A History of the Mahrattas v2.c56.24

v2.c56.24

In the meantime the aggressions of the Pindharees increased, nor could the British Government defend its territory from their ravages, although large armies at a vast expense were annually called into the field.¹ During the season of 1815-16, or from October till May inclusive of those years, the Pindharees pushed their depredations to a great extent, and were very successful in eluding the parties sent in pursuit of them. In the ensuing seasons they were less fortunate in their escapes: the British detachments, performing extraordinary marches, frequently came up with them, sometimes fell upon them accidentally, and cut off many of their parties. The Pindharees never fought, and seldom defended themselves against British troops; but these successes, though in many instances highly creditable to the zeal and perseverance of the army, were but a mere palliative to this growing and deep-seated evil. It was observable that for several years the territory of the Mahrattas was in general respected, and their ravages directed principally against that of the Nizam and the British Government.