A History of the Mahrattas v2.c59.53

v2.c59.53

tions of a Survey Department, specially organized for this work, which measured and mapped every holding, classified each field according to depth and quality of soil, situation and natural defects, and finally fixed maximum rates for blocks of villages grouped with regard to propinquity of markets, means of communication and economic conditions. The early assessments in Bombay were fixed too high, and led to considerable distress; but the rates were at once reduced, and after twelve years’ inquiry the principles which are still the basis of the Bombay land-revenue system were formulated in 1847. (For further details of the advantages and disadvantages of the system, see I.G. Bom., i. 96–8.)]