New History of the Marathas v1.c8.45

v1.c8.45

Shahji was the loyal servant and supporter of a Muslim State. Bangalore and the surrounding country were full of the old Vijaynagar relics and traditions, which now came to be crushed with a high hand. There were shrewd diplomats and wise and far-sighted counsellors at Shahji's Court, who freely asked themselves questions like these as occasions arose : Was it not Shahji's duty to try and preserve this noble ancient culture and learning? Why should he not at least protest strongly against these destructive actions of the Bijapur Government? Why should he not at least refuse to execute them himself? The boy Shivaji listened in childish surprise.