Shivaji and His Times c8.s30.29

c8.s30.29

The Maratha chief, on his part, was not eager for a war with the imperialists. For three years after his return from Agra, he lived very quietly at home, and avoided giving any fresh provocation to the Mughals. He wanted peace for a time to organize his Government, make a revenue settlement of his lands, repair and provision his forts, and consolidate and extend his power on the western coast at the expense of Bijapur and the Siddis of Janjira. As early as April 1667 he had sent a letter to the Emperor professing terror of the imperial army which was reported to have been despatched against him, and offering to make his submission again and send a contingent of 400 men under his son to fight under the Mughal banners.*