[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.s9.19 # Administrative System of the Marathas c19.s9.19 Administrative System of the Marathas c19.s9.19 - **Language:** English ### [c19.s9.19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sen-1923.c19.s9.19) When a man was charged with causing harm to others by sorcery and witchcraft, he was generally fined and ordered to recall the evil spirits under his commands. Public opinion and common suspicion were regarded as sufficient proofs³⁷ of his offence. Only in one case was a man banished on the charge of witchcraft. So anxious was the Peshwa to save the person and property of his subjects from the infernal influence of the evil spirits in the service of the sorcerers and wizards that two officers were appointed to make a thorough enquiry about the sorcerers in the Talukas Anjanvel, Suvarndurg, Ratnagiri, Vijayadurg, Devgad and Saudal in the year 1774-75. The first officer was asked to visit the villages of Talukas Anjanvel and Suvarndurg, and he got two Karkuns and six peons to assist him, and he was also authorised to employ five more peons if necessary. The second officer was appointed on an annual salary of Rs. 350 and an additional allowance of Rs. 261 for Karkuns and peons and stationery. He was to levy fine on the wizards when detected, but here also the principle laid down was that the amount of fine should not be exorbitant. The document clearly states that "in the instructions about enquiry framed by the Sarsubha the amount of fine prescribed was from Rs. 25 to Rs. 50. But the Rayats of the Konkan were poor and the Sarsubha wrote a letter in the year San Salas that taxes and fine should not be insisted on. Therefore you should fix Gunhagari (fine) according to their means."³⁸ Even highly placed people often suffered for suspected intercourse with the evil spirits. A Kashmiri general in the Sindhia's employ was disgraced on this account in the early years of the 19th century. - [Previous: c19.s9.18](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sen-1923.c19.s9.18) - [Next: c19.s9.20](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sen-1923.c19.s9.20) - [Up: c19.s9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sen-1923.c19.s9) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sen-1923.c19.s9.19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.sen-1923.c19.s9.19) · Pramāṇa