Shivaji and His Times c8.s30.18

c8.s30.18

At last in December, 1666, definite news was received of Shiva’s arrival at Rajgarh. As Jai Singh’s secretary wrote, “Trusty spies have now brought the news that Shiva himself has arrived but is very anxious about his son who has not returned with him. He professes a determination [to submit] to the imperial Government. But who knows what is in his heart? For some time past Mahadji Nimbalkar, the son of Bajaji, the zamindar of Phaltan and son-in-law of the infernal Shiva, has been causing disturbances in the region of Puna and other places. My master [i.e., Jai Singh] has appointed the jagirdars of that tract, such as, Tanaji [or Babaji?] Bhonslé and others to Supa, Halal Khan to Indapur, Ghalib Khan to Chamargunda, Hasan Khan, Abdur Rasul and other Deccanis also to that side, and Trimbakji Bhonslé and others to Raisin. Before the others could arrive at their posts, Tanaji Bhonslé went to his jagir and getting an opportunity attacked Mahadji, sent many of his followers to hell, captured his flag, torah, 150 horses, arrows, etc., and returning lived in peace of mind. As the Deccanis have some [unknown] need for the flag and torah, Mahadji trod the path of submission and humility; but Tanaji declined [to restore them.] At last, four days afterwards, that wretch got help from the Bijapuris and attacked Tanaji by surprise. That loyal and martial officer fought valiantly on foot, till he fell in the Emperor’s service. And Anaji (or Dataji) Deshmukh went to hell in the neighbourhood of Pandharpur. It is reported that Mahadji also was wounded......Jai Singh at first wanted to march there in person [and retrieve the disaster], but was persuaded to give up the idea, lest the Bijapuris should take advantage of his absence. So, he has decided to send Abdul Hamid with 5,000 men to that quarter." [H. A. 211b.]