A History of the Mahrattas v1.c7.176

v1.c7.176

¹ Though the probability is, that the Deshadikars were, like most Hindoo institutions, hereditary, there are some circumstances for and against this supposition, which, as the question relates to my subject; as the origin of every thing regarding the rights of the people of India, should be of importance; and as what I mention may be followed up by inquiries more satisfactory, I shall here submit these circumstances to the reader’s judgment:—Adikar [Adhikār] is a Sanscrit word, signifying the first, or chief in employment, whether as applied to the prime minister of the state, to one deputed by him, or by the prince; it likewise signifies a right, possession, privilege, or inheritance; it is never, however, that I have found, used synonymously with Writtee [Vrittī], which is the Hindoo appellation of what is now more generally expressed in the Mahratta country by the name of