Administrative System of the Marathas c21.s4.3

c21.s4.3

Like the postal department, the Peshwas did not organise any department of public instruction. Learning was indirectly encouraged by Dakshana grants to scholars. Originally instituted by the Dabhades, this system was continued by the Peshwas after the fall of that family. Scholars from all parts of India were attracted to Poona by this money reward, and the metropolis of the Peshwas soon became distinguished as a great seat of Sanskrit learning. Misuse of such a system however was bound to set in, and what was originally meant for scholars alone, was extended to Brahmans in general. Peshwa Madhava Rao I tried to put a check to indiscriminate distribution of Dakshana. Scott Waring says, "In the reign of the great Peshwa Madhava Rao it was ordained that the learned Pandits and Shastries should undergo an examination at the palace by the Head Pandit and should there receive gifts proportionate to their qualifications and knowledge." The last Peshwa Baji Rao II spent about four lakhs of Rupees annually in Dakshana grants. In his time indolent Brahmans, and professional beggars of that caste, again began to take a share in the Dakshana. After the annexation of the Peshwa's territories to the British dominions, Mr. Elphinstone maintained a Pathshala for imparting Sanskrit learning at Poona out of the Dakshana grant. The Pathshala no longer exists, but the grant still survives in the form of Dakshana fellowships in certain Colleges of the Bombay Presidency.