Shivaji and His Times c13.s14.1

c13.s14.1

As soon as Shivaji descended into the Karnatak plains (early in May 1677), the European traders on that coast hastened with presents to keep him amicably disposed towards them from the outset. On 14th May the English Governor of Madras received a letter from him, brought by his Brahman agent, Mahadji Pant, asking for some cordial stones (bezoar) and other counter-poisons. The English supplied these, together with Maldiv cocoanuts and presents worth 60 *hun*. These were acknowledged with thanks on the 25th, in Shivaji's letter from Vellore in which he asked for a fresh supply of "good counter-poisons," entreating the Governor "not to be bashful in asking for the cost," and sending a robe of honour for the Governor. But, again, the English supplied him with presents, worth 52 *hun*, (18th June.) Two Brahmans in the service of the English attended Shivaji's camp and sent news of his doings and intentions to Madras. On 22nd September, Shivaji again wrote to the Governor asking him to send 20 or 25 men who knew how to make gun-carriages and dig mines and blow up stone-walls, and promising to pay them very well. The Governor maintained his neutrality.