________________
of their country's liberty. The roving undisciplined bands soon came to realize the value of willing comradeship and followed their leader in weal and woe. The Maratha name thus came to be respected and feared throughout India within the short period of about twenty years. Shivaji ultimately laid the formal legal foundation of the Maratha Raj and in brief but brilliant career left behind an example of constructive Political genius, bringing about the necessary solidarity among scattered and warring units.
We Indians, in our present troubles of discord and disunion, have much to learn from this brilliant example. Let us hope it will inspire us.
Rao Saheb Govind Sakharam
Sardesai, B. A. (Historian )
I respect Shivaji for the courage and organisation which he showed against those whom he called his own, his conntry's and his faith's enemies. I would welcome that old apirit not only in the Mahartta but in every Indian and show it practically in the struggle for freedom.
I declare to-day, though a staunch Muslim and inspite of tho fact that Shivaji and his soldiers fought against the Muslims and the Muslim Government, that they were perfectly justified in trying to free their country from foreigners and outsiders. I admire Shivaji's courage and patriotism, though condemn the unfair stabbing and killing of Afzalkhan.
X I pray that Shivaji's spirit which means courage and patriotism would be shown by all Indians-Hindus, Muslims, Shikhs, Parsis, Jains, Christians and Jews who live in this beautiful but unfortunate motherland of ours and all combining to free the country of foreign domination.
Let us give up this idle talk of one bullying the other into submission. Shivaji reminds me of this and this is my humble tribute to the Memory of a brave patriot.
Maulana Shaukatalli.
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
