A History of the Mahrattas v1.c22.34

v1.c22.34

² Among Hindoos, an attitude of worship or adoration is to place the forehead at the threshold of a temple or at the feet of the idol, and is used in humble supplication to a superior. The following extract of a letter, from Bajee Rao to his Mahapooroosh, must of course be understood figuratively: but it shows the embarrassments under which he laboured:—‘I have fallen into that hell of being beset by creditors, and to pacify Soucars and Sillidars, I am falling at their feet, till I have rubbed the skin from my forehead.’ Part of this distress originated in the high rates of pay which he was obliged to give, in order to outbid Nizam Ool Moolk and secure the best of the Deccan soldiery.