The Military System of the Marathas, with a Brief Account of Their Maritime Activities c12.7

c12.7

Shahu’s march resembled more a ceremonial procession than a military expedition. He preferred the more stately elephant to the martial steed, and behind him followed the ladies of his seraglio, similarly mounted. Then followed forty or fifty elephants carrying the great nobles according to their official precedence. Immediately before the Raja was placed the artillery, and next came the imperial banners, surrounded by the guards, musketeers and cavalry. In front of all marched the Biniwala who had charge of the van. Immediately behind the flags and the banners marched the regiments of the nobles placed in the van, behind them the attendants and the military band, followed by elephants, horses, chariots and camels. Behind these animals were placed the lancers, spearmen and rocket-eers; and between the King and the artillery were the arms-bearers and mace-bearers, musicians and other personal attendants. The road was carefully sprinkled with water to prevent dust. When so much care was taken to provide for their personal comforts the King and his courtiers could not expect to accomplish a long march, and it was decided that no more than three or four kosses¹ should be attempted in a single day. Malhar Ramrao Chitnis hints that Shahu was deliberately copying the Mughal customs. He was accompanied by the principal officers of the State and a place was assigned to each of them according to his rank and station. The Sena Dhurandhar and the Sena Saheb Subhe were placed in the van. The Pratinidhi, the Peshwa, the Amatya, the Sachiv, and the Mantri were stationed on the right wing, while the Senapati and the cavalry commanders were placed on the left. The Panditrao and the Nyaya-dhish, two civilians whose presence in the camp was probably demanded by the formalities of the court alone, also had their stations with the Sumanta on the left. The Chitnis, the Potnis, and the clerical staff occupied a place near the treasury as their official duties demanded. The Fadnis and the officers of the secretariat were placed on the left near the stores. The rear was guarded by the Sar-laskar and the chiefs under his command, and every arrangement was made for the comforts of the King in advance by the tents department.