But one must dismiss all such preconceptions and realise that three hundred years ago Poona was a small village, known only for its temples and the orthodoxy of their priests. At the time of Shivaji’s return from Bijapur even these temples were in ruins. The village had several times been looted and was now entirely deserted, save by a few fisherfolk who lived along the River Muta. When the last Muhammadan force had passed that way, the commander caused all the houses and walls to be pulled down, and with a final gesture of resentful contempt, ordered a team of asses to be harnessed to a
...more
