The Military System of the Marathas, with a Brief Account of Their Maritime Activities c5.18

c5.18

These families formed the military aristocracy of the land, but it should not be forgotten that in Maharashtra the profession of arms was not limited to the noble few. The social barrier was neither strong nor insuperable. The Shelars and the Jadhavas,³ descendants of ruling kings, had declined in the scale, the Pawars, another princely family, had reconciled themselves to their humble lot and no longer hesitated to marry Kunbi girls of lowly origin.⁴ They still affected the title of ‘Raje’ after their first name, but that was the only trace of royalty now left to them. This society was naturally democratic, and the common dangers, common risks, and common adventures of a soldier's life levelled what difference might have survived. A promising young man who had only recently rejected the plebeian plough for the more aristocratic sword, could aspire to the hand of a daughter of the proud Nimbalkars, and could demand a matrimonial alliance with the princely family of the Jadhavas. Social intercourse was more intimate and less formal than what is possible in a modern barrack, and an able leader of magnetic personality commanded not only the admiration but also the affection of his following. The common soldiers, except the few who formed the King's bodyguard, had nothing to do with the state but looked for pay, promotion and preference to the *Jahgirdar* under whom they immediately served. A loyal *Jahgirdar* contributed to the strength of the Government; but in those days it was no discredit to set up as a 'pund palegar' or lawless chief, as once did a Nimbalkar and a Jedhe.¹ Yet the state continued its policy of multiplying the military fiefs and conferring fresh *jahgirs* on each enterprising *Silhedar*. Even a wise prince like Muhammad Adilshah laid down that while a disloyal Zemindar should be deprived of his fief, the loyal lord should on no account be discouraged or disturbed.² The inevitable result of this policy was that the civil Government of the country was subordinated to military needs and the major portion of Maharashtra was held by a number of military leaders serving under three different masters. When Shivaji rose to power, the principality of Ahmadnagar had already been annexed by the Emperor of Delhi and the kingdoms of Bijapur and Golkonda were awaiting a similar fate.