A History of the Mahrattas v1.c14.44

v1.c14.44

The Mawulees sometimes enlisted merely on condition of getting a subsistence in grain; but the regular pay of the infantry was from one to three pagodas¹ a month; that of the Bargeers was from two to five; and that of a Sillidar from six to twelve pagodas monthly.² All plunder, as well as prize, was the property of government. It was brought at stated times to Sivajee's durbar or place of public audience, and individuals formally displayed and delivered their captures. They always received some small compensation in proportion; they were praised, distinguished, and promoted according to their success; and to plunder the enemy is to this day used by the Mahrattas to express a victory, of which it is in their estimation the only real proof.