New History of the Marathas v1.c16.78

v1.c16.78

His usual practice when he arrived before a town, was to call upon the wealthy and leading merchants to make a reasonable contribution towards the expenses of his war, and if it was willingly paid, he never used force. But when such willing compliance was refused, he exacted forcibly what he could collect. In most cases Shivaji's plunder was a war levy, more or less of the type of that extorted by the present day governments of the world, who legally impose and exact money during times of stress in the form of tax or contribution. Shivaji was careful not to harm poor innocent husbandmen by depriving them of their means of livelihood. He imposed large fines upon well-to-do merchants and seized their secret hoards; or he carried away enemy treasures while they were on the way. When an enemy was defeated, he plundered his camp and took away the tents, animals, stores and whatever else could be obtained. These wise and considerate methods of Shivaji were mostly adhered to throughout the best days of Maratha government. Shivaji took great pains to acquire correct information about his objectives through his efficient spies and acted upon it with the least molestation possible.