The Online Actos Blog

Dieting is always something that people like to experiment with until they find something that works. One of the most popular diets in the 1970’s was the high protein low carb diet. This diet faded out because of the association it had with heart disease. It is now back to being a very popular diet because of a few changes that were developed to it. New studies have found that the high protein low carb diets has found that is is a lot more beneficial than supposed. It is still being studied right now, but this could be the diet for you.

Some of the high protein low carb diets have a lack of carbohydrates available in the diet, so you want to be sure to choose the high protein low carb diets that are condusive to your body type. Ask a doctor or a dietician if you are unsure about how the diet is going to work with your body.

High protein low carb diets are a great way to loose weight quickly for the short term. You need to realize that once you have lost the weight, you have to work to maintain or continue to loose weight. With the high protein low carb diet, it is known that the initial weight loss may be water weight with this diet because of how the body reacts to the high protein low carb diets. Don’t let this discourage you from trying this diet because while the initial weigh loss is water weight, the rest is “real” weight.

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Nokia has announced three new handsets to form part of its business portfolio (E60, E61 and E70). At present these devices are expected to run Symbian v9.1 with the 3rd edition of Series 60 platform. BlackBerry Connect, WLAN connectivity and 3G (a welcome addition to those who require web browsing at impressive speeds) will also be incorporated.

“RIM is working closely with Nokia to provide support for BlackBerry services on the new Nokia E-series in order to provide carriers and customers with a broader choice of handsets while maintaining the many advantages of the BlackBerry architecture and infrastructure,” said Mark Guibert, Vice President, Corporate Marketing at RIM.

BlackBerry users especially will be looking at the E61, as visually it carries a very similar form factor to the traditional BlackBerry shape including the full QWERTY keypad. Launch dates for the three new models is expected around Q1 2006. Final specifications will be confirmed as we receive them.

Wireless Communication Solutions

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Gone are the days, when mobile phones and mobile phone type devices, were only used by sales-people on the road, business travelers and the corporate elite. They go beyond their original purpose and function today.

Before, they were mainly meant and designed to keep us in touch and reachable 24/7, when in remote locations or out of the office. These mobile devices and technologies now enable our modern, fast-paced world, in new and innovative ways. They connect us to what matters, open our eyes to new opportunities and unlock horizons ahead.

Pod-casting, blackberry and mobile digital wireless devices, that help us connect, stay in touch and live out loud, giving shape and voice to our lives, have become so commonplace, that they are almost forgotten sometimes, taken for granted, underappreciated and not always optimally utilized.

There are lots you can do to discover what your phone has to offer:

Knowing its features and discovering what this phone can do for you, beyond your wildest expectations, its capacities and capabilities are above what you can imagine or are exploring or even considering right now. It is about so much more than staying in touch and getting connected - that’s the beginning! Phone compatibility, accessories and more are increasing the possibilities at and in hand, so to speak.

Knowing what content is available, accessing, using and sharing it, going way beyond custom images, ring tones, wallpaper, screensavers, freeware, games and online gaming experiences, video, music, movies, TV shows, news and more, are all online, in-hand and available to you.

Ring-tones in over twenty music categories, film, TV and games can turn your phone into a real fun house and hand-held, palm-driven, wireless enabled on-the-go entertainment center or pleasure arcade. Personalizing your phone and small-screen with images, wallpaper, video and other multimedia and/or even software applications are within reach. Online photo albums, sending pictures to friends, family or prospects are all feasible.

Learning and practicing how to actually download content, visiting online sites that offer content for mobile phones specifically. Uploading, downloading and storing files - have you ever tried even browsing the Internet using your mobile phone, if it does have that capability? To download is easy and fun, yet not a lot of us have actually tried it.

Once you have, a whole world of opportunity, content opens to you, and there is no going back, only forward. Take games and gaming to a completely new level. Access software applications from your mobile phone, instant messaging for in-obtrusive, private and discreet communication on demand, 24/7, around the world, instantly is in the device we hold dear, in hand and near ear and heart.

Comparing its usage and functionality to other forms and mediums of communication, to realize its full potential, beyond being a communication device. Immediate, portable, convenient, private and personal - you own individual communication and mobile entertainment device, your mobile phone now takes on a whole new identity all of its very own.

Private messages, SMS sender, portable entertainment center and much, much more. Discover the various identities and worlds your phone brings to the palm of your hand and a small-screen intimate interface. Welcome to the future. Your phone is ringing…

Daniel Cavalli is an article writer based in Brisbane Australia. He publishes articles and reports for the Australian Telecommunications Service Provider Telcoblue. http://www.telcoblue.com.au

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What are the options available for refilling my printer?

There are mainly two ways you can refill your printer - with printer cartridges or with ink refill kits. There are OEM cartridges, remanufactured or recycled cartridges and compatible cartridges. The cheapest option is, however, buying a printer ink refill kit and refill the empty cartridge.

Do remanufactured cartridges harm the machine?

Remanufactured cartridges do no harm to the printer. Remanufactured cartridges are nothing but recycled OEM cartridges. You only have to buy a remanufactured cartridge that is meant for your specific printer.

How many times I can refill a cartridge?

Many suggest refilling should not be done for more than 4-5 times. Printer cartridges come with printer heads and once these heads wear out, the cartridge needs to be changed. As long as you are satisfied with the print quality, you can go on refilling.

How to save printer ink?

Printer inks are very expensive and the best way to save money on printer ink is to use it economically. Plan and print. Often people take printouts simply to realize later that it is not required. Take printouts of only those documents, which are necessary.

Where to buy printer ink?

Printer inks can be brought from retail stores or from online stores. Buying from online stores will save you a lot of money - both on the product and on shipping and traveling expenses as well.

Does my printer warranty remain valid even if I use compatible or remanufactured cartridges?

Printer manufacturers like Hewlett Packard, Canon, Epson, Lexmark etc suggest that you use only OEM cartridges. Generally your printer warranty will be void if you use compatible or remanufactured cartridges. If you have ever used remanufactured or compatible cartridges, the printer manufacturer will not take responsibility for any damage done to the computer.

We have made the most comprehensive research to find the best place to buy printer inks. Find the results only on the cheap jet ink cartridges and ink refill research. All about printer inks on http://www.leandernet.com

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A lot of card players have asked “Why would I need a Full Tilt Poker rakeback? I play on the web if there is a bonus to clear.” What if you decide to take gambling up professionally? There are many gamers in the online poker world that are extremely dissapointed at not getting poker rakeback and now the majority of them have now opted in for every last major online poker web site and skins. Don’t turn into one of them.

Full Tilt Poker Rakeback

If you are a person that bets up to one or two dollars and only plays when you are clearing bonus sign-up rewards, you are obtaining normally around one hundred percent rakeback considering the bonus on the wager. A certain major gaming room have recently shut accounts of gamblers that used their website only for this function. Nobody knows for sure whether this exercise might set off a trend. If it happens then a rake back offer will be an essential. One day you may find your greatest game and find yourself very lucky, if you are not already. I was hurt in an accident then internet poker came along when I was recovering and I have never regretted it. That was over 2 years back and believe me I haven’t needed a job in those couple of years thanks to internet gambling and naturally rake back. It’s always great idea to look ahead. Regard it as as an investment in the future, even if you don’t imagine poker rakeback is for you at present it for sure might end up being a fantastic investment in the future, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain. Should you be considering signing up for a new poker room you really should sign up for rakeback.

The Rakeback Professionals site is glad to be associated with so many respected affiliates. Savoring the profits is as effortless as surfing to any The Rakeback Professionals agency affiliate web site or as straightforward as sending an e-mail. The partner has the ability to get anybody set up instantly. You will be able to begin playing straightaway. Should you sign up with an affiliate thru Rakeback Professionals you will be able to be confident as this affiliate will have been checked out and also agrees to authorize The poker fans’ interest association Rakeback Professionals to arbitrate whatever disagreement which may happen. Nonetheless because we screen our associates, complaints have been relatively few and in addition we will invariably work promptly to rectify any problem to take care of the gamers.

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I have noticed a growing health issue in America regarding cell phones. I believe that cell phone related anger and stress is elevating blood pressure and taking years off many American lives.

People are taking cell phone related problems way too seriously and in some cases, it really takes time off their life-other than the time it takes trying to fix the problem. I am here to help heal you.

Please lie down on my couch and tell Dr. Prepaid what is bothering you.

Doctor, well I signed this contract. I expected my cell phone to work perfectly all the time. I expected the companies’ low-paid customer service reps to always act professionally and knowledgeably. I expected them not to hang me by my contract when I tried to cancel. But my phone did not work perfectly, the company’s service was not perfect, and they charged me a cancellation fee, so now I am mad beyond words.

My advice is to lower your expectations, or try some preventative medicine, and you will be cured.

First, lower your expectations. Realize that no cell phone company has perfect service, personnel or deals, no matter what they say. When you have problems, consider them as opportunities to develop your patience and people skills instead of taking it so personally and emotionally.

Second, practice some alternative and preventative medicine by choosing a prepaid plan.

Now, I know what you are thinking. I am a trained professional, you know.

You are saying, why, my situation was much different. If you were in my shoes, you would know the pain, agony, mental trauma, betrayal, and anger that I was feeling. My cell phone company charged me hundreds of dollars extra. I made 10 phone calls with no results. I finally had to write the FCC, the Attorney General, and take the CEO hostage to gain back a partial refund.

But I do understand, my dear patient. I too was once a sufferer. I attempted to cancel my Verizon plan last year and was instead charged a reconnect fee of $75 and then charged for 4 extra months at an even higher monthly plan rate while not using the phone. Finally, they did cancel my service with a $175 cancellation fee. I made a complaint with the state attorney general, and Verizon credited back 1/4 of the charges. Yes, I was annoyed and angry, but I got over it. If you are having a problem, my advice to you is to write a certified letter to your carrier with your initial request that includes the name of the customer service rep and what you instructed them and what they told you. That will probably work and will save you 10 phone calls and a ton of stress. If not, then contact the Attorney General. However, only contact any authority if it is worth it. Don’t waste their time because there may be others that really need help.

While real problems exist with cell phone companies, there is a growing epidemic of people who go beyond what I would call healthy behavior. I call it cell phone rage. People go nuts if their phone hits a dead spot. They get angry at a mentally challenged customer service rep. They blame the world if their cell phone breaks. That is life. Get used to it. Again, I am saying to try to get the best value and service you can. If you don’t get it, complain or leave. Before you buy, look at the contract or the terms so you know what your options are. However, try not to get too emotional or go overboard with ridiculous claims or actions.

I really believe that going prepaid would prevent most stress, or it should. Try a Tracfone or Virgin Mobile for $29 or less. Try a Prepaid Cingular Go Phone for free - see below. Go ahead and even try a more expensive and nicer prepaid phone for $100 or more. If these don’t work out or things change, just don’t refill the phone. You are done. No calls to customer service reps and not a lot of money lost.

However, I am witnessing something alarming. People are having “heart attacks” over their prepaid phones. I have seen comments on the net from people who are besides themselves over their $19 Tracfone or $29 Page Plus Phone problems. Now, I just read a web site with people going hysterical over a prepaid company that raised their fees on the plan. Price increases do bother us all, but this company is still cheaper than most of the competition. Companies do have the freedom to raise prices if there is no contract. Consumers have the freedom to leave if that company is not competitive. In this case, most of these people received their mobile phone for free and now they are going nuts over a $3 a month fee on their prepaid mobile program. They are writing local and federal authorities to have this repealed. Yes, some even calling for fines and jail time for the company’s owners. If this is a joke or just venting, then fine. But a few are authentically upset over a few dollars. This is not healthy.

They are clogging up channels that could be used to help those who have really suffered a consumer loss of hundreds of dollars or more.

If you buy a prepaid phone and have a problem, try to solve the problem by contacting that company, or go to another company, or accept it as a normal annoyance. Breathe deeply, think calming thoughts and always have smile on your face.

Here is to your mental health. Cheers.

Josiah William works in marketing for cheapphonecards.com and DealKing.com

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In May 2005 U.S hardware history was made.

This was the first time that laptops sold more than desktop computers in a single month. Indeed, Current Analysis, an innovative research firm headquartered in Sterling, Virginia, confirmed that laptop sales leapt to 53.3 per cent of the total PC retail market in May 2005.

Were these figures just a blip on the the computer sales radar? Let your own eyes answer that question for you - Folks using laptops are everywhere! - People checking their emails in coffee shops, students studying interactively in the classroom, business men and women compiling data reports on planes and trains.

So, what current factors contribute to the massive popularity of laptops with the computer buying public?

AFFORDABILITY

Five years ago, you could walk into a computer store with four thousand dollars, and emerge bow legged, carrying a bulky notebook computer the size of a sewing machine - about as cutting edge as grandpa’s pipe and smoking jacket. Today you can pick up a Compaq NX6125 from HP, equipped with a biometric fingerprint reader, 60GB hard drive, and an AMD 64 bit Turion processor for less than $1000!

Expect prices for laptops to get even lower in the coming months thanks to intense competition between the two heavyweight processor manufacturers, Intel and AMD. Both companies have introduced mobile chips with speeds that offer desktop performance.

CONNECTIVITY

Laptops with Wi-Fi are no longer an optional luxury. At Mammoth Coffee in Newport, Ohio, more and more business owners are jostling for notebook “office space”, - to the modest tune of a blueberry muffin, and a Cafe Au Lait.

Those who dine at fine restaurants at the very least expect a sensory, savory meal, set upon a table with fine silver and white table cloths; superior service; and ambient lighting. Well that’s exactly what’s on the menu at Trapeze restaurant in Burlingame, California,- along with wireless access service for laptops.

Wireless fidelity has moved effortlessly from the boundaries of home and office to the pristine elegance of posh restaurants. But, will the wireless laptop revolution end here?

Last Mile Communications have even greater ambitions for Wi-Fi notebooks. They hope to use the established infrastructure of the many lamp-posts dotting around merry old England to produce a network of wireless access points.

This ambitious UK company would like convert the street lights so they can be accessed via your laptop to get on the internet. Last mile would also like to put flash memory in the lights so even without accessing the web you could find information about local amenities, and emergency fire, police and ambulance services.

PORTABILITY

Laptops with performance rivalling that of desktop computers used to be knee breakers - Not any more. A stream of high quality ultralights and ultraportables have flooded onto the market in the last few months.

Acer’s Red dot award winner,the Travelmate 3000 boasts a widescreen 12.1 inch panoramic display, and the notebook’s compact chassis occupies less desktop space than a sheet of A4 paper - weighing just 1.4kg. The Sony T2, a sleek silver ultralight laptop, is equipped with a 60GB hard drive, 1.2GHz processor and weighs just under 1.4kg.

Too big you say? How about Toshiba’s Libretto U100? This laptop weighs just 2.16 pounds, has a 1.20GHz Intel Pentium M processor, and sports a hard drive protection system.

Tom Fox writes for the Laptops Weblog - Laptopical is a site dedicated to offering relevant news commentary and reviews about notebook computers.

More laptop news

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Many aspects of the personal computer have increased in leaps and bounds in terms of performance and what they are capable of doing.

Computer memory, often referred to as Random Access Memory (RAM), has become of greater and greater performance as time has gone on.

One of the famous quotes from back in the eighties was one made by Bill Gates when he said that no one would ever need more than 640KB of memory. Well that has been passed for ages now, with high performance machines sometimes sporting over 1GB of it.

There are many advantages that can be had with more memory.

• Programs run faster
• Less waiting time for programs to load
• More programs can be run at a time
• Overall computer speed is increased

Double Data Rate (DDR) memory is the staple of the consumer market. It has taken off due to public demand and now comes quite reasonably priced.

Computers don’t generally come with less than 256MB of memory nowadays. My computer after freshly installing Windows 2000 (no, I haven’t gone to Windows XP yet) takes about 80MB or memory. That is the very least, with no additional programs or anything else installed. After I have installed all the graphics drivers, Internet connection software for ADSL, virus protection and firewall it takes around 160MB of total memory.

From my previous experience, 256MB will do, but after it becomes quickly filled when running a few programs, Windows reverts to using the hard drive for memory. It’s a way to fake more memory, by using the hard drive as a temporary store. 512MB now does it for my needs, but if you run many programs or memory intensive ones, 768MB or even 1GB will do better.

But is memory size the only factor?

An equally important factor is the memory speed. It is measured in MHz. Most systems use 400MHz DDR memory. This would be the safe bet with almost any processor you may have. 400MHz has also become the most common to buy, there is not much slower than that left to buy.

Memory from a reputable manufacturer will ensure that you don’t have problems with it and will also provide a certain amount of overclocking if you are into that. Even better would be to get faster memory, it just runs down at the computers speed, even if it is designed for more.

Another aspect of memory has come into play, being highlighted mostly by the enthusiastic overclocking crowd, and that’s latency.

Memory is a bank or table of places where information can be stored. In order to get the specific rows and columns certain things have to be activated within the memory. In a nutshell latency refers to how long it takes to be able to acces another part of memory. The shorter the time it takes, the quicker it is.

Low latency memory comes at a huge price premium, with 512MB of top class memory costing more than some processors.

But does it actually benefit you?

If you are into high-speed 3D games then there could certainly be a difference. For the rest of us, there probably won’t be much difference. It’s still worth it however to keep latency in mind when shopping around. I would certainly choose a lower latency model when buying.

Dual channel memory is another recent addition to memory technology. What it does is it puts the memory into pairs, the two pairs together can increase on the performance and speed of the memory by up to 10%. The motherboard has to support it, and the memory has to be the dual channel kind. Dual channel will work even when not in a pair, but normal memory will have no advantage when put in a pair.

Finally, DDR2 is a newer addition available for Intel systems. It has 240 pins (the little copper strips at the end that plugs into the slot) as opposed to DDR memory’s 184 pins. In this respect the two are completely incompatable. DDR2 is by design meant to be in pairs, they don’t have to be, but they all have dual channel capability. Only Intel processors with LGA775 socket type use this memory, but it is much faster.

So, whenever looking for more memory, try to bear these factors in mind…

• Do you need DDR or DDR2 (LGA775 systems)
• What speed do you need? Usually 400MHz (named PC3200) or faster?
• 256MB minimum, preferably 512 or up to 1GB
• Dual channel pairs. Do you need them and does your computer support them?
• Latency, lower the better, but not essential. CAS of 3 is normal.

Peter Stewart is a computer enthusiast, his interest in computers and focus on practical, down to earth advice inspired his two websites. http://computer-buying-guide.com - Practical buying tips http://computer-reviews.net - Fair and honest reviews and opinions

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In 1996, identity theft endangered more than 26.5 million veterans’ pensions and identities and Naveen Jain immediately offered to help. The Chief Executive Officer of Intelius, Naveen Jain contacted the Department of Veteran Affairs and made arrangements with the department heads for the Intelius IDWatch to be offered to any affected veteran with an 80% discount.

Naveen Jain says that the Intelius IDWatch service, which is basically sold at $100 a year, was to be given to veterans for only $19.95. Admiral Bill Owens, Chairman of the Board of Intelius, revealed that the exclusive offer for veterans was to be given as a token of appreciation and recognition for the service they gave to the country.

Naveen Jain further added that he hoped the gesture from Intelius eased the minds of Armed Forces veterans who were worried about the security of their identity. Former US Air Force Captain Jack Dein was relieved to hear of the offer made by Naveen Jain’s Intelius. Dein said that identity theft is an issue that needed attention and the discount given by Intelius was a show of unparalleled support for retired members of the US military forces.

The IDWatch service from Intelius protects the identities of its users by closely monitoring customers’ personal, professional and financial information, and alerting them to very likely fraudulent activity in real time through email. IDWatch also checks online forums and the black market for the trade, sale, and use of its customers’ identity-related information, which includes Social Security numbers and credit card information. IDWatch warns customers if their information appears in such forums.

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This article attempts to bring out the irreligiousness and barbarism of the Hindu king Shivaji Bhonsle, also known as Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj (February 19, 1630 - April 3, 1680), who was the founder of the Maratha empire in western India in 1674. It does not claim that Shivaji was absolutely irreligious and barbaric. If it exposes Shivaji’s negative character it is because a lot positive has been said about Shivaji and thus portraying his good character/s is a mere repetition, nothing else.

‘Shivaji was born to Hindu parents in 1630, in the hill fort of Shivneri, 60 km north of Pune (formerly Poona) in Maharashtra, India. His father, Shahaji, was a jagirdar of the sultan of Bijapur in present-day Karnataka. His mother was Jijabai, the daughter of Lakhuji Jadhav from Sindkhedraja in present-day Buldhana district of Maharashtra. He was one of the most influential amongst the Yadav (lower-cast Hindu) rulers.’ (See Shivaji: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.)

The Irreligious Shivaji-

‘Shivaji annexed a portion of the then dominant Mughal empire using guerrilla tactics superbly suited to the rugged mountains and valleys found in this region. He was formally crowned Chatrapati (”Holder of the Umbrella”, representing the protection he bestowed on his people) on June 6, 1674 at the Raigad fort, and given the title, Kshatriya Kulasampanna Simhasanadheeshwar Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Pandit Gaga Bhatt, a Brahmin from Varanasi, officially presided over the ceremony. A few days later a second ceremony was carried out, this time according to the Bengal school of Tantricism and presided over by Nischal Puri. The coronation itself was the subject of controversy among the inner circles of Shivaji, on doubts over Shivaji’s status as a Kshatriya (the warrior Hindu cast), since a Kshatriya alone could be crowned a King.’ (See Shivaji: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.)

Hinduism is theoretically consisted of its scriptures categorised as Shruti and Smriti. Shruti scriptures are essentially Vedas, including the Upanishads, and Smriti scriptures are essentially Sutras, including the Manusmriti, which dealt with Hindu law and conduct.

‘Dharma is an important concept in Hinduism signifying order, law, duty, and truth. Men were expected to follow their own dharma (their sva-dharma) according to their social class, varna, and stage of life, ashrama, hence the term varna-ashrama-dharma. The maintenance of social order in the world and the relationship between humanity and the gods were the corporate responsibility of all, though each person’s behaviour in the service of dharma was different. The principle text in which these duties (and those of women) were codified was the Manusmriti.’ (See Kim Knott: Hinduism -a very short introduction. Oxford: OUP. Pg 43-4)

‘In Rig Veda 10.90 and chapter 2 of the Bhagavad-gita we were introduced to the idea of the four classes of Brahminical society. Arjuna, as a warrior, was expected to do his class duty, not being tempted to mimic the duties of others just because they seemed more palatable or worthy, or less contentious. This idea of social duty was discussed in greater detail in the Manusmriti, where the consequences of neglecting one’s duty were treated very seriously. Undutiful or a-dharmic actions would be punished with expulsion from one’s social group or with a lower rebirth in the next life.’ (See Kim Knott: Hinduism -a very short introduction. Oxford: OUP. Pg 38)

In Ch 18 verses 41 to 48 clearly imply that Bhagavad-gita (in particular, Lord Krishna) considers the cast system (constituted of the four casts, viz Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras) to be divine and religious. Non-Kshatriyas performing the works of Kshatriyas are thus irreligious, according to the Gita (see Ch 18 verses 47 & 48). ‘In modern India, caste is determined by familial inheritance, but not all present members of Kshatriya castes are necessarily descended from the Vedic Kshatriyas. Many historical rulers came from other castes, or were descended from non-Hindu foreign conquerors, and were either granted de facto Kshatriya status by virtue of the power they held, or they created fictionalized family histories to connect themselves to past Kshatriya rulers. The Maratha ruler Shivaji, for example, was from non-Kshatriya origins, but in order to legitimize himself as Maratha king he created a dubious genealogy that traced his family to the Sesodia dynasty of Rajputs, and found a prestigious Brahmin to conduct a ritual of consecration that acknowledged his kingship while absolving Shivaji of living as a non-Kshatriya. The caste system spread, along with Hinduism, throughout India and into southeast Asia, but not necessarily by immigration; peoples with non-Vedic origins may have adopted the Vedic castes as they acculturated into Hinduism.’ (See http://encyclopedia.laborlawtalk.com/Kshatriya)

The Marathas are the inhabitants of Maharashtra…Aside from a Brahmin minority- among whom the Chitpawans are best known as the providers of the Peshwas rulers- the Marathas belong to the Shudra cast.’ (See Dilip Hiro: History of India: the rough guide. London: Rough Guides Ltd. Pg 204) This suggests that Shivaji actually belonged to the Shudra cast, not the Kshatriya cast. (The word Shudra means inferior and the Shudra cast is the cast of farmers or servants.)

‘Shivaji created a government with democratic structure, where 12 ministers were elected by the public- one of the first experiments in democracy in the Indian subcontinent. The chief of ministers (prime minister) was chosen by the public and was called “Peshwa”.’ (See Shivaji: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.) However, Hinduism does not allow lower-cast people to decide who should govern their society. In this way, Shivaji’s democracy, and, in general, his rule was irreligious.

Thus, according to Hinduism Shivaji was irreligious. In other words, Shivaji was an irreligious (or a-dharmic) Hindu king.

The Barbaric Shivaji-

Shivaji’s barbarism is depicted in the barbaric civic laws practised under his rule. For example, punishment for theft was to cut hands, for rape was to throw down from the top of the hill (e.g. Takmaktok in Marathi) to kill, etc.

‘Small and sturdy, the Marathas are renowned for their perseverance. As agriculturists they are sober and frugal, with a touch of guile. As village chiefs they supplied the administrative backbone of the kingdoms of Ahmadnagar and Bijapur. As soldiers they were as courageous and enterprising as Rajputs, but did not share Rajput concepts of honour, valour and self-sacrifice. For a Maratha, victory was to be achieved by any means, fair or foul. His adversaries therefore regarded him as a formidable foe.’ (See Dilip Hiro: History of India: the rough guide. London: Rough Guides Ltd. Pg 204) This speaks of the barbaric nature of the Marathas, including Shivaji.

‘By the third quarter of the 18th century, the Marathas had under their direct administration enough Indian territory to justify the use of the term “the Maratha Empire”, though it never came near the dimensions of the Mughal Empire. The Marathas also never sought to formally substitute themselves for the Mughals; they often kept the emperor under their thumb but still paid him formal obeisance. Their ruthlessness in the wake of their battles against Aurangzeb’s armies, especially towards Muslim populations meant they were not trusted to the same degree as the Mughal administration had been, a further factor in their inability to form an extensive empire.’ (See India. London: Insight Guides. Pg 40)

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