The Military System of the Marathas, with a Brief Account of Their Maritime Activities c8.40

c8.40

Besides their ordinary wages the soldiers of the Maratha army of all classes and descriptions could expect a reward or compensation if they were wounded in action. After the battle of Rakshasbhuvan In 1763-64 such rewards were awarded to 29 wounded *Silhedars* and *Bargirs* of different races and nationalities. The allowance granted on this occasion varied from 5 Rupees for a wound caused by a rocket to 100 Rupees for a grievous swordcut, and five persons received compensation for the injuries their horses had received in action, while funeral expenses were granted to the relatives of three persons killed on that day. The Marathas, however shy of risking their own person and that of their charger, defied all dangers to remove a wounded friend or the dead body of a comrade from the field,¹ and the Government did not leave the orphans of a dead trooper uncared for. They could be fairly sure of a state pension called *Balparveshi*, and as soon as these orphans came of age, they were admitted to the military service of the State.