This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
400
SHIVAJI.
[CH. XIV.


have it [that] the house was allowed for in that sum granted us by his master towards satisfaction for our losses. He is not only one of Shivaji's great favourites but Governor in Chief of all Konkan, so that we cannot settle in any place but it is under his jurisdiction." (F. R. Surat, 88.)

In March next the factors of Rajapur had an audience with Shivaji of which a detailed and very interesting report has been preserved (Rajapur letter, 20 April 1675. F. R. Surat, 88):—

"The Rajah came on the 22nd [March] about midday, accompanied with abundance of horse and foot and about 150 palankins. So soon as we heard of his near approach, we went out of our tent and very near met him. He ordered his palankin to stand still, called us very near him, seemed very glad to see us and much pleased [that] we came to meet him, and said the sun being hot he would not keep us now, but in the evening he would send for us.

[23rd March ?] The Rajah came. He stopped his palankin and called us to him. When we were pretty near him we made a stop, but he beckoned with his hand till I was up close with him. He diverted himself a little by taking in his hand the locks of my periwig and asked us several questions; at length asked us how we liked Rajapur and said he was informed we were not well pleased there, but bid us not be in the least dissatisfied for what [had] passed. He would order things for the future to our full satisfaction, and that we might be sure