On 1772 Sep 30, shortly before his untimely death, one of the finest peshva-s, mAdhava rAv issued his final will with the following points.
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- All my debts should be paid even by using, if necessary, my private purse in the possession of Guruji (Mahadaji Ballal) :
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- The system of farming the revenues is found oppressive to the ryots: it should be modified after a careful enquiry.
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- The two holy places Prayag and Benares should be released from Muslim control. This was the ardent desire of my sires and now is the time to carry it out.
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- My mother’s desire to perform the pilgrimage of Benares should be fulfilled as soon as convenient.
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- The obsequies of Bhau Saheb should be performed next February, whether aunt Parwatibai becomes sati or not.
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- The annuities assigned to the worthy Brahmans of Benares should be regularly paid and continued in heredity.
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- Dinners in connection with my funeral rites should be served to two lacs of Brahmans each with half an anna for dakshana.
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- Dadasaheb should have five lacs of jagir assigned for his maintenance in order to keep him contented.
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- The charities of the Shravan month should be continued as long as the administration brings in at least 5 lacs of revenue yearly.
The responsible officers swore in the presence of Ganapati that they would execute all these wishes.