Shivaji and His Times c16.s2.41

c16.s2.41

In January 1678, as we learn from a Surat letter, "for Shivaji's former debt, they [i.e., the Rajapur factors] are forced to take betel-nuts as Shivaji's ministers will rate it at." (F. R. Surat, 89.) But even thus the indemnity was not paid. The Surat Council, in April, May and July, express their indignation at the deceitful fair promises of Shivaji's ministers and that Rajah's evasion of the demands made upon him, and decide to withdraw the factories at Karwar, Hubli and Rajapur, if matters did not improve. (Ibid.) On 18th March 1680 Bombay writes to Surat, "We are very glad the management of the business with Shivaji is to your liking. He hath confirmed all...A hundred khandi of betel-nut is sent us on account of our demand for satisfaction of the two vessels lost." (F. R. Surat, 108.) On the 4th April following, the Rajah died.