Administrative System of the Marathas c23.s4.1

c23.s4.1

Let us turn to Shivaji's capital. His *abhisheka* or coronation was celebrated in an impregnable hill-fort, where he could with impunity defy his enemies to do their worst, for aircraft was still undreamt of in Aurangzib's time except in nursery tales, and contemporary European writers tell us that the defenders of Raigad could easily repulse their assailants by rolling down huge pieces of stone only. It was in such an impregnable fort, well protected by a strong wall, ditch and arms, that the sage of the Mahabharata advised the king to establish his capital.¹ Manu has also counselled that the king should build his capital town, "making for his safety a fortress, protected by a desert, or a fortress built of (stone and earth), or one protected by water or trees, or one (formed by an encampment of armed) men or a hill-fort."²