History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c86.s2.14

v5.c86.s2.14

† Col. T. D. Pearse wrote to Warren Hastings in 1781 from Ellore : "The Hindus [of N. India] are nine out of ten in the numbers composing this army; ...but 29 Hindus have deserted for one Musalman. The cause is but too evident : an Hindu can live on Rs. 2 a month, and save 5 after paying for necessaries,—whereas the Musalman will live well whilst he can; is seldom worth a Rupee, and therefore has a tie upon the service that the other has not : for the Hindu with Rs. 100, returning to his home, can stock a farm, and live happily for the rest of his days." [Br. Ind. Mil. Repository, vol. ii. (1823) p. 19.]