ABSTRACT
BETWEEN the downfall of Baji Rao Peshwa in 1818, and the kunbis' demand for an appropriate political status in the new constitution of 19I9, there intervened a century of rapid social and political transformations in Maharashtra. We have attempted to focus on these changes; and we have also attempted to trace their connection with the social ideals and the political objectives which inspired the new rulers of Maharashtra, and shaped their administrative policy. Our attempt to look upon the transformation of Maharashtra in the 19th century as a result of the interaction between the institutions and the values which prevailed before 1818, and the policies implemented by the new rulers, has posed to us a series of questions: What were the factors of conflict and consensus in Maharashtra before I8I8? What were the values which sustained the community and shaped its spiritual and secular outlook? How did the new rulers look upon this society? To what extent did they agree with its moral suppositions? and in what respect did they desire to modify these suppositions? Were there any conflicts of opinion within the Government of Bombay? If so, how were these conflicts resolved? How did the policies of the British Government affect the structure of society in Maharashtra? What were the new conflicts and cleavages it created in the community? How did it proceed to heal these cleavages? Did
RETROSPECT
British rule bring about any change in social values, and in the complexion of the dominant social groups? And finally, what were the characteristics of the new society which emerged out ofa century of innovation and reform?
