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Log inInteresting description of marathas and comparison with rajputs---by elphinstone
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Interesting description of marathas and comparison with rajputs---by elphinstone
by ashdoc Thu Jun 13, 2013 5:43 pm
Though the Marathas had never appeared in history as a nation,
they had as strongly marked a character as if they had always formed
a united commonwealth. Though more like to the lower orders in
Hindostan than to their southern neighbours in Kanaru and Telingana,
they could never for a moment be confounded with either. 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 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.
This difference of sentiment affects the outward appearance of the two
nations ; there is something noble in the carriage even of an ordinary
Rajput, and something vulgar in that of the most distinguished Maratha.
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, to whom more bad qualities might fairly be ascribed.
The mere husbandmen are sober, frugal, and industrious, and, though they
have a dash of the national cunning, are neither turbulent nor insincere.
they had as strongly marked a character as if they had always formed
a united commonwealth. Though more like to the lower orders in
Hindostan than to their southern neighbours in Kanaru and Telingana,
they could never for a moment be confounded with either. 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 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.
This difference of sentiment affects the outward appearance of the two
nations ; there is something noble in the carriage even of an ordinary
Rajput, and something vulgar in that of the most distinguished Maratha.
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, to whom more bad qualities might fairly be ascribed.
The mere husbandmen are sober, frugal, and industrious, and, though they
have a dash of the national cunning, are neither turbulent nor insincere.
ashdoc- Posts : 2256
Join date : 2011-05-04
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