New History of the Marathas v3.c37.s2.36

v3.c37.s2.36

It was due to the strength of De Boigne’s disciplined brigades that the victory of Patan was won, confirming the wisdom of the experiment which Mahadji had begun in hesitation five years ago. De Boigne was particular about regular payment to his men. As Mahadji’s financial embarrassments often created trouble, De Boigne frankly demanded some arrangement by which regularity of payment to his men could be assured, and loyal service at all times could be exacted. He was, when first employed, allowed Rs. 4000 a month, which was afterwards increased to six thousand. In order to avoid delay in payment Mahadji allotted to the General's charge his rich districts in the vicinity of Aligarh, estimated to yield twelve lacs a year to cover the payment of his own salary and that of his men. De Boigne administered the fief very ably and so improved its annual yield as to secure the highest efficiency for his new army. The experiment served as a worthy example even for British administrators to copy at a later date.