[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [Administrative System of the Marathas](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sen-1923) › c19.s3.15 # Administrative System of the Marathas c19.s3.15 Administrative System of the Marathas c19.s3.15 - **Language:** English ### [c19.s3.15](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sen-1923.c19.s3.15) Before we proceed further we may take note of the status of the men who were called upon to serve on the Panch. The Panchayat called to decide the suit of Bhanga vs. Bhanga already referred to, consisted of the Deshmukh, Deshpande and the gots (got literally means a caste as considered collectively, or relations and kindreds considered collectively). Hence it was a trial by peers. Elphinstone says that in deciding boundary questions the Panchayat was constituted of Patils, Deshmukh and Deshpande, assisted by the Mahar. We know from the reports of other cases that in suits about watans, the Zamindars of neighbouring Parganas as well as the Patils of the adjoining villages were called upon to serve on the Panchayat. In fact these rustic judges were expected to be well acquainted with the unwritten customary law of the country. In a document published in Sanads and Letters of Rao Bahadur Ganesh Chimnaji Wad (edited by P. V. Mawjee and D. B. Parasnis) we find mention of a Majalasi (a council) consisting of Rajsabha and Brahmansabha appointed to hear an appeal case. The members of the Majalasi are described as people who have property (vritti) and who are directly or indirectly acquainted with the customary law of property. Consonant with this principle a dispute relating to the right of priesthood (Appana Bhat vs. Shripat Bhat) was referred to the Brahman community of Karhad for settlement\* and the witnesses summoned were Joshis or fellow priests. - [Previous: c19.s3.14](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sen-1923.c19.s3.14) - [Next: c19.s3.16](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sen-1923.c19.s3.16) - [Up: c19.s3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sen-1923.c19.s3) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sen-1923.c19.s3.15](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sen-1923.c19.s3.15) · Pramāṇa