The Military System of the Marathas, with a Brief Account of Their Maritime Activities c13.24

c13.24

The exact strength of the two contending forces has been variously estimated by contemporary writers. The total strength of the Marathas amounted, according to Kasiraj Pandit, to 55,000 horse, 15,000 foot, 200 cannons, rockets and Shutarnals without number, besides 15,000 Pendharis.² The allied Muhammadan army, according to the same writer, consisted of 41,800 horse, 38,000 foot and 70 to 80 cannons.³ Muhammad Ja'far Shamlu gives a much higher figure;⁴ but on the whole, the rival forces were probably equally strong. The Marathas were superior in cavalry and artillery; their opponents had a superior infantry and the greater advantage of superior generalship.