The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c19.232

v4.c19.232

A slight sketch of Shivājī's character has already been given, and is supplemented by the chronicle of his life. It is difficult to decide whether to admire more the courage and high resolve which proposed an object so lofty as the restoration of a Hindu empire in India or the singleness of purpose with which that object was pursued. He had to contend with a mighty empire and two kingdoms, but he took the fullest advantage of the narrow and purblind policy of Aurangzīb, which divided the Muslims. The emperor learnt too late to appreciate his antagonist. For years he despised “the Mountain Rat” as the chief of a gang of mere brigands, but after Shivājī’s death he conceived a juster opinion of his genius and admitted that he was a great captain. “My armies”, he said, “were employed against him for nineteen years, but nevertheless his State has always been increasing.” A Muslim historian thus does justice to his memory. “He persisted in rebelling, plundering caravans, and troubling mankind; but he was entirely guiltless of baser sins, and was scrupulous of the honour of the women and children of the Muslims when they fell into his hands.” This is high praise from one whose religion made matrons, virgins and children taken in war the legitimate prey of their captors.