History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c59.s2.5

v4.c59.s2.5

Social distinctions were fewer and much less sharp among the 16th century Marathas than among richer and more civilized communities. The rich man was not immeasurably above the poor in such a simple society; and even the poorest man had his value as a soldier or indispensable labourer; at least, he preserved his self-respect, because where few had anything to spare, none was tempted to lead the pampered life of the professional beggars and hangers-on of Delhi or Agra. The same sense of equality was fostered by religion. Their popular saints in the 15th and 16th centuries created a religious revival, which was truly a reformation in its spirit. It taught the sanctity of conduct rather than mere birth, the superiority of a living personal faith to mere ritual, and the oneness of all true believers before God. "This religious revival was the work of the people, of the masses, and not of the classes. At its head were saints and prophets, poets and philosophers, who sprang chiefly from the lower orders of society,—tailors, carpenters, potters, gardeners, shopkeepers, barbers, and even mahars (scavengers),—more often than Brahmans." (Ranade, 10.) They taught in the vernacular and not in the sacred tongue.