Noted city-based historian, Pandurang Balkawade, has claimed to have found accounting records maintained by the Marathas during the historic battle of Panipat.
According to Balkawade, the records state that the Marathas had spent Rs92,23,242 and 9 anas for the war.
Balkawade said, “These documents in Modi script were kept in Pune archives. I found these records, while going through some documents there. These records have not been published anywhere before.” The fearsome battle of Panipat between the Marathas and Ahmed Shah Abdali took place on March 19, 1760.
The battle went on for 10 months and six days, and finally ended on January 14, 1761.
Balkawade said, “The accounts show that the Marathas had raised an amount of Rs92,23,242 and 9 anas. These records show that how the Marathas managed to collect such a big amount. The records also give the details of the money spent by the Marathas on artillery, animals used in the war and soldiers.”
Balkawade has also found the accounting records of the Marathas after they captured New Delhi and the Red Fort.
“On August 2, 1760, the Marathas captured New Delhi and on August 10, 1760, they took over the Red Fort. The records give details of expenses for three-and-a-half months, which is Rs14,71,326. The present value of this amount can go up to Rs150 crore,” he added.
