A History of the Mahrattas v1.c14.42

v1.c14.42

The Mahrattas, and probably all natives of India, are in a peculiar manner roused from indolence and apathy when charged in any degree with responsibility, in what regards their own conduct, or that of another person. Sivajee, at the commencement of his career, personally inspected every man who offered himself, and obtained security from some persons already in his service, for the fidelity and good conduct of those with whom he was not acquainted. This system of security must soon have made almost every man answerable for some of his comrades; and although it could have been in most instances but a mere form, owing to the facility with which the responsibility could be evaded, it was always a part of Sivajee’s instructions to his officers.