Administrative System of the Marathas c22.s1.2

c22.s1.2

"The war-rockets used by the Mahrattas, which very often annoyed us, is composed of an iron tube, eight or ten inches long, and near two inches in diameter; this destructive weapon is sometimes fixed to a rod of iron, sometimes to a straight two-edged sword, but most commonly to a strong bamboo cane, four or five feet long, with an iron spike projecting beyond the tube; to this rod, or staff, the tube filled with combustible materials is fastened, and on the lighted match setting fire to the fuse, is projected with great velocity; if well directed, which is an uncertain operation, it causes much confusion and dismay among the enemy, from the difficulty of avoiding its terrifying and destructive effects." Forbes, *Oriental Memoirs* (London, 1813), Vol. II, p. 63. Also see William Irvine, *The Army of the Indian Moghuls*, pp. 147-150.