Question

Write about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's policies regarding the European traders as seen in his Adnyapatra.

Answer 1

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was aware of the hidden intentions of foreign powers and the strategies they used to enter and influence the country. His thoughts and concerns about these matters are clearly expressed in the Adnyapatra.

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj showed exceptional foresight in understanding the true intentions of European powers, a level of awareness that most other Indian rulers of his time lacked.
2. His policy regarding European traders is clearly outlined in the Adnyapatra, where he states that although the Portuguese, British, Dutch, and Danish come under the guise of moneylenders.
3. They're unlike ordinary lenders. These Europeans gain entry into India by winning the favour of local rulers, but their real ambition is to seize land and eventually dominate the country.
4. They are spreading across various regions, establishing a presence in foreign territories. Once they occupy a place, they refuse to leave it, so much so that they are willing to die rather than give it up.
5. Therefore, Shivaji Maharaj advised that relations with them should be strictly limited to trade. We should never grant them land near important sea forts. If there is an unavoidable need to assign them space for a factory, it should be far from coastal areas and especially not at the mouth of a creek or any strategic coastal location.
6. As long as these traders operate within limits, they pose little threat. But given the chance, they display their military strength using naval power, cannons, and weapons. They even built sea forts to strengthen their position.
7. So, if they get land, it should be far from the coast and near inland villages. We must exercise caution to prevent their settlements from becoming a source of disturbance. They should not be allowed to construct permanent structures.
8. We must strictly impose these conditions, and we should not allow the traders to operate if they are unwilling to accept them. There should be mutual non-interference, neither obstructing them nor allowing them to obstruct us.
9. If foreign traders are found in enemy territories during a military campaign, they should be fined.
10. Send them back to their original trading post or factory after they pay the fine, but do not treat them like hostile enemies.

Thus, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Adnyapatra reveals the policy towards European traders.