History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c78.s6.33

v5.c78.s6.33

Several thousands of Mavlés, or Maratha hill infantry, served under Aurangzib, having at their head a *chaudhuri* or *darogha* to control them. But on the whole the presence of hired Maratha auxiliaries on the Mughal side had merely the effect of keeping them out of mischief, and did not add much to the strength of the imperial army. For one thing, their equipment and armament were far inferior to those of the regular Mughal troops, [*Dil.* ii. 146b, quoted in Ch. L. § 4] Then, they fought half-heartedly for their pay-master, and not in a true spirit of devotion. Thirdly, these Deccani captains were so often flitting in and out of the Emperor's service that no operation could be planned or carried out in reliance on them.