THE SEPOYS REVENUE. 293 



quite ignorant both of the former and present government, 

 and consequently -quite indifferent to either. Disaffection 

 is confined to men of aspiring character and of ancient 

 family, who have no longer any means by which they can 

 arrive at power or office. The troops fight for pay and 

 plunder ; being ready to defend him whose bread they eat 

 against sovereign, friends, and country. They do not, 

 however, act from motives purely mercenary, but consider 

 themselves bound in honour to support the cause of him 

 by whom they are maintained, and not to enter the ranks 

 of another till the first has completely fallen. 



The native army attained by gradual steps its present 

 strength and discipline. A few sepoy battalions were at 

 first employed merely as an appendage to the company's 

 forces ; while a captain, adjutant, and some sergeants were 

 the only English officers attached to them. With the skill 

 which these communicated, and the use of musketry, they 

 easily vanquished the irregular troops of the native princes. 

 When the latter, however, began to improve their military 

 system and introduce European tactics, it became necessary 

 to raise our sepoy force to a higher degree of efficiency ; 

 their complement of British officers was progressively in- 

 creased, and they were more and more assimilated to regi- 

 ments of the line. This method was brought into full 

 operation in 1796; since which time no native has been 

 allowed to rise above the rank of subahdar, the highest pay 

 attached to which is 147 rupees per month ; and in that 

 station, after a life of service, he is subject to the command, 

 and perhaps the insolence, of the youngest European 

 officer. Sir John Malcolm considers this state of affairs as 

 very discouraging to the zeal of the natives ; and, though 

 he does not recommend that they should be raised to high 

 commands, suggests that grants of land or lucrative civil 

 employments should be bestowed as a recompense for long 

 and faithful services. The native army now comprises 

 above 230,000 infantry and 26,000 cavalry. The company 

 have also about 8000 troops levied in Europe. A number 

 of king's regiments, the united amount of which must not 

 exceed 20,000, are constantly employed, and have double 

 pay allowed them. 



The revenue of India is derived almost exclusively from 

 land ; and the English, according to the example of the 

 Bb2 



