'The History of Persia, from the most early period to the present time: containing an account of the religion, government, usages and character of the inhabitants of that kingdom. By Colonel Sir John Malcolm, KCB, KLS Late minister plenipotentiary to the court of Persia from the supreme government of India. In two volumes.' [‎73] (98/786)

THE HISTORY OF PERSIA.
73
vinces of his empire, his chief occupation was to subdue the Mar- chap.xvii.
hattas; but this he found impossible, for they never awaited his
attack. The country was laid waste, and his troops continually
harassed by men, who, from the lightness of their frames, were
no burden to their horses; and who, from habits of hardihood and
abstemiousness, required little either for shelter or support. It
seemed in vain to war with a foe who was intangible, and whose
glory lay in the rapidity of his retreat; for the Marhatta soldier,
though brave, boasts more of his power to elude, than to attack his
enemy.
When the empire of India fell to pieces at the death of Aurung-
zebe, and Mahomedan princes and nobles were all ranged against
each other, the Marhattas, by continuing united, made a rapid and
surprising progress. Besides the great possessions which they actually
occupied, they had compelled not only the paramount sovereign
of India, but almost every ruler of a province, to pay them a con
siderable part of their annual collections*, that their habitations
and fields might remain in safety. At the period when Nadir
threatened invasion, the City of Dehli itself was subject to this
disgraceful tribute-f*.
Mahomed Shah, the ruling emperor, was a weak and dissolute
prince. Cotemporary authors have told us, " that he was never
" without a mistress in his arms, and a glass in his hand J:" and,
hating occupation, he intrusted others with the entire management
of his empire. His principal vizier was Khan Douran Khan; who.
* This was levied under various names of Choute, Desmookee, &c.
f Sier Mutakhereen. % Nadir N&m^h.
vol. ii. l