A History of the Mahrattas v1.c23.62

v1.c23.62

Having already dwelt upon the artificial divisions of revenue, adopted as a means of cementing union among the Mahrattas, it is fit to inquire how far it tended to that end, and how long the detail of the system was preserved. That it did create union, and give an immediate direction to the predatory power of the Deccan, is unquestionable; and it is probable the Mahrattas would never have spread their conquests so far, had not this means been devised for conciliating and controlling the chiefs. It was founded on a principle of self-interest, which, fitly directed to the views of a community, is unerring in its results; but it must always be remembered that this principle, when misapplied or misunderstood, may tend as much to stir up sedition and to create hostility, as to preserve union and ensure combination. Bajee Rao had not leisure to attend to detail or arrangement; the minute divisions which were made of the revenues, ceded by the Moghuls, served to provide hundreds of Bramin Carcoons with bread; and every one interpreted the amount of his own, or his master's claims to Surdeshmookhee, Babtee, Mokassa, &c., rather according to his power to enforce his demands than his ability to prove their justice.