Administrative System of the Marathas c27.s3.12

c27.s3.12

This *farman* was addressed to Muhammad Hashim, Dewan of Gujrat, in the 11th year of Emperor Aurangzib 'Alamgir. The document is so lengthy that it has not been possible to quote it in full with all the items and the commentaries. The second document translated by Prof. Sarkar was addressed to one Rasikdas. This officer is ordered to make a detailed enquiry about the condition of cultivation in the districts under his charge and the document reads almost like the concluding portion of Annaji Datto's circular letter quoted in Book I. The Emperor orders, "You should inquire into the real circumstances of every village in the *parganahs* under your *diwans* and *amins*, namely, what is the extent of the arable land in it? What proportion of this total is actually under cultivation, and what portion not? What is the amount of the full crop every year? What is the cause of those lands lying uncultivated? Also find out, what was the system of revenue collection in the reign of Akbar under the diwani administration of Tudar Mal? Is the amount of the *sair* cess the same as under the old regulations, or was it increased at His Majesty's accession? How many *mauzas* are cultivated and how many desolate? What is the cause of the desolation? After inquiring into all these matters, exert yourself to bring all arable lands under tillage, by giving correct agreements (*qaul*) and proper promises, and to increase the first-rate crops. Where there are disused wells, try to repair them, and also to dig new ones. And assess their revenue in such a way that the ryots at large may get their dues and the Government revenue may be collected at the right time and no ryot may be oppressed."