Administrative System of the Marathas c18.s7.58

c18.s7.58

The Patil, however, fully deserved his social distinction and high remuneration. For, if his social position and remuneration were high, the responsibility and the risks of his office were very great too. He was liable to be imprisoned for failure to pay the stipulated revenue of the village, and when an invader or a rebel levied *khandani* or contribution on the village it was the Patil who had to stand surety for his co-villagers, and had to remain as a hostage in the enemy's camp till his demand was satisfied. The Patil of Nimbgaon Sava, Tarf Ale, was imprisoned by the Killedar of Nimbgiri in the year 1742-43 for arrears of jagir dues. The Killedar, when ordered to release the Patil calmly ignored the letter and further increased his rigours by putting the man in irons.¹³