New History of the Marathas v2.c24.103

v2.c24.103

The Marathas possessed brain and nerve, which had been well exercised and disciplined during their long war with Aurangzeb. Leaders of their martial bands were roving the land, crying for work and adventure, and wasting their energy in cutting each other's throats, swearing one moment to uphold the cause of Shahu, and deserting the next moment to Kolhapur or to the Mughals ; and all the time seeking nothing but their selfish ends, preying upon the hapless toiling population, the real producers of food and wealth. How was this anarchy to be ended? This was the problem which Balaji and Shahu with all their wisdom had proved impotent to solve. Shankaraji when he arrived at Satara, suggested the solution. He urged that if these roving bands of Maratha soldiery could be supplied with some suitable employment out of their accustomed routine, their attention would be diverted to new prospects outside and the chaotic conditions in Maharashtra would be at once changed.