New History of the Marathas v1.c14.5

v1.c14.5

Although Shivaji was careful in husbanding his resources in all possible ways by benevolent administration, extension of cultivation and trade and by occasional plunder, his treasury had become empty. Enormous sums had been spent upon the coronation, on the forts, on the naval programme and on raising the huge armies required for his ambitious projects. So money became his immediate need.