Jadunath Sarkar

An outstanding book about an extraordinary ruler, the last of the 'Great Moguls' of India, and as per the author, a life of dedicated futility in the final summing up. The writing is lucid, fast-paced, and palpably dependable. The author does not gloss over the anti-Hindu actions of this ruler, especially in the early years, his imposition of Islamic rules on construction or repair of temples, the extra taxes and disabilities imposed on non-Muslims, and so on. But equally, and this is important for readers in our times to arrive at a balanced view of this much-reviled dictator, the author does not demonize him. The second half of this Mogul's career was spent entirely in the Deccan, waging what turned out to be a futile series of wars with various forces, both Muslim and regional indigenous Hindu, achieving very little expansion or consolidation, but effectively draining the entire country's income and devastating and depopulating the countryside. Also clear is the frequency of shifts in allegiance among the different groups and entities, both Muslim and Hindu, even among Shivaji's own people and the Rajputs. Also evident is the monarch's self-restraint in dealing with rebels, as he is seen repeatedly giving a second chance, and in his careful treatment of the wives and children of vanquished opponents. This story clearly illustrates the dangers of too exacting or ideologically ground an approach to governance, regardless of the sincerity or god-fearing nature of the proponent, and in my opinion affords a signal lesson for our own times.… (mais)