A History of the Mahrattas v1.c17.177

v1.c17.177

The Mankurees, whilst their envoys were in the imperial camp professing “perpetual obedience and fidelity to Aurungzebe the king of the world,” frequently sent their parties to plunder the Moghul districts; and in case of discovery the Bramin wukeel, who had secured the patronage of some great man at court by bribery, was ready to answer for or excuse the irregular conduct of his master’s followers. The Moghul Foujdars were instructed to conciliate the Mahratta chiefs on condition of their agreeing to serve with fidelity. The chiefs were negotiating with the Foujdar; their wukeels were secure; and their followers, under the general name of Mahrattas, were ravaging some other part of the country.