Shivaji: The Grand Rebel

by Dennis Kincaid

Nor is it uncommon for the large states to be ruined, less by any positive superiority of the new power rising between them than by their mutually destructive animosity.

made by the Horse Guards in the courtyard driving in pegs for their horses’ heel-ropes.”1 Then he rounded on his servant and abused him for disturbing his rest with childish alarms. Grumbling, he lay down again and composed himself to sleep. A moment later the Marathas had made a breach in the wall. Shivaji, sword in hand, pushed his way through into the room and sprang towards the Khan’s bed. With panic agility, Shayista rolled off his bed

on the way. His son Ram Sing did not long survive

a trusted servant a letter to the Brahman