhan).