Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c58.s2.2

v4.c58.s2.2

Arthur Wellesley had thought out a clear plan for fighting the Marathas, in anticipation of the war. He had solved the problem of ensuring the regular supply of food and munitions on which the speed and effectiveness of his troops depended, by trial and error during his long chase of Dhundiā Wāgh in 1800. The essence of his strategy was never to let the Maratha raiders remain undisturbed at any place long enough to plunder it and feed themselves.* This implied that his own troops should be always ready to set out at a moment's notice and drive the enemy about without being compelled to halt anywhere by the lack of provisions. His primary object was to keep his marching troops self-sufficient in respect of their food and stores, while the enemy's predatory horse was weakened by the necessity of living on the country and thus antagonising the local people.