A History of the Mahrattas v1.c17.182

v1.c17.182

When an hereditary office was forfeited or became vacant in any way, the Moghul government selected a candidate on whom it was conferred; but the establishment premium of the exchequer was upwards of six and a half years' purchase, or precisely 651 per cent. on one year's emoluments, one fourth of which was made payable at the time of delivering the deeds, and the remainder by instalments; but besides this tax, an infinite number of fees and perquisites were exacted by the clerks, all which lent encouragement to confiscations and new appointments. The Emperor increasing in years was soon overwhelmed in more important cares than the mere detail of business; his ministers and their underlings were alike negligent and corrupt, and even after deeds and papers were prepared, years elapsed before the orders they contained were put in execution.¹ In these remarks we have both recurred to events, and in some degree anticipated the consequences of those that are to follow; but such is a correct picture of the times for upwards of twelve years after the fall of Beejapoor and Golcondah. At the end of that period, the effects and continued growth of the causes enumerated completely undermined the Moghuls, and their power crumbled like the aged and still splendid fabric which it is impossible to repair, but which a few revolving seasons must level with the ground.