A History of the Mahrattas v2.c41.38

v2.c41.38

² For some account of the Gosaeens the reader may revert to Preliminary Observations, vol. i. [Keene describes the Gosāins as ‘a kind of fighting friars who were then beginning to be found useful as mercenaries.’ The name is strictly, he adds, ‘the denomination of the lay brother or apprentice, who is allowed to hold property and to mingle in the world’ (Mughal Empire, p. 162). Yule, Hobson-Jobson, states succinctly that the name is ‘applied in various parts of India to different kinds of persons, not necessarily celibates, but professing a life of religious mendicancy, and including some who dwell together in convents under a superior, and others who engage in trade and hardly pretend to lead a religious life’ (see footnote to page 16, vol. i). The most famous of these fighting priests were the Nāga Gosāins of Jaipur, Rājputanā, who are said to have been under an obligation from their guru, or spiritual chief, to fight for the Rājā of Jaipur, whenever required. For this service they received rent-free lands and pay of two pice (½d.) a day, the latter being put into a common treasury and spent, as occasion required, on the purchase of arms. The 7,000 Nāga Gosāins, armed with bow, arrow, shield, spear and discus, were placed in the vanguard of the Jaipur army in battle. (Russell, T. and C.C.P., iii. 156–7.)]