and designating a large, although an undefined portion of that part 
of Hindostan called Deccan, or Deckshan, meaning the south 
country, as situated south of the river Narbudda. From a state 
of rustic obscurity, and rigorous vassalage, the Mahrattas, within 
the last century, have become a mighty power; and, in that period, 
precipitated and completed the ruin of the Mogul empire, which 
had commenced in its own vices. 
The founder of the Mahratta preeminence was Sahjee, or Sha- 
jee, of the Bhosla tribe, for among the Mahrattas are many dis- 
tinct tribes; but the first who assumed the title of rajah, or king, 
was his son Sevajee: after an infinite variety of fortune, and being 
led captive by Aurungzebe, he escaped from the hands of that 
powerful emperor; and by the wonderful exertions of his own 
genius, seconded by his hardy countrymen, established the founda- 
tion of his power, amidst the inaccessible mountains and fortresses 
of the Deccan, and extended his predatory excursions to the rich 
provinces of Guzerat and Carnatic. In the fortieth year of his age 
he assumed the title and honours of rajah, and ascended the regal 
throne in the fort of Rairee, A. D. 1673. From that time Sevajee 
waged such an incessant war against the Moguls, that Aurung- 
zebe, although next to Acber, the most warlike and vigorous of 
their emperors, was baffled and distracted by the innumerable 
and indefatigable invaders; who, like the barbarians on the Roman 
empire, poured down from their mountains, and devastated his 
fairest provinces. 
Sevajee’s career closed with his life in 1680, leaving two sons, 
Sambajee and Raja-Ram; the former succeeded his father on 
the throne, and therewith to hostilities with the Moguls. To his 
