The Military System of the Marathas, with a Brief Account of Their Maritime Activities c5.48

c5.48

Shivaji had no less than five *Sarnobats* of cavalry. Of the first, Tukoji, we know practically nothing, neither do we know why he was removed in favour of Mankoji Dahatonde. After Mankoji’s death, Netaji Palkar, a commander of exceptional ability, was raised to the chief command. He was dismissed for his failure to succour Panhala and replaced by a dashing cavalry leader, Kadtoji Gujar. Death caused a vacancy for the fourth time, and Hasaji Mohite,¹ who had served with distinction under the late *Sarnobat*, was promoted. It should be noted that in no case did a relative or heir of the last incumbent obtain the office. When Tanaji Malsure, the brave leader of the Mawles, fell in the assault on Sinhgad, his office passed to Suryaji, not because he was brother of the fallen hero, but because he had retrieved the fortunes of the day by rallying the demoralised assailants after their general’s death. According to the old feudal traditions the command ought to have passed to young Rayaba, who, according to the writer of an old ballad, was taken into Shivaji’s favour.²