A History of the Mahrattas v1.c10.42

v1.c10.42

The family of Shahjee continued to live under the care of Dadajee. Their residence was fixed at Poona, where Dadajee built a large house for Jeejee Bye’s accommodation, and gave the son of his master such an education as was proper for a person of his birth. Mahrattas seldom can write or read ; they consider all such learning the business of a Carcoon, and if not degrading, at least undignified. Sivajee could never write his name, but he was a good archer and marksman, skilled in the use of the spear, and of the various swords and daggers common in the Deccan. His countrymen have always been celebrated for horsemanship ; and in this accomplishment Sivajee excelled. By the care of his guardian, he was fully instructed in all the ceremonies and observances enjoined by the rules of his cast ; and such parts of the sacred histories as are generally known were explained to him. The fabulous exploits detailed in the Mahabharat, the Ramayan, and the Bhagwut were the delight of Sivajee’s youth ; and such was his partiality for Kuthas,¹ that many years after he became famous in the country, he incurred great danger in his anxiety to be present during an entertainment of that description.