New History of the Marathas v1.c8.77

v1.c8.77

Thus Shivaji managed to secure his position in the territory roughly between the Bhīmā and the Nirā, between Poona and Shirval, having strongly guarded the central posts of Chakan, Purandar, Supā and Bārāmati, all of which were quickly and easily subjugated without cost or bloodshed. In this way a small and compact independent kingdom soon came into existence. Shivaji was careful not to attempt expansion beyond his well regulated frontiers until he felt his power well established and fully organized in all the essentials required by good government. The goodwill of the people under him formed his main support. This sympathetic policy, this attention to the well-being of the people under him appealed to all, and at once made apparent the contrast of his beneficent and orderly rule to the Muslim disorder and confusion outside. For full seven years after Dādāji's death, Shivaji concentrated his energies in organizing his strength all round, making his rule acceptable to all. An independent rule means a compact well-defined geographical unit with clear regulations and a proper gradation of officers. The motto of the official seal which Shivaji adopted for his plan is itself an evidence of his aim. It runs thus:—" This seal of Shiva, the Son of Shah, shines forth for the good (of the people). It is daily to increase like the first phase of the moon and is going to be respected by the universe.” Shivaji aptly compares the first stage of his plan to the first phase of the moon. These phases were to increase gradually and attain their fullness! This seal is found impressed on all Shivaji’s papers from 1645 onward.¹⁵ His aims and objects could not have been better expressed than in this pithy sentence.