Shivaji and His Times c8.s5.11

c8.s5.11

The ferocity and greed of the Maratha troops, no less than their valour and rapidity of movement, had spread the wildest terror among the people of the invaded districts and all who could had fled away from the path of the invaders. Shivaji now very wisely won over Shirke, the minister and virtual ruler of Shringarpur, enlisted him in his own service, afterwards marrying into his family,—made large gifts to the local Brahmans and thus induced the population to return to their homes and usual occupations and submit to the new government.