143 



Memoranda relative to a Mahratta armii, 

 by Sir Charles Malet. 



I shall here endeavour to prevent the treachery of memory, 

 by committing to writing a few leading traits in the construction, 

 organization, and movement of a Mahratta army, which so essen- 

 tially differs from the arrangement of European troops. The 

 computed number now assembled under the peshwa, as executive 

 head, and all the other great chiefs of the empire, amounts to upwards 

 of one hundred and twenty seven thousand cavalry and infantry, 

 exclusive of the troops belonging to the Guikwar, and the sons 

 of Govind Bundela, Ballajee and Gungudur, now employed in 

 concert with Ally Bhadur in subduing the country of Bundelcund 

 to the peshwa's obedience. 



Peshwa's own force, as head of the empire, under 



their respective generals .... 70,665 



Dowlat Row Sindia 25,000 



Tookajee Holcar ...... 10,000 



Ragojee Bhosla ...... 15,000 



Purseram Bhou ...... 7,000 



Horse and foot, total 127,665 



OrQ-anizatioi}. 



'5 



The foregoing bodies of troops are either under the command 

 of feudatory chieftains, whose authority over their own troops is 

 absolute, and without appeal, as the four last chieftains, and many 

 other leaders of corps paid by government, either in money or 



