Shivaji and His Times c13.s4.5

c13.s4.5

Having thus secured his flank and rear, Shiva made preparations for starting on this his longest campaign. In June, 1676, Netaji Palkar had returned to Maharashtra, after ten years' service under the Delhi Government as a Muhammadan, and he had "now been remade a Hindu" by means of religious purification, and some important command was probably given to him, though the Maratha chroniclers are silent about the unhappy renegade. (F. R. Surat 89, Rajapur to Surat, 24 July, 1676.) The premier (Peshwa) Moro Trimbak Pingle was left as regent, assisted by Annaji Datto the superintendent of correspondence (surnis), with a portion of the army to guard the kingdom. The Konkan districts were entrusted to Annaji Datto with strong garrisons and a large body of disposable infantry. (Sabh. 85-87.)