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154 Besides the problematical viceroyalty of the Deccan, Shiva had some humbler but more necessary objects which could be gained only by a personal interview with the Emperor. He had requested that the Emperor should order the Siddi, now an imperial servant, to cede Janjira island to him. According to a modern and unreliable chronicle, (Chit. 107), he had also hopes of gaining the imperial sanction to his plan of exacting chauth from Bijapur territory. On these points the replies from Delhi had been evasive; but much better result could be expected from an interview and personal representation.

In spite of these temptations, Shiva hesitated long. Both he and his friends were as much alarmed at the idea of his going to the Mughal Court as at the prospect of his interview with Afzal Khan. They feared that a visit to Aurangzib would be only rushing into the jaws of an ogre (Ravan.) But the sooth-sayers whom he consulted assured him of a safe return home. (Sabh. 47; Chit. 109; Dig. 242; T. S. 22b.)

Jai Singh took the most solemn oaths possible for a Hindu that Shiva would not be harmed during his visit, while the Rajput Rajah's son and agent at Court, Kumar Ram Singh, similarly pledged his word for the safety of Shiva during his stay at the capital In the Maratha council of ministers the majority favoured the journey.

Shivaji's arrangements for the administration of