New History of the Marathas v1.c18.83

v1.c18.83

When his mentor Pralhād Nirāji died in 1694, Rājārām’s affairs went rapidly on the decline. That he could not handle Santāji properly or at least prevent his murder, is a sad commentary on his power of control. His mind and body were both weak, due possibly to dissipation and the use of opium to which he is said to have been addicted. His virtue was of a negative kind, non-interference. What Rājārām lacked was amply made up by his spirited queen Tārā Bai as the sequel will show.¹²