History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c64.s1.4

v4.c64.s1.4

This change in the natural order of succession was effected by a party only at the capital. The people in general and the troops outside had not been consulted, and they naturally murmured. The selfish love of personal gain and the consequent mutual jealousy among the ministers and army chiefs was the solvent of the Maratha monarchy. They had no public spirit, and neither Shivaji’s towering personality nor Ramdas’s spiritual teaching had schooled them to subordinate self-interest to the general good. The disruptive force may be kept in check for a time by a hero as king,—a Shivaji or Baji Rao I; it is sure to break out again on his death.