History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v4.c64.s7.4

v4.c64.s7.4

This new Sejanus was ennobled with the title of *Kavi-kalash* or Pinnacle of Poets. But he was a foreign Brahman and his administration ended in Shambhu’s ruin and the fall of the Maratha kingdom. Hence, the local Brahmans and the Maratha patriots alike have cherished the bitterest hatred to his memory. They have vented their spite by perverting his name from *kalasha* (pinnacle) to *kalusha* (sin)! The vulgar in Maharashtra easily swallowed the tale (Chit. ii. 7) that this minister, by performing many hideous *tantrik* rites and occult practices on the pretence of increasing Shambhuji’s health wealth and dominion through supernatural agency, really destroyed the young Rajah’s intelligence and will-power and made him the helpless slave of his magic.* The foreign favourite's wife is supposed to have seconded his wicked efforts by her marvellous cunning.