New History of the Marathas v1.c16.9

v1.c16.9

1. The Amatya's tribute.—We cannot see the full height of a gigantic tree when we stand beneath it. So, too, a hero's true greatness is perceived only when he is viewed from a distance in time. It is, therefore, a wonder how Shivaji's character, policy and achievements were so correctly judged by one of his own ministers, Rāmchandra Nilakanth. This officer had filled the post of Amātya (or Accountant General) under him for ten years, and afterwards showed signal capacity by successfully organising the national defence and ensuring concerted action between scattered elements during Mahārāshtra's life-and-death struggle with all the forces of the Mughal Empire, after Sambhājī's tragic death and the flight of Rājārām from the homeland. He wrote a sort of political testament for the guidance of the succeeding kings, which is known as the Ajnāpatra.¹