212
SHIVAJI.
[CH. VII.
against Aurangzib in Bundelkhand, saying, "Illustrious chief ! conquer and subdue your foes. Recover and rule your native land.... It is expedient to commence hostilities in your own dominions, where your
reputation will gain many adherents.... Whenever the Mughals evince an intention of attacking you, I will distract their attention and subvert their plans, by active co-operation." The contemporary historian, Bhimsen, however, tells us that Chhatra Sal returned from Raigarh in disappointment as he found the provincial spirit of the Deccani Court uncongenial to him and Shivaji never gave his trust or any high office to men from Northern India. (Chhatraprakash, canto 11; Pogson's Boondelas, pp. 52-53; Dil. 132.)
