“The knowing one must not despise the condition of those who are ignorant, nor should the knowing one destroy the faith of the ignorant in their own particular method, but by proper action, lead them and show them the path to come to where he stands.” — Bhagavad Gita, III.26
The Mughals were mlechcha (barbarians) who pillaged townships and temples, murdered people, and raped women. Heck, they even murdered their own family members to “eliminate the competition” to the throne.
Shivaji Raje was aware of such behavior. But he refused to pay the Mughals back in their own coin. One instance comes to mind when the Marathas captured Subedar Ahmad, the sardar of Kalyan. His daughter-in-law was presented in the durbar. Such a beauty was she that when Raje lifted her veil, the whole court gasped.
Abaji Mahadev suggested making her a part of the dancing troop, or a mistress to an ordinary soldier. After all, that is how the enemy treated Hindu women.
“One wrong cannot be eliminated by another,” Shivaji replied. “I believe in recognizing the law of humanity, rather than what society and protocol says. Our flag carries the saffron color of the Lord. It is a representation of the Lord Himself.” (source: Shivaji, The Great Maratha)
Shivaji ordered for her release along with her husband and Subedar Ahmad, leaving the three of them shocked and overwhelmed. (If it was the other way round, Subedar Ahmad would not think twice in executing Shivaji.)
The great king showed compassion for the enemy in other instances too. Freeing their captured soldiers, burying their dead with honor, and so on, thus practicing “the law of humanity” rather than giving it mere lip service. Shivaji’s actions spoke so loud that there was no need for words.
We become vocal in pointing out what’s wrong. But axing others’ furniture won’t make yours look any better. Not to mention that doing this often changes you for the worse. (Ever noticed how people who keep criticizing others eventually become like them?)
“The best way to criticize something is to make something better,” Kevin Kelly wrote. So what if no one else agrees? If you’re in it for the right reasons, it’s a noble pursuit. Practice will teach you a lot, which, in turn, you can use to help people when they falter while trying to follow in your footsteps.