New History of the Marathas v2.c24.115

v2.c24.115

Shahu unlike Shivaji never claimed to be an absolutely independent king, but agreed to remain like a vassal paying annual tribute and rendering nominal obedience to the Emperor whom, however, he undertook to protect with his own troops. But when a sovereign seeks protection from a vassal it means in actual practice, that the comparative strength of the two contracting parties is reversed. The Marathas hereafter obtained freedom to go about in search of fresh fields and pastures new.