Administrative System of the Marathas c25.s1.1

c25.s1.1

Perhaps the influence of the old Hindu lawgivers was most in evidence in the judicial system of the Marathas. The criminal cases were tried by the Patil, an appeal lay from him to the Kamavisdar or the District officer, and the highest judicial authority was the king himself, who was generally represented by the chief Nyayadhish. The Nyayadhish was invariably a Brahman and this naturally reminds one of Manu's injunction, "but if the king does not personally investigate the suits then let him appoint a learned Brahman to try them."¹ We find in Shivaji and pre-Shivaji documents mention of Hazir Majalasis as final courts of trial consisting of learned Brahman lawyers and civil and military officers of the state. We read also of Sabha Naiks or presidents of the courts and Mahaprashnikas or chief examiners. It appears from the Shukranitisara that Sabha-Naiks or Adhyakshas and Mahaprashnikas were not unknown when that work was compiled.²