New History of the Marathas v2.c24.s2.85

v2.c24.s2.85

Shahu is rightly styled *Punyashloke* (of pious memory) by more than one contemporary writer. He appointed fit officers and trusted them. Nor was he remiss in punishing any of them if he did wrong. He always appeared in public in the same plain white garments as in private life, with a bare head, the long grey hairs of which hung down gracefully on the shoulders. He moved about sometimes riding horses, at other times in a palanquin with only a slender retinue, but his secretary and clerks always accompanied him. His daily routine was a permanent fixture. As a rule he went out hunting every morning, that was his only exercise and diversion. After breakfast he sat down to office work, carefully disposing of every matter that came before him, and patiently hearing every petition that was submitted. This continued till it was lighting time in the evening when a full Court was held, after formal obeisance had first been made to the deity of light. It is computed that he passed orders on at least 500 matters or cases every day. A little music and dancing closed the occupations of the day. He never had a serious ailment in his long life, till three years before his death, exposed himself freely to sun, wind and rain, and kept his head bare even during the hunt.