Administrative System of the Marathas c18.s28.32

c18.s28.32

We may take here a passing notice of the exemption from Zakat enjoyed by government servants. "The Konkanastha Brahmin Karkoons," says Ranade, "who had monopoly of all the Secretariat or Daftar offices, and received respectable salaries, obtained the privilege of having their goods exempted from Custom duties and ferry charges when they imported grain and other goods from outside ports and places." 46 In justice to the Peshwa, it ought to be pointed out that the Brahman Karkuns enjoyed these privileges, not as Brahmans, but as government officers. Government officers, other than Brahmans, also shared these advantages. In 1744-45, Babaji Chapaji Shenvi, the farmer of Zakat in Prant Sasti (Salsette) was informed that: