Question

Examine the essential features of Maratha administration under Shivaji.

Answer 1

• Village Administration:

1. Deshmuks control twenty and hundred villages.
2. Each village was administered by village headman ‘Patil’, who was assisted by village accountant ‘Kulkami’.

• Military Administration:

1. Shivaji gave utmost attention to his army and training of its personnel.
2. Every soldier was selected by Shivaji.
3. Retired captains holding incharge of guarding the forts.

• Ashtapradhan:
  1.Shivaji designated eight ministers as ‘Ashtapradhan’. Peshwa was the Prime minister and Amatya was the finance minister.
• Revenue Administration:

1. He collected Chauth and Sardeshmukhi taxes.
2. The assesments were made 3/5 left to the cultivator and 2/5 taken by the Government.

• Judicial Administration:

1. Civil cases decided by the Panchayat and village council.
2. Criminal laws were based on the shastras of the Hindu law books.