A History of the Mahrattas v1.c20.49

v1.c20.49

Such were probably the real opinions of Sreeput Rao, but the wisdom of Bajee Rao was of a much higher order. He comprehended the nature of predatory power; he perceived its growth in the turbulence and anarchy, for which the system of distributing the revenue was the first remedy; he foresaw that confusion abroad would tend to order at home; and that as commander of distant expeditions, he should acquire the direction of a larger force than any other chief of the empire: that the resources of the Deccan would not only improve by withdrawing the hordes of horse which unprofitably consumed them, but must fall under the control of that person who could most readily procure employment and subsistence for the troops; and who at the same time could conciliate, as well as overawe, the insubordinate and predatory bands of all casts and descriptions composing the Deccan soldiery.