Administrative System of the Marathas c21.s4.1

c21.s4.1

There was no regular postal department under the Peshwas. The work of military intelligence and what postal work there was, were entrusted to *Jasuds* and *Harkaras*. They were not only good runners, but intelligent men, well acquainted with roads, resourceful and brave. While on duty, public officers in villages on their way were expected to help them in their journey; and sometimes letters to that effect were addressed to the Patil and the Kulkarni. Major Broughton, a hostile critic, is very eloquent in his praise of the Harkaras. "These Hirkuras," says he, "are a most active and useful set of men: their business is to obtain information, to act as guides, and convey letters or messages: they are always well acquainted with the country, its roads, passes through hills or across rivers; and are so generally useful, that, like the ancient heralds, they are looked upon as privileged, and allowed to pass unmolested where other travellers would be in the utmost danger. They are often sent to great distances, and are absent for many months; when they must necessarily be subjected to the greatest hardships, in a country where there are no inns, and when the inhabitants of many provinces subsist entirely by plunder." Sometimes the Jasuds were paid at the high rate of Rs. 3 per day, they were known to cover the whole distance from Maheshwar to Delhi in thirteen days.