A History of the Mahrattas v1.c18.158

v1.c18.158

In regard to the character of Aurungzebe, the facts connected with the rise of the Mahrattas are sufficient to prove, that from the time he usurped the throne, there is nothing in his conduct which deserves the high encomium which has in general been bestowed on his talents and government. Previous to his elevation, he displayed very considerable ability; together with an iniquity almost unparalleled. His boundless ambition was concealed by deep dissimulation, and his boldness was equal to his hypocrisy. His success in placing the diadem of Hindoostan on his own head, after overcoming his powerful rivals; his literary acquirements; his attention to business; and the simplicity of his personal habits, amidst a court so remarkable for splendour and magnificence, gave a tone to general opinion amongst his contemporaries, which his subsequent misconduct and misrule could not entirely efface. He was ambitious of a character for wisdom; and his low craft and mean policy are partly ascribable to this weakness. His great political error was the overthrow of Beejapoor and Golcondah, instead of applying their resources to the suppression of predatory power. His suspicion and bigotry, his presumption and obstinacy, alike tended to prevent the tranquillization of that tumult, of which his own measures were a principal cause; whilst his pomp weakened the efficiency of his armies, and exhausted the finances which should have maintained his wars.