New History of the Marathas v1.c19.11

v1.c19.11

As soon as Rāmchandra Pant Amātya learnt of Rājārām’s death, he repaired to Sinhagad and immediately issued letters conveying the news to the various captains encouraging and begging them all to continue to perform their duties as before, and to exert themselves even more vigorously, remembering that the destinies of their nation were in their keeping. He also invited some prominent persons to attend the funeral rites of the late king, and held deliberations with them on the future plans. In deference to Tarabai’s wishes her little son Shivaji, less than four years old at the time, was a few months later crowned Chhatrapati at Vishalgad,² although the rightful succession of Shahu was not excluded. Indeed, so far as the war was concerned, Tarabai for a time inspired greater vigour and enthusiasm among the whole Maratha nation than her husband had done. Unfortunately, her hopes and position came soon to be seriously weakened by the discovery that her little son was deficient in mental powers and not competent to manage the concerns of the State. For the present, however, Tarabai exhibited wonderful powers of organization and inspired one and all with a sense of devotion to the national service. Panhala and Vishalgad, both inaccessible strongholds, were selected as the Chhatrapati’s residence, and on this account the Emperor doubtless directed his next effort to their capture during the years 1701 and 1702.