Administrative System of the Marathas c18.s5.2

c18.s5.2

"In whatever point of view," says Elphinstone, "we examine the native goverment in the Deccan, the first and the most important feature is the division into villages or townships. These communities contain, in miniatures, all the materials of a state within themselves and are almost sufficient to protect their members, if all other governments were withdrawn." But it is not their complete autonomy that makes the study of these village communities so interesting to the modern student. When mediæval India distracted by selfish wars and court intrigues, presents an unbroken array of gaudy pictures in red and black only, these small villages in Maharashtra not only furnish us with instances of republican institutions, but also give evidence of the existence of democratic principles to a greater or less extent. Even in those days of caste prejudice, the Brahman and Non-Brahman served on the village panch. The balutas or village artisans, so much looked down upon from the caste point of view, were consulted as a matter of right. It seems that their signature was also thought necessary for authenticity of a bond of loan or other legal documents. In a statement in connection with a dispute regarding a *Loharki* (blacksmith's) watan (Shivaji *wd.*