Administrative System of the Marathas c18.s21: 6. Special treatment of Brahmans
Administrative System of the Marathas c18.s21
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6. Special treatment of Brahmans
c18.s21.1
During the administration of the next Peshwa, the first Madhava Rao, we find the Brahmans claiming commutation for money payment as a customary favour shown to them. In 1767-68, a Brahman of Chambharli, in Tarf Tungartan of Prant Karnala, Balambhat Godbole by name, prayed for commutation and the land revenue payable by him was fixed at the rate of Rs. 5-2-6 per bigha.¹⁹
c18.s21.2
¹⁹ P. D., Vol. VII, p. 2.
c18.s21.3
The assessment may appear quite impartial on the face of it if we compare it with our table of money-rent already quoted, but that it was an undue favour can be proved beyond doubt by a document of the time of Balaji Baji Rao. It shows how the Brahmans of Tarf Tungartan, who used to pay at the rate of ten maunds of rice per bigha when the Tarf was under the Angria, got their rent in kind converted into a cash payment of Rs. 5-2-3 per bigha. Even at the most liberal calculation they could not expect such a low assessment if the market price of the grains had been taken into consideration.
c18.s21.4
A Sanad to Ramaji Mahadev, officer in charge of Salsette: "The Brahmans of Tarf Tungartan have represented that when the aforesaid Tarf was under the Angria, rent was exacted at the rate of ten maunds of rice per bigha. At present the aforesaid Mahal has come under the Sarkar; it has been, therefore, prayed that the Brahmans should be assessed at the rate prevalent in Prant Kalyan. So rent has been fixed at the rate of Rs. 5-2-3 per bigha. Realise accordingly. Brahmans in Kalyan Prant are not called upon to render forced service or to pay any tax on purchases; accordingly, do not make those demands on the above mentioned Brahmans too."²⁹ This partiality towards the Brahmans imposed, as Justice Ranade has pointed out, an unnecessary burden upon the finances of the land, and contributed not a little to the break down of the Peshwas' power.
c18.s21.5
²⁹ P. D., Vol. III, p. 214.