A History of the Mahrattas v1.c14.70

v1.c14.70

The revenue regulations of Sivajee were simple, and in some respects judicious; but during his life it is impossible they could have been attended with such improvements and increase of population as are ascribed to them by his countrymen. His districts were frequently exposed to great ravages; and he never had sufficient leisure to complete his arrangements by that persevering superintendence which alone can perfect such institutions. The Mahomedan writers, and one contemporary English traveller,¹ describe his country as in the worst possible state; and the former only mention him as a depredator and destroyer; but those districts taken by him from Beejapoor, which had been under the management of farmers or direct agents of government, probably experienced great benefit by the change.