A History of the Mahrattas v2.c41.36

v2.c41.36

These obstacles did not deter Mahadajee Sindia from pursuing his plans of independence. In detailing his political schemes and the progress of his conquests, we must not omit to notice the changes which he introduced in the constitution of his army. Amongst the minor innovations of Sindia may be enumerated the great proportion of Rajpoots and Mahomedans whom he enlisted; the alteration of the dress of his horsemen, who, from the short breeches worn by the Mahrattas, adopted the long trowsers covering the heel,¹ and lastly, the large bodies of Gosaeens, whom he entertained, and who, until introduced by Sindia, had rarely appeared as soldiers in the Mahratta armies.² The Gosaeens were kept distinct by Sindia from his other troops, and were attached to the division of Ambajee Inglia, principally under a leader named Himmut Buhadur, who was both their military commander and their spiritual director, and whose history merits some digression.