Administrative System of the Marathas c18.s19.23

c18.s19.23

It is evident from these documents that payment was made both in kind and cash, probably according to the convenience of the rayats. The rayat was often permitted to commute rent in kind into rent in cash, although it seems that the Peshwa sometimes felt disinclined to encourage such commutation. In 1743-44 Naro Ramchandra, of Jila Mawal, was directed not to commute the land revenue in kind, into a money payment, but the Peshwa's order was by no means absolute.¹⁵ For the officer was not only permitted to use his discretion but was also furnished with a complete price list for his use in granting commutation. The list is interesting as in all probability it gives us the then prevailing market rates, and is therefore quoted below: