Administrative System of the Marathas c18.s24.18

c18.s24.18

Mr. Ranade remarks, "The system of revenue management under Balaji Bajirao, Madhavrao and Nana Fadnavis was, on the whole, careful. New sources of revenue were developed, and the old improved. The land settlements made by the Peshwas during this period show that, while anxious not to oppress the rayats, every care was taken to insist on the rights of the government. Whenever the country needed that relief, leases varying from three to seven years were granted on the terms of Istawas, *i.e.*, gradually increasing assessments."³³