New History of the Marathas v1.c16.108

v1.c16.108

Judged even by the strictest standard Shivaji stands out unmistakably as a unique personality, not only in his own time but in the modern age as a whole. In the midst of the surrounding darkness he shines forth as a brilliant luminary far ahead of his day. The India of Shivaji's days could not stand comparison with the fast rising west in scientific knowledge and political advancement. Europe had just then emerged out of the dark ages and was rapidly progressing in practical sciences. The discovery of gunpowder, the use of the mariner's compass, the invention of the art of printing were giving Europe leadership in temporal power and prosperity, and an ascendency over the backward races of the