A History of the Mahrattas v1.c7.184

v1.c7.184

But, whatever may have been the origin of these officers, the confirming, or withholding of their rights, as far back as we have any authentic trace, has always been a strong political instrument in the hands of every prevailing power in Maharashtra ; whether that power sprang from internal insurrection, or foreign conquest ; and whether the Deshadikars were mere agents, or hereditary officers of Hindoo institution, there is no doubt, that previous to the Mahomedan conquest, they had in many instances obtained more or less power, with that gradual advance to independence