A History of the Mahrattas v1.c16.71

v1.c16.71

proposed, as the Mahrattas were becoming so very powerful, to set up Sumbhajee at the head of a party, in opposition to his father, in order to divide their interests and facilitate the capture of the forts. But this scheme, although it appeared to Dilere Khan similar to what was then carried on against Beejapoor and Golcondah, was disapproved by the Emperor, as it would ultimately conduce to strengthen predatory power; and it is remarkable that this reason, than which none could be more just at that period, should be recorded by a Mahratta biographer of Sivajee.¹ Although it rests on no other authority we cannot but remark that had such an opinion guided Aurungzebe’s measures at an earlier period, and the view been a little more extended, so as to have preserved the other Mahomedan states from becoming first a prey and then an accession of strength to the Mahrattas, the policy of this Emperor might have met its meed of praise, with far more justice than we can discover in those eulogies which have been frequently bestowed upon it.