A History of the Mahrattas v1.c23.66

v1.c23.66

period and origin of the distribution. On this paper is marked, seemingly as a memorandum of the answer sent, Soor Sun 1117 (about Anno Domini 1717). I have frequently found Bramin revenue officers in other respects very intelligent men, who said there was no difference in the origin of Jagheer and Mokassa, both being bestowed, as they observed, ‘for the maintenance of troops, and consequently they must always have been the same.’ The want of research and historical observation amongst the Mahrattas, in common with all Hindoos, is a greater obstacle to the attainment of information than can be conceived in a European country. Everything must be wormed out of them by attentive perseverance; in that way there is a wide field for the inquirer; but unfortunately it takes years of experience before a European is qualified to question a native of India.