Another day, the leading nobles of Haidarabad gave a dinner to Shivaji. Then a combat was got up between Yesaji Kank, the Mavle captain, and a mast elephant of Qutb Shah, for the diversion of that
king and also as a demonstration of the valour of Shivaji's men. Yesaji, after keeping the huge brute at bay with his sword for some time, cut off its trunk and put it to flight.* [1]
A month was spent at Haidarabad, ostensibly in going through these ceremonies, but really in concluding the alliance, getting delivery of the promised arms money and material, and equipping the local auxiliary force that was to assist in the campaign.
§8. Visit to Shri Shaila.
At last, his objects having been all gained, Shivaji left Haidarabad, early in March 1677, and marched due south towards the Krishna. This river was crossed at the Nivritti Sangam where the Bhavanashi flows into it, 24 miles north-east of Karnul. This spot "is considered by the Hindus a most holy place of pilgrimage." Here and also in the whirlpool of Chakratirtha, a short distance below the junction, the Rajah bathed, performed the religious ceremonies of a pilgrim, and then made a rapid journey 37 miles due east to Shri Shaila, lightly attended, while his
- ↑ * T. 5. 37a. But Chitnis, 136, says that to Qutb Shah's question, "How many famous elephants have you?" Shivaji answered by parading several thousands of his well-built Mavle infantrymen and saying, "These are my elephants."
