The Military System of the Marathas, with a Brief Account of Their Maritime Activities c8.38

c8.38

The number of non-combatants attached to a cavalry regiment was generally very large. Ranoji Bhonsla had with him no less than five clerks and 181 attendants. There were in his regiment 9 stirrup holders, 5 farriers, 8 camel drivers, 4 khidmatgars, 3 musicians, 2 scouts, 5 store keepers, 2 wardrobe keepers, 13 palanquin bearers, 2 saddlers, 1 washerman, 2 macebearers, 1 leather worker, 1 sweeper, 2 drummers, 4 messengers, 1 torchbearer, 1 barber, 1 tailor, 7 water-carriers, 2 sunshade bearers, 2 trumpeters, 4 elephant drivers, 1 potdar and 99 grooms. These non-combatants cost the Peshwa's Government very little. Most of them did not get more than 3 Rupees in six weeks and they were very lucky if this small sum was punctually paid.³