A History of the Mahrattas v1.c30.128

v1.c30.128

For great crimes the Sur-soobehdars had the power of punishing capitally; Mamlitdars in such cases required the Peishwa’s authority. The great Jagheerdars had power of life and death within their respective territories. Bramins could not be executed; but state prisoners were poisoned, or destroyed by deleterious food, such as equal parts of flour and salt. Women were mutilated, but rarely put to death. There was no prescribed form of trial; torture to extort confession was very common; and confession was generally thought necessary to capital punishment. The chief authority, in doubtful cases, commonly took the opinion of his officers; and some Mamlitdars in the Satara country, under both the Pritee Needhee and Peishwa, employed Punchayets to pronounce on the innocence or guilt of the accused; but this system can only be traced to the time of Shao; and though so well worthy of imitation was by no means general, nor are its benefits understood or appreciated in the present day.