New History of the Marathas v2.c35.32

v2.c35.32

The mere mention of a few outstanding names among his immediate and trustworthy subordinates, is enough to convince us how this Peshwa reared up a new race of men and purified the corrupt system of administration, raising it to a high level. Ram Shastri, Govind Shivram Tatya, Naro Appaji, Mahadaji Ballal Guruji, Trimbakrao Pethe, Gopalrao Patwardhan, Ramchandra Ganesh, Visaji Krishna, Nana Phadnis and his cousin Moroba, Haripant Phadke and his brothers, are some of the celebrities of Madhavrao’s creation. These names are to this day remembered as almost household words in Maharashtra. it is these men that worked to preserve the Maratha State in the chaotic situation which overtook it after this Peshwa's death. There is also a number of names of the opposite type who were severely dealt with and ultimately reclaimed. The Pratinidhis, Janoji Bhosle and his brothers and his minister Dewajipant, Chinto Vithal, the Chandrachud family, Babuji Naik, Murarrao Ghorpade, Naro Shankar, Sadashiv Ramchandra, all these learnt a new and salutary lesson. Ram Shastri was to Madhavrao more than what Ramdas was to Shivaji. He was a real guru and the final referee in all matters of a mundane nature, even outside his department of justice. He along with Govindpant Tatya and Guruji formed a trio which was respected and feared by high and low alike for their pure and upright character. Most of the sardars, Mahadji Sindia, Tukoji Holkar, Ahalyabai, Damaji Gaikwad and his sons, the large family of the Patwardhans, these and others became devoted and obedient servants of the Maratha State. The net revenue of that State at the time of this Peshwa's death has been variously calculated and may be reliably put down at about ten crores of rupees annually in the coin of those days.