New History of the Marathas v2.c24.88

v2.c24.88

2. The friendly Rajput Princes.—Another powerful factor at the Imperial Court, which affected Shahu’s interests was the attitude of the prominent Rajput princes towards the struggle between the Emperor and his powerful ministers. Akbar’s policy of conciliating the Rajputs had been reversed by Aurangzeb, whose death afforded them a welcome opportunity of throwing away their allegiance to the Emperor. The princes that counted most in such a revolt deserve to be carefully noticed. Amar Sinh, the Rana of Udaipur ruled from 1700 to 1716 and his son Sangram Sinh from 1716 to 1734, both strong and clever, refusing obedience to the Muslim sovereign. Jodhpur was ruled by Ajit Sinh Rathod, who although a nominal ally of the Emperor was at heart no better friend than his brother princes of Udaipur. Ajit Singh ruled his state from 1678 to 1724 and was succeeded by his son Abhay Sinh the most terrible of all Rajput kings, who ruled from 1724 to 1750. The Jaipur state was ruled, however, by a genial and accomplished ruler named Sawai Jaya Sinh, fourth in descent from the great Mirza Raja, the devoted general of Aurangzeb. Sawai Jaya Sinh in early youth served the Emperor in the Deccan and rendered conspicuous service to Aurangzeb at the capture of fort Vishalgad between the months of November 1701 and April 1702, although then quite young. He attained immense influence and prestige in the imperial counsels after Aurangzeb’s death mainly through several precious qualities of head and heart, which he acquired by assiduous labour, viz., a fondness for letters and learning, a study of science, particularly astronomy, a congenial compromising spirit guided by high ideals in life and a sound judgment about men as well as a reforming spirit far in advance of his age. In this connection the particular attachment that existed between Shahu and Jaya Sinh deserves to be noted, as it led to far-reaching political relations between the two Hindu races—Rajputs and Marathas. Jaya Sinh patronized poets and writers from all parts of India, while Shahu patronized saints and warriors. Several Maharashtrian names have recently been discovered among those whom Jaya Sinh revered and promoted. His family priest and his guru were Deccani Brahmans, of whose capacity he evidently formed a high opinion during his residence in Aurangzeb’s camp.