Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born in 1627 in Shivneri, Pune. Shivaji and his father, Shahaji, are credited with establishing such a vast kingdom. He received the jagir of Poona from his father in 1637 and went on to become one of the greatest rulers of the Maratha empire. Shivaji's administration was influenced by the administrative systems of the Deccani states as well as the Mughal administrative structure. The Maratha regime was primarily a centralised and advanced authoritarian monarchy. The king was in charge, and his main goal was to make his subjects happy and secure. In this article, we will discuss the Administration of Shivaji in India which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Administration of Shivaji - Features

Central Administration

• Shivaji founded a sound administration system that was heavily influenced by the Deccan administration style.
• The majority of administrative reforms were inspired by the Malik Amber reforms in Ahmednagar.
• To manage administrative affairs, a council of state ministers known as Ashtpradhan (eight ministers) was formed, with each minister responsible to the ruler.
• The ministers could give their opinions on various issues, but Shivaji was not bound by them.
• The Ashtpradhan (eight ministers) were:
  • Peshwa – He was in charge of both civil and military affairs.
  • Majumdar – He was in charge of the state's income and expenditure.
  • Waqia Navis – He oversaw intelligence and household affairs.
  • Surunavis – He was in charge of royal correspondence.
  • Senapati – He was the army's commander.
  • Dabir – Dabir was in charge of organising official ceremonies and assisting the king with foreign affairs.
  • Nyaya Dhish – He delivered the verdict.
  • Pandit Rao – He oversaw charitable donations.
• Except for Pandit Rao and Nyaya Dhish, all ministers were required to perform military service when the state required it.
• Each minister was aided by eight people: a Diwan, Majumdar, Fadnis, Sabnis, Kharkhanis, Chitins, Jamadar, and Potnis.
• The ministers were not appointed on a hereditary basis, and their positions were not permanent. They were held until the king's delight and were regularly moved.
• There was no jagir endowed to any civil or military officer, and they were paid directly by the treasury.
• Shivaji divided the provinces into Prants, Pargana, and Tarafs.
• The village was the lowest unit, led by its headman or Patel.

Revenue Administration

• Land revenue was the state's main source of income.
• Shivaji's land revenue system was based on Malik Amber's Kathi system of land measurement, for which he used rods (Kathi).
• A Bigha was made up of twenty Kathis, and Chawar was made up of twenty Bighas.
• In 1678, Shivaji delegated land administration to Annajidatto with the assistance of local officials.
• Shivaji obtained a 30-40% state share of total production from peasants.
• Shivaji attempted to limit the power of hereditary officials such as Zamindars, Deshmukh, Desal and Patils by appointing his own revenue collectors.
• Revenue officials were instructed not to collect additional cess from peasants.
• Shivaji instituted a new taxation system known as Chauthai or Chauth, which was equal to one-fourth of the land revenue from neighbouring Mughal territories.
• It was a kind of military bribe in exchange for protecting Mughals from external attacks.
• Sardeshmukhi was granted one-tenth of the Maratha kingdom because Shivaji claimed to be the supreme ruler of the country.
• Shivaji strictly supervised the Mirasdars, a class of people who had inherited land rights. They paid very little tax while maintaining a powerful position in the villages. Shivaji attacked them and took control of this section.

Military Administration

• Shivaji also paid close attention to military organisations, recruiting approximately 30,000-40,000 cavalry.
• Shivaji organised a well-organized and efficient army. Ordinary soldiers were paid in cash, but major chiefs and military commanders were compensated with jagir grants (Saranjam or Mokasa).
• Infantry, or Mavali foot soldiers; Cavalry, or horse riders and equipment holders; and Navy made up the army.
• There were two kinds of cavalrymen:
  • Bargirs - The state provided them with horses and weapons.
  • Siledars - They were required to bring their own horses and weapons.
• Shivaji was the first Indian monarch to recognise the need for a naval force during the medieval era. He constructed dockyards and ships for trade and defence.
• Shivaji had 250 forts in his territory, and fort administration was based on check and balance. The fort had three officers: a Hawaldar, a Sabnis, and a Sarnobat.
• The officers of the forts were not hereditary, but they were transferred after a certain period of time, and each officer in the fort had equal status.
• In fortresses, artillerymen and foot soldiers were assigned to guard against treason.
• He appointed people from all castes to ensure fairness and stability.
• Pindaris, for example, were tribals from neighbouring villages who served in the Maratha army.
• He extensively trained his soldiers in mountain combat techniques and guerrilla warfare, a distinct fighting method.

Conclusion

Shivaji kept a close eye on the state's administrative affairs. His primary goal was to protect his subjects from oppression and tyranny while also bringing them prosperity and happiness. Shivaji wielded absolute power. He had the authority to appoint, promote, demote, or dismiss any state official but he made decisions based on the advice of his ministers. The common people held him in high regard. He was regarded as their greatest benefactor.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who founded the Maratha Empire?

A) Aurangzeb
B) Shivaji Maharaj
C) Prithviraj Chauhan
D) Akbar

2. What was the system of revenue collection introduced by Shivaji called?

A) Jagirdari
B) Zamindari
C) Chauth
D) Ryotwari

3. Which military strategy was primarily used by Shivaji?

A) Conventional warfare
B) Guerrilla warfare
C) Naval warfare
D) Trench warfare

4. What was the significance of Shivaji's forts?

A) They were purely for decoration
B) They served as military bases and defensive structures
C) They were used for trade
D) They housed only civilians

5. How did Shivaji contribute to cultural development?

A) By promoting only Islamic culture
B) By banning all cultural activities
C) By encouraging the use of Marathi and supporting arts
D) By ignoring local traditions

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Assess the administrative strategies implemented by Shivaji in the Maratha Empire.

Answer: Shivaji implemented innovative administrative strategies that laid the foundation for a robust governance structure within the Maratha Empire. He decentralized power by allowing local leaders (Patils) to govern their regions while maintaining allegiance to the central authority. This approach facilitated efficient administration and responsiveness to local issues. Shivaji also emphasized meritocracy, promoting individuals based on capabilities rather than lineage, which strengthened his administration. The establishment of a revenue system like Chauth and the promotion of local languages in governance enhanced accountability and connection with the populace. These strategies not only ensured stability within the empire but also fostered a sense of loyalty and identity among his subjects.

Q2: Discuss the significance of Shivaji's military innovations in the context of his resistance against Mughal power.

Answer: Shivaji's military innovations were significant in establishing and consolidating the Maratha Empire's power in the face of Mughal dominance. He adeptly employed guerrilla warfare tactics, which allowed him to effectively combat larger Mughal forces by using the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats to his advantage. The construction of numerous forts enhanced his defensive capabilities, serving as strategic points for launching attacks and securing territory. Moreover, Shivaji's emphasis on a strong navy enabled him to control coastal areas and disrupt enemy supply lines, which was crucial for maintaining autonomy. These innovations not only facilitated successful military campaigns but also inspired subsequent leaders in their resistance against colonial powers.

Q3: Evaluate the legacy of Shivaji in contemporary India.

Answer: Shivaji's legacy in contemporary India is profound, symbolizing valor, resistance, and regional pride. He is celebrated as a national hero, embodying the ideals of self-rule and social justice. His administrative practices and emphasis on inclusive governance continue to inspire modern political thought and regional identity movements. In recent times, Shivaji's life and contributions have been commemorated through various cultural and educational initiatives, reinforcing his status as a unifying figure across diverse communities. His principles of secularism, tolerance, and social harmony resonate in the current socio-political discourse, making him a pivotal figure in India’s historical narrative and a source of inspiration for ongoing struggles for justice and equality.

Previous Year Questions on Administration of Shivaji

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: Who is known for founding the Maratha Empire?

A) Akbar
B) Shivaji Maharaj
C) Aurangzeb
D) Tipu Sultan

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Shivaji Maharaj is known for founding the Maratha Empire, establishing a significant power in western India during the 17th century.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Evaluate the administrative practices of Shivaji and their impact on the Maratha Empire." Discuss in detail.

Answer: Shivaji's administrative practices had a lasting impact on the Maratha Empire, emphasizing decentralized governance that allowed local leaders to manage their regions while ensuring loyalty to the central authority. His merit-based promotions and the establishment of effective revenue systems fostered a sense of accountability and responsiveness. These practices not only stabilized the empire but also contributed to social cohesion and a sense of identity among the Marathas. The emphasis on local governance and cultural integration under Shivaji laid the groundwork for a resilient administration that could withstand external challenges, significantly shaping the historical trajectory of the region.