Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c27.s15.t1.6

v2.c27.s15.t1.6

Among the *Marathas* : “Orders for marching are signified by *chits* (notes) to the chieftains and promulgated by a cryer to the army the preceding night. And about four the ensuing morning the signal for moving is given by the great *naubat* or drum, on the second beating of which the Biniwālā (Quarter-master General) sets out with the Peshwa’s flag, escorted by his own corps. . . With him proceed parties from all the different chieftains with their respective flags, followers, bazar, infantry, artillery, etc. (*bahir* and *bungāh*.) These all proceed promiscuously in vast multitudes and without the smallest order till they see the Peshwā’s *Dal* flag, which is erected in a situation where the convenience of water is the principal consideration . . . By this flag the erection of all the others of the army,—and every chief has one,—is regulated for the camp. Except in the line of the bazar which generally forms a fine street in front of the chief’s tent, there is not the smallest internal regularity in the pitching of a Maratha camp ; yet with respect to Headquarters all the chiefs have their relative stations to the right and left, from which a deviation is by no means allowable. . . But, as no distances are marked out, and the numbers of no chief are definitely known, the whole exhibits an appearance of utter confusion.