A History of the Mahrattas v1.c8.51

v1.c8.51

A.D. 1396.—In 1396, the dreadful famine, distinguished from all others by the name of the Doorga Dewee, commenced in Maharashtra. It lasted, according to Hindoo legends, for twelve years. At the end of that time the periodical rains returned; but whole districts were entirely depopulated, and a very scanty revenue was obtained from the territory between the Godavery and Kistna for upwards of thirty years afterwards. The hill forts and strong places, previously conquered by the Mahomedans, had fallen into the hands of Polygars and robbers; and the returning cultivators were driven from their villages.²