It was the wish of my revered father [Nanasaheb Peshwa] to obtain possession of Prayag and Benares. I have always had the same desire. It is my will, therefore, that these places may now be obtained, either by exchange or otherwise, as may be expedient. I beg that my venerable mother, who wishes to go to Benares to reside, may be permitted to do so. Let the annual charities at Benares be increased one-half from this date. Let two hundred thousand Brahmins be fed at Benares on my account and let each receive two pice (half-pence).
— MADHAVRAO I