CONTENTS.
Preface ... ... ... v
Chapter I. The Land and the People 1—18
Population speaking Marathi, 1—boundaries of Maharashtra, 2—rainfall and crops, 3—isolated valleys of the western belt, 5—hill-forts, 6—all people work hard, 7—character: lack of elegance and taste, 9—pride, courage and hardiness, 9—social equality, 10—religious reformers, 11—literature and language, 12—minstrels, 14—Marathas a nation, 15—defects of character, 17.
Chapter II. Boyhood and Youth ... 19—54
Birth of Shivaji, 19—neglected by father, 21—lonely boyhood, 21—miserable condition of Puna, 23—Dadaji Kond-dev's improvements, 24—love of justice, 25—Shivaji's education, 25—the Mavals described, 27—subdued by Dadaji, 28—Shivaji's Hindu spirit, 29—love of independence, 30—decline of Bijapur, 32—Shiva captures Torna, 32—seizes Puna district, 33—gains forts, 34—invades N. Konkan, 35—Shahji imprisoned, 37—Shiva appeals to Murad, 40—Shahji released, why? 41—Baji Shyamraje's expedition, 42—Mores of Javli, 43—Mores murdered, 45—criticism of Shiva's conduct, 46—gains from the conquest of Javli, 47—early officers, 48—extent of territory, 49—Appendix I. Murder of the Mores, evidence discussed, 50.
Chapter III. First Wars with Mughals and Bijapur ... ... 55—81
Shiva's early negotiations with Aurangzib, 55—raids Junnar and Ahmadnagar, 56—Mughal defensive measures, 57—Nasiri Khan defeats Shiva, 58—
