While a lot is known about Shivaji Maharaj’s military conquests and battles, I feel not much focus has been laid on his administration and the way he built up the military.

On Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti thread on this aspect of him.

For some one who spent the better time of his life, fighting to build and preserve his empire, and who really had not much formal education, Shivaji built in quite a robust administration and taxation system.

“Like nearly all great warriors-Napoleon is a consipcuous example-Shivaji  was also a great administrator, for the qualities which go to make a  capable general are those which are required by the successful organiser  and statesman”.- Rawlinson

Shivaji was an autocrat like any one other ruler of his time, he however ensure that he did not misuse the great power vested in  him. He had a council of 8 ministers, the Ashta Pradhan who assisted and was a kind of advisory council.

Shivaji also did away with the practice of granting Jagirs to officers, and instead all were paid in cash. Even when officials had to do revenue collection, their only responsibility was collection, and beyond that they had no control over the money.

The kingdom was divided into 4 provinces, each had a Viceroy, and these provinces were in turn divided into Pranths. Jagirdari system was abolished,  and officers were paid in cash.  No office was hereditary, officers were appointed on merit, and responsible for revenue.

Shivaji did away with the existing system of taxing the farmers, through the Zamindars or Deshmukhs. The Government would deal directly with cultivators and land was surveyed using a measuring rod called the Kathi.

The state’s share was initially 30%  of produce, though it was increased to 40% later on. The farmer could pay  the amount either in cash or kind.

Similiarly for territories occupied by Shivaji, outside the Maratha region, two taxes were levied, Chauth which was 1/4th of the territory’s income, and Sardeshmukhi which was an additional 10% levy on the chauth, as a tribute to the ruler.

During times of famine, the Govt paid money or grain in advance to cultivators, that could be paid back later in installments.  Revenue collection was strictly carried out, leaving no scope for discretion or favoritism.

Till the advent of the Shivaji, the Marathas generally had an army made of irregulars, most of them essentially farmers who fought during the dry season.  It was Shivaji who came up with a regular, professional army, where the soldiers were paid in cash throughout the year.

The army was constituted into units, and grades were given regularly. Each unit consisting of 25 troopers reported to a Havaldar, who in turn reported a Jumladar, and there was a chain of command, Jumladar- Hazari-Sari Naubat.

The infantry was divided again into regiments, brigades, divisions, and both Hindus, Muslims were recruited without any discrimination. As forts played a vital role in the defence, they were well mantained, garrisons were selected carefully, in charge of the Havaldar, Sabnis

Women, female slaves, dancing girls were not permitted into the army, to maintain discipline of ranks. Even during military campaigns, ground rules were laid down, women, children, elderly and infirm people would not be harassed.

No women of the enemy would be taken as slaves, and if captured, she would be sent back with due respect. Valuables that were taken during military raid, were strictly the property of the state treasury, and should not be used for personal benefit.

Shivaji was one of the few rulers who realized the importance of a strong Navy in protecting the Konkan coast from pirates, and also not being dependent on the English, Dutch and Portugese.

Naval forts were built at Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg,Jaigad etc, while docks for repair of naval vessels were set up at Ratnagiri. He had 4 different kind of war ships-Gurabs, Gallibats,Pals and Manjuhas.And also maintained a large merchant navy for trade purposes.

Shivaji is well known for his military exploits and heroism, but not really is much known about his administration, the way he built up a professional army, his role in building a navy, so yes on those aspects he is quite underrated.

(This article has been compiled from the tweet thread posted by @SadaaShree on February 18, 2024, with minor edits to improve readability and conform to HinduPost style guide)