Shivaji Maharaj's Administration Overview

Shivaji Maharaj's Administration

• Shivaji Maharaj established Swaraj, encompassing parts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu
• He instituted a highly organized administration for his expanding kingdom to ensure smooth governance and people's welfare.

Ashtapradhan Mandal

• Shivaji Maharaj appointed an Ashtapradhan Mandal (Council of Eight Ministers)
• The council consisted of eight ministers, each in charge of a specific department of administration.
• The ministers were selected based on merit and were paid salaries instead of land grants.
• The king had the authority to appoint and dismiss ministers.
• The structure ensured accountability to the king.

Agricultural Policies

• Agriculture was considered vital to the kingdom.
• The land revenue system was entrusted to Annaji Datto.
• Officers were responsible for collecting only the fixed amount of revenue.
• Relief was given in cases of crop failures due to natural disasters or enemy actions.
• Providing farmers with the necessary resources (bullocks, ploughs, good seeds) was encouraged.

Village Economy

• Agriculture was the backbone of village economies.
• Artisans fulfilled the village's needs and were supported by farmers.
• A system of 'Baluta' (a portion of the farmer's produce) was used for compensation.

Trade and Business

• Shivaji Maharaj recognized the importance of trade for prosperity
• Merchants were considered valuable components to the kingdom and were protected.
• The salt industry in Konkan was protected by tariffs on imported salt to encourage local production.

Military Organisation

• Shivaji's army consisted of infantry and cavalry.
• Skilled officers like Havaldar, Jumledar, and Sarnobat were present in the infantry.
• Shiledars (owning horses, weapons) and Bargirs (provided with horses, weapons by state) formed the cavalry.
• Rosters of cavalry officers were similar to those of infantry; Sarnobats were highest ranking cavalry officers.

Intelligence Department

• A dedicated intelligence department observed enemy movements.
• Bahirji Naik was the head of this efficient intelligence service, known for accurate information on enemy movements.

Forts

• Forts held considerable importance in that era.
• Shivaji Maharaj built and maintained a substantial amount of forts (about 300+).
• Specific personnel (Killedar, Sabnis, Karkhanis) oversaw forts' management.
• Forts were used for defense, storage, and troop deployment.

Sea Forts

• Shivaji also prioritized sea forts.
• Sindhudurga and Padmadurga were significant examples, built to counter coastal threats.

Navy

• Shivaji Maharaj established a naval force to defend the western coast.
• The navy comprised various ships, including gurab, galbat, and pal.
• Ships were built in Kalyan Bhivandi, Vijaydurga, and Malvan.
• Commanders included Maynak Bhandari and Daulatkhan.