History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c78.s2.2

v5.c78.s2.2

Rajaram's political impotence is best illustrated by his duplication of offices and titles at a time when his kingdom was shrinking to nothing. He could not afford to disoblige any of his proud and selfish chiefs. If we can accept Chitnis's statements, public offices like the *Amatya*-ship, the chief command etc., changed hands very frequently during his short reign: a man was appointed to a high post one year, and next year some one else, more powerful or more influential, cajoled or coerced the king into giving him that very post, and the first incumbent was reinstated a year or two later! To provide posts for all his most influential servants, the normal council of eight ministers was expanded by adding two more men,—the *Hakumat Panah* and the *Pratinidhi*. Another office of ministerial rank was the *Rajajna*, which though created by Shambhuji rose to first-rate importance in Rajaram's government.