Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v3.c42.s2.t1.62

v3.c42.s2.t1.62

A Revenue Board.—But to return to our subject. Out of this numerous body of Patels, Zalim selected four of the most intelligent and experienced, of whom he formed a council attached to the Presence. At first their duties were confined to matters of revenue; soon those of police were superadded, and at length no matter of internal regulation was transacted without their advice. In all cases of doubtful decision they were the court of appeal from provincial panchayats, and even from those of the cities and the capital itself. Thus they performed the threefold duties of a board of revenue, of justice, and of police, and perhaps throughout the world there never was a police like that of Zalim Singh : there was not one Fouché, but four ; and a net of espionage was spread over the country, out of whose meshes nothing could escape.