History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c74.s4.2

v5.c74.s4.2

In the February of this year, Shambhuji was captured by the Mughals. When the news of the disaster reached Harji, he imprisoned Kesho Trimbak and his adherents at Trinomali, and made himself free from the chance of his rivalry. But later the reports of Mughal progress and Maratha reverses in the homeland and Rajaram's disappearance into obscurity alarmed him and for a time he seems to have thought of submitting to the Mughals and paying them tribute. (*Madras Diary*, 2 Aug. 1689.) But he wisely decided, instead, to strengthen his army, improve the defences of Jinji, and defy the Mughals from its impregnable shelter. He released Kesho Trimbak on 19th August, but himself died a month afterwards (c. 19th Sep.)* His wife Ambika Bai, (Shivaji's daughter), continued to govern the fort and province on behalf of her minor sons. But the situation at Jinji was unexpectedly reversed by the arrival of Rajaram there on the 1st or 2nd of November, 1689.