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History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c78.s3: § 3. Maratha system of guerilla warfare.

History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c78.s3

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§ 3. Maratha system of guerilla warfare.

v5.c78.s3.1

But this decentralisation of authority was exactly suited to the situation in Maharashtra. The Maratha captains, each acting on his own account, carried on a guerilla warfare (as described in Chitnis, ii. 43-45) and caused the greatest loss and disturbance to the Mughal territories. The imperialists did not know what point to defend, nor where to find a vital enemy position for their attack. The extremely mobile Maratha bands covered long distances and delivered attacks at the most unexpected quarters; and such roving bands were countless. The result was universal unrest throughout the Deccan. "In addition to the (regular) divisions under the three generals (totally 60 to 70 thousand cavalry), and the king's own contingent of 10,000,—there were roving bands of 15 to 20 thousand, who fought their way to Maharashtra, levied *chauth* from the provinces, drove out the imperial outposts, and strengthened their own strategic points (*nake jaga*) and forts.

v5.c78.s3.2

∗ The titles of *Senapati*, *Sena-sahib-subah*, *Sar-i-lashkar*, *Sena-dhurandhar*, and "with honour equal to the *Senapati*." It would be incorrect to call four of these divisional commanders, as they were declared to be equal to the *Senapati* (c-in-c) and in no way subordinate to him.

v5.c78.s3.3

Fortifying out-of-the-way places, they remained encamped in the shelter of woods and cut off Mughal detachments." [Chitnis, ii. 43.]

v5.c78.s3.4

At this stage the Marathas avoided pitched battles—except when they had to relieve a fort, nor did they stay long within easy reach of the Mughal armies. Their encampments during the rainy months were in obscure and inaccessible places. Their bands did not hold together all the year round but dispersed to their several homes after the campaigning season of six months (October to April) was over.

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