New History of the Marathas v1.c17.71

v1.c17.71

These momentous events indeed form an exciting chapter of Maratha history. Sufficient details are available in the Portuguese and Persian languages as regards the constant friction that continued between Sambhaji and Shahzada Akbar and which ultimately disconcerted their plans of a combined stand against the Emperor. The resources of Aurangzeb proved too much for the poor efforts of these two fiery youths. How could the small poor territory of Konkan stand against the might of the magnificent Mughal Empire controlling the vast Indian continent? That they did hold out even for some years and strike terror into Aurangzeb’s heart, is in itself an achievement worthy of great credit. Again and again did Akbar urge upon Sambhājī’s attention the advisability of making a sudden sweep upon the Emperor’s central camp and effecting a complete rout of his powerful armies. But such a daring project required a genius like that of Shivaji to execute it. Sambhājī, brave as a lion personally, lacked the patient calculating forethought and vigilance essential for the success of such an extensive and large scale undertaking.