History of the Qaraunah Turks in India c11.122

c11.122

"It is said to be a Mughal term for a "captain of a hundred," but in this place it rather designates a class of persons who seem to have approached in character the "free lances" of the middle ages in Europe. They were leaders of mercenaries, and foreigners at least for the most part; some were probably remnants of the "New Musalmans" or converted Mughal settlers, of whom mention has already been made though some, as will appear from the narrative, were most certainly Afghan adventurers. Loyalty sits lightly on troops of this class, and they have ever been notorious for violence and rapine."