The Positive Background of Hindu Sociology c14.s9.t8.32

c14.s9.t8.32

The special features of these sea-faring hat-wearers have commanded Rāmachandrapant's attention. They are not like other merchants, says he (p. 32). Their masters, every one of them, are known to be ruling kings. Rāmachandrapant knows that it is under royal orders and control that these European merchants come to trade, and asks, "How can it happen that rulers have no greed for territories?" The aims and ambitions of these *Topīkārs* are described by him as follows:—"They have full ambition to enter into these provinces, to increase their territories and to establish their own opinion (religion?)." Further, he describes them as obstinate and is aware that once a place falls into their hands they will not give it up even at the cost of their lives (p. 32).