Administrative System of the Marathas c27.s3.26

c27.s3.26

Of course we do not come across all the instructions quoted from the farman addressed to Muhammad Hashim. But it should be remembered that while Muhammad Hashim was the Dewan of a province, Lakshman Bhikaji was in charge of a few Parganas only. Similarly the farman addressed to Rasikdas also differs in certain details from that addressed to Muhammad Hashim. But some of the revenue regulations that we miss in Lakshman Bhikaji's sanad will be found in other sanads granted by the Peshwas' Government. Thus reference has already been made in Book II of tagai or taqavi loan mentioned in the Mughal farmans. In the same book mention has also been made of efforts made by the Peshwas' Government to induce runaway peasants to return to their villages and resume the cultivation of their deserted fields. In Book I a quotation has been made from Sabhasad to show how Shivaji also wanted his revenue officers to use conciliation and reassurances in gathering together cultivators from all sides with praiseworthy diligence. And the surveyors and inspectors mentioned by Abul Fazl naturally reminds one of the Maratha Pahanidars. This establishes beyond doubt the close intimacy between the Maratha and the Mughal systems.