The Positive Background of Hindu Sociology c14.s9.t8.6

c14.s9.t8.6

The achievements of Śivāji are described in very general terms. In regard to the states subdued by him the processes are described in the following manner: "Upon some he made sudden attacks. Amongst some he fomented mutual quarrels. Between some he caused breaches of friendship. By entering the tents of some he fought with them. By personal venture he defeated some in single combats. With some he made alliances. Of his own accord he went to visit some. Some he forced to come and visit him. He imperilled the lives of some by creating mutual disunion. Others he conquered one after another by making other kinds of efforts without their knowledge." (p. 7) The hoary Kauṭalyan *śāstra* in regard to the four *upāyas* and six *guṇas* (strategy and tactics) can be seen here as exercising some sway over the Marathi *Ādnāpatra*. We are not interested for the present in Śivāji's exploits and policies but only in the manner in which they are being described by Rāmachandrapant in Marathi.²