Administrative System of the Marathas c21.s4.16

c21.s4.16

We have already seen that the administration of revenue and justice was as efficient under the Peshwas as in contemporary England, and their spirit of toleration specially claims our notice. While in England the Roman Catholic Emancipation Act was not passed before 1829, and measures for the relief of the Jews were not taken till 1858, the Maratha rulers had accorded equal treatment to their subjects of all religions and creeds. The Muhammadans were not only eligible for high posts of the State, but hereditary Muhammadan officers like the Kazis were appointed for the benefit of their community. Not only were the old grants made by former Muhammadan kings in favour of their mosques and holy saints continued, but new Inams were granted by the Maratha rulers. In one case we actually find that the Muham-madans were allowed to pay *Hashil* at half the usual rate levied upon the Hindus.¹² But inspite