Shivaji and his Administration

Shivaji Maharaj, a visionary leader and founder of the Maratha Empire, was renowned for his effective governance, military strategy, and administrative reforms. Rising as a strong warrior who challenged Mughal dominance and other adversaries like Afzal Khan and Aurangzeb, Shivaji established an empire characterized by an efficient and disciplined administration.

• Extent of Empire: The Maratha Empire stretched from Maharashtra to Carnatic and Tamil Nadu.
• Division: Shivaji’s dominion was divided into two parts:
  1. Mulk-i-qadim (Ancient Territory) or Swaraj (Own Kingdom)
  2. Chauth-collecting territories: Regions paying Chauth without direct governance by Shivaji.

• Officers were paid in cash instead of jagirs to strengthen governance.
• Land grants were still issued for public welfare, such as schools and temples.

• Posts were not hereditary to ensure meritocracy.

• It was not supported under Shivaji’s administration.

• Inclusivity: Employment of individuals from all tribes and castes.
• Clear Responsibilities: Ministers were assigned specific duties.
• Focus on Forts: Special attention was given to fort maintenance and construction.
• Civil Supremacy: Civil officers held superior positions over military officers.

The central governance of Shivaji’s empire was structured around the Ashta Pradhan (Council of Eight Ministers):

• Peshwa (Prime Minister): Chief advisor, oversaw finance and general administration.
• Amatya (Finance Minister): Managed revenue and expenditure.
• Waq-i-Nawis (Home Minister): Supervised internal affairs.
• Dabir (Foreign Minister): Handled foreign relations.
• Sachiv (Correspondence Minister): Managed official documentation.
• Pandit Rao (Religious Officer): Oversaw religious matters.
• Sar-i-Naubat (Commander-in-Chief): Managed military operations.
• Nyayadhish (Chief Justice): Ensured justice.

• Ministers were assisted by an eight-member staff, including Diwan (secretary), Mujumdar (auditor), Fadnis (deputy auditor), and others.
• The governance model included 18 departments, each supervised by ministers under Shivaji’s oversight.

• Provinces (Prants) were governed by Subedars and overseen by Sarsubedars.
• Further divisions included Tarfs (headed by Havaldars) and Mauzas (villages).
• Policing was managed by Faujdars (rural) and Kotwals (urban).
• Revenue collection and local governance were handled by Kamvishdars and Karkuns.

• Simple and community-driven judicial systems based on Hindu traditions.
• Hazar Majils: The king’s highest court.

Village disputes were resolved by Panchayats, while Patels handled criminal cases.

Shivaji’s military was highly disciplined, mobile, and well-organized. Key features included:

• Regular Army: Soldiers served year-round, unlike the traditional six-month service.
• Cash Payments: Soldiers were paid in cash, with higher officials receiving jagirs.
• Merit-Based Recruitment: Soldiers were selected based on their capabilities.
• Guerrilla Warfare: Introduced light and mobile infantry tactics.
• Forts: Maintained and strategically used as military cantonments (around 280 forts).
• Inclusivity: Included 700 Muslim soldiers.

1. Cavalry: The backbone of the army, consisting of 40,000 soldiers.
2. Infantry: Light and mobile foot soldiers, including Mavlis.
3. Artillery: Managed advanced weaponry.
4. Camel and Elephant Battalions.
5. Navy: A strong fleet of Ghurabs (gunboats) and Gallivats (rowboats) manned by the Koli tribe and others.

• Ryotwari System: Direct revenue collection from farmers.
• Land Classification: Categorized into paddy fields, garden lands, and hilly tracts.
• Modi Script: Used in administrative and revenue records.
• Chauth and Sardeshmukhi:
  • Chauth: One-fourth of revenue collected from neighboring territories.
  • Sardeshmukhi: An additional 10% levy claiming hereditary rights over regions.

Shivaji was not only a valiant warrior but also an outstanding administrator. His reforms laid the foundation for a robust governance system that influenced subsequent rulers. The Maratha Empire under Shivaji extended its influence across India, balancing military prowess with administrative excellence.