Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c27.s15.t2.4

v2.c27.s15.t2.4

“The arms of the Maratha cavalry [in 1795] are swords, spears (bhālā), matchlocks and a few bows and arrows. The sword is universal and indispensable; the matchlock frequent and almost universal in the Pagas [this was not the case in 1761] and seems to be daily gaining ground of the long spear,—long a favourite weapon of the Marathas; but many of the silahdars, yekandias, and those who claim or affect superiority of birth or rank seldom encumber themselves with anything but a sword or two. It must, however, be understood that the arms, accoutrements and clothing of the horseman being his own property, there is not the smallest uniformity, every individual being equipped as his taste or circumstances suggest.