A History of the Mahrattas v1.c17.174

v1.c17.174

The powerful Mankurees,¹ Duflay, Ghatgay, Manay, Nimbalkur, &c. during the siege of Beejapoor hovered about the imperial camp until the fall of the capital, when they withdrew to their Jagheers, sending their Wukeels with humble professions of duty and sometimes attending themselves; but from this time they joined plundering parties of their own countrymen, or submitted to the Moghuls, as circumstances invited or compelled them. There were few plunderers independent of Sumbhajee's parties or some Mankuree, because the Foujdar's troops were always too powerful for common depredators. A few Pindharees² as all not belonging to Mahratta parties were termed, appeared about Beder, but they were soon suppressed or driven to join the Mahratta standard. No irregulars of that description received pay, but were frequently taken under the protection of some Mahratta chief and allowed to encamp near him, on condition of presenting frequent nuzurs, or in other words, giving up a part of their plunder.