A History of Agriculture in India v2.c86.s1.1

v2.c86.s1.1

The bulk of the Marathas were Shudras with an infusion of Rajput blood in certain castes. No other historian had better insight into the character of the Marathas than Elphinstone, who was the British Resident at Poona in 1811 and Governor of Bombay from 1819 to 1827. ‘Though the Marathas had never appeared in history as a nation, they had as strong marked a character as if they had always formed a united commonwealth,’ observed Elphinstone. ‘They are small sturdy men, well made, though not handsome. They are all active, laborious, hardy, and persevering. If they have none of the pride and dignity of the Rajputs, they have none of their indolence or their want of worldly wisdom. A Rajput warrior, as long as he does not dishonour his race, seems almost indifferent to the result of any contest he is engaged in. A Maratha thinks of nothing but the result, and cares little for the means, if he can attain his object. For this purpose he will strain his wits, renounce his pleasures, and hazard his person; but he has not a conception of sacrificing his life, or even his interest, for a point of honour. The Rajput is the most worthy antagonist—the Maratha, the most formidable enemy; for he will not fail in boldness and enterprise when they are indispensable, and will always support them, or supply their place, by stratagem, activity, and perseverance. All this applies chiefly to the soldiery. The mere husbandmen are sober, frugal, and industrious.²