Description

The present work aims at giving an opening to the earliest archival record pertaining to the economic and institutional study of Marwar. The title ‘Patta Bahi’ (account book of the Pattas) 1764-1770 v.s. (1707-1713 A.D.) specifies the assignment and grants of pattas for the period but the bahi actually carries it up to 1780 v.s. (1723 A.D.) although the entries beyond 1770 v.s. are quite a few. It thus almost covers the entire reign of Ajit Singh. The period is, unequivocally, crucial for it witnessed the disintegration of Mughal empire and upon its ruin saw the rise of a number of states with different nature. Marwar – the largest in size in Rajputana – was one of assumed an autonomous role without declaring independence from the Mughal yoke.
The contents as per archival index place it to provide information regarding pattadari system from 1774 to 1791 v.s. but actually, the Bahi gives pattas up to the year 1806 v.s. The number of pattas from 1794 to 1806 v.s. are quite a few in number so much so that the years 1805 and 1806 v.s. carry four and three pattas respectively. The contents, thus covered, will bring the entire picture of Maharaja Abhay Singh’s reign thereby, providing a continuous link with the period 1764 to 1806 v.s.
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