52 



that there is an honesty, simplicity, and courtesy in the true Mah- 

 ratta character, not common among the political brahmins at the 

 peshwa's court, or in other public situations: their chicanery, du- 

 plicity, and cunning, are obvious to all who have been concerned 

 with them in the diplomatique and revenue departments. 



Fond of a wandering life, the Mahrattas seem most at home in 

 the camp; the bazars being supplied with necessaries for the sol- 

 diers, and such luxuries as those in a higher station require, they 

 know no wants, and are subject to few restraints: surrounded by 

 their wives and their children, they enjoy the pleasures of domestic 

 life; and many of the principal officers keep greyhounds, chetaus, 

 and hawks, trained to hunting, for their amusement on a march, or 

 when encamped in a sporting country. 



Not only the officers and soldiers, but in general the followers 

 of the camp, have their wives and families with them during the 

 march : the women frequently ride astride with one or two children 

 on a bullock, an ass, or a little tattoo horse, while the men walk 

 by the side On reaching the encampment, the fatigued husband 

 lies down on his mat, and the wife commences her duties: she first 

 champoes her husband, and fans him to repose; she then cham- 

 poes the horse, rubs him down, and gives him provender; takes 

 some care of the ox which has carried their stores, and drives off 

 the poor ass to provide for himself: she next lights a fire, dresses 

 rice and curry, or kneads dough for cakes, which are prepared and 

 baked in a simple manner. When the husband awakes, his repast 

 is ready; and having also provided a meal for herself and children, 

 the careful matron occupies the mat, and sleeps till daybreak, 

 when all are in motion and ready for another march. 



