History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c80.s2: § 2. Maratha raiders dominant throughout the Deccan.
History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c80.s2
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§ 2. Maratha raiders dominant throughout the Deccan.
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As he began his retreat northwards from the environs of Wagingera, the exultant Marathas in a vast horde of 50 to 60 thousand men followed his army a few miles in the rear, cutting off grain supplies and stragglers and even threatening to break into his camp. A force sent under Hamid-ud-din Khan to repel them was defeated, many of the Mughals being killed or carried off prisoners and giving their horses up to capture. On another side a second Maratha band looted a part of the baggage of the imperialists; but when they beheld the Emperor's palki they did not venture near it, "out of respect for him" as Bhimsen imagines. [Dil. ii. 155a.]
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The same eye-witness writes, "When the Emperor was involved in the siege of Khelna, the Marathas became completely dominant over the whole kingdom and closed the roads. By means of robbery they escaped from poverty and gained great wealth. I have heard that every week they gave away sweets and money in charity, praying for the long life of the Emperor who had proved [to them] the Feeder of the Universe! The price of grain grew higher and higher; in the imperial camp in particular vast numbers perished (of hunger), and many kinds of illegal exactions and practices appeared. Ever since His Majesty had come to the throne he had not lived in a city but elected all these wars and hard marching, so that the inmates of his camp, sick of long separation, summoned their families to the camp and lived there. A new generation was thus born [under canvas]; they passed from infancy to youth, from youth to old age, and passing beyond old age girt up their loins for the journey to the world of the angels, and yet never once saw the look of a house, but only knew that in this world there is no other shelter than a tent." [Dil. ii. 141a.]
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The difficulties of the imperialists were the opportunity of the Marathas. Bhimsen adds, "As the Marathas are gaining large sums on the road, they have changed its name from *shah-rah* (king's highway) to *shah-ran* (? royal beauty.) When they invade a country they take from every pargana as much money as they desire and make their horses eat the standing crops or tread them underfoot. The imperial army that comes in pursuit can subsist only when the fields are cultivated [anew.] All administration has disappeared...The realm has been desolated, nobody gets justice, they have been utterly ruined. The ryots have given up cultivation; the jagirdars do not get a penny from their fiefs... Many mansabdars in the Deccan, starving and impoverished, have gone over to the Marathas." [Dil. ii. 139b—140a, 157b.]
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§ 3. Causes of the dissolution of government.
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This contemporary observer tries to account for the dissolution of government thus: "When after the death of Shivaji his dominions passed on to Shambhuji, the system of the Maratha Government paying salaries to its officials disappeared. Rajaram, who succeeded Shambhuji, lost his capital (Raigarh) and had to flee to Jinji. So, the Maratha State servants supported themselves by plundering on all sides, and paying a small part of their booty to the king.... In despair of getting their monthly salaries regularly, they regarded the plunder of Mughal territory as a gain and a means of maintaining themselves." [Dil. ii. 140a.]
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There was a regular trade in booty by the Maratha raiders. Bhimsen gives one example. "The ruined village of Abhona* was colonised by a Maratha named Ragho, who had formerly served under the Mughal faujdar of Nasik, and had afterwards taken to robbery. He used to bring his plunder from the surrounding country and lodge it here, and traders used to buy and sell these articles. As Ragho was on friendly terms with all men, none hindered him!" [Dil. ii. 145a.]
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∗ 23 m. n. w. of Chandor and 7 m. w. of Kalvan.