Shivaji and His Times c16.s2.22

c16.s2.22

The repeated evasions of Shivaji at last thoroughly disgusted the English merchants. As the Surat Council records (F. R. Surat, Vol. 3, 19 July, 1673), "Seeing there is no probability of security from such a heathen, who, while we are in treaty with him for satisfaction for our losses at Rajapur, gives orders for the robbing our factory at Hubli, we can think of no better way to recover the Hon'ble Company and nation's right than by taking what vessels belong to his ports." A little earlier, on 24th May, they had concluded, "It is absolutely necessary to break with him, but not at this time when we have war with the Dutch." But by 1st October an amicable settlement was in sight, "Shivaji holds a fair understanding with us and we with him, the old difference of Rajapur being in a manner concluded upon honourable terms, to our advantage and reputation." (O. C. 3779.) The hopes of the English ran high; on 23rd October Bombay writes to Surat (O. C. 3870), "We are near a conclusion with our neighbour Shivaji for the old wrongs of Rajapur ..........The new controversy touching Hubli we have reserved for another time,.........so that if Shivaji attempts Surat you may be somewhat the safer, though we advise you not to trust him, yet we daresay if he hath a kindness for any nation it is for the English, and we believe he will not disturb any house where the English flag is."