Administrative System of the Marathas c18.s21.4

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.