New History of the Marathas v1.c14.58

v1.c14.58

Whatever results were achieved by Shahji and his son Ekoji in the spheres of politics and society, the credit for them must be equally shared by the Hanumante family also, particularly by Raghunāth Pant to whom Shivaji says, “ I have endeavoured to rear up a number of my own co-workers and helpmates ; but you belong to a different category. You have served our father and like him possess the power to correct and guide us when we cannot see our way. No other person can exercise such influence in our affairs. We look upon you fully in the place of our revered parent, and cannot too highly estimate your services.” Raghunath Pant shared the noble aims of Shivaji and did his best to promote them. It is uncharitable and historically unjust to accuse him of selfish and mischievous motives in inducing Shivaji to undertake the Karnatak expedition for personal pique or love of lucre. Raghunath’s brother Janārdanpant was also an able administrator working under Shivaji in the Deccan, as his brother did in the Karnatak under Ekoji.⁸