A History of the Mahrattas v1.c12.7

v1.c12.7

On Sivajee’s return to Poona, he used great exertions to increase his cavalry; he purchased horses in all quarters, and mounted them with Bargeers of his own: he now also commenced entertaining Mahratta Sillidars. Mankojee Dutonday, an old officer who had served with his father, had commanded his small body of horse for several years, with the title of Surnobut; but, at his death, Sivajee appointed as his successor Netajee Palkur, an enterprising officer, who had considerable influence with the Sillidars in various parts of the country, but a man naturally cruel and unprincipled.