The Military System of the Marathas, with a Brief Account of Their Maritime Activities c12.9

c12.9

As Shahu wanted to earn the good opinion of his subjects, for it was through his own dominions that he was marching, he laid down that his soldiers should obtain all their necessities by fair purchase and should not cause the least trouble to the peasants. Any breach in this respect was to be punished with the loss of limbs. How far these orders were obeyed by the privates we do not know, but as Shahu was really making a peaceful demonstration of his power, the cultivators probably suffered less than usual on this occasion.¹