A History of the Mahrattas v1.c17.172

v1.c17.172

The laxity to which we have already adverted as having taken place in the discipline of the Mahratta army soon after Sivajee’s death, greatly increased in a few years, and although extremely detrimental to Sumbhajee’s resources as head of an organized state, it had a wonderful effect in extending predatory power, for every lawless man and every disbanded soldier, whether Mahomedan or Mahratta, who could command a horse and a spear, joined the Mahratta parties, and such adventurers were often enriched by the plunder of a day. The spirit which, independent of every other cause, was thus excited amongst a people fond of money and disposed to predatory habits can easily be imagined. The multitude of horsemen nurtured by former wars were already found too heavy a burden on a regular state, and no resources could support them. The proportion of the best troops which was retained in the imperial service would probably have soon enabled Aurungzebe to suppress the disorders, commonly attendant on Indian conquest, there had been no spirit kindled amongst the Mahratta people. But a pride in the conquests of Sivajee, their confidence in the strength of the forts, the skill and bravery of several of the Mahratta leaders, the ability and influence of many of the Bramins, and lastly, the minds of the Hindoo population, aroused by reports of the odious poll-tax to jealous watchfulness on the tenderest point, had, in addition to what we have already enumerated, excited a ferment which required not only vast means, but an entire change of measures, before it could possibly be allayed.