A History of Agriculture in India v2.c71.s2.2

v2.c71.s2.2

'When he got to his jagirs, he said, "Let all the head men (*mukaddamān*) and the cultivators (*muzariān*) on whose labour the prosperity of the district depends, and all the village accountants (*patwāris*), attend my presence. When they came he summoned also the soldiery, and thus addressed them:— "My father has committed to me the power of appointing and dismissing you. I have set my heart on improving the prosperity of the district, in which object also your own interests are concerned; and by this means I hope to establish my reputation."... When he had finished exhorting the soldiery, he turned to the peasantry, and said, "This day I give you your choice as to your mode of payment. Do whatever is most advantageous to your own interests in every possible way."