The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c20.63

v4.c20.63

The Marāthās became completely dominant over the whole kingdom and closed the roads. By means of robbery they escaped from poverty and rose to great wealth. I have heard that every week they distributed alms and sweetmeats in charity, praying for the long life of the emperor, who had proved (for them) the Feeder of the Universe! The price of grain grew higher and higher; in the imperial camp in particular vast numbers perished of hunger and many kinds of illegal exactions and practices appeared.