Administrative System of the Marathas c20.s2.6

c20.s2.6

It appears that this extensive jurisdiction effectively exercised by the Peshwas over the social and religious affairs of their non-Hindu subjects did not cause any discontent, for these Brahman rulers were uncommonly tolerant and generous to people who professed a faith other than their own. The grants and farmans issued by the Muhammadan rulers were not only continued but from time to time new Inams were given for the maintenance of mosques and shrines. They liberally contributed to the construction of mosques and churches, and timber from the preserved forests was frequently supplied for such purposes. Cannons were fired thrice at the request of a Portuguese clergyman to celebrate a Roman Catholic festival at Revdanda. Baji Rao II permitted the Portuguese clergymen at Bassein to excercise all their old rights with the single exception of cow slaughter, an act so repugnant to Hindu sentiments. And the other Maratha rulers did not lag behind in this respect. Daulat Rao Sindhia and his officers always joined the Muharam procession dressed in green as Muhammadans should do, and even to-day Muharam remains the most popular festival at Sindhia's capital.