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Nature of political system of Maratha

  • The nature of the Maratha political system can be broadly categorized into three distinct phases:

Phase I (17th century): Centralised nature of Maratha political system (under Shivaji)

Centralised State Machinery:

  • Shivaji ruled as an absolute monarch, with all powers concentrated in his hands.
  • He was a benevolent despot, prioritizing the welfare of his subjects.

Ashtapradhan (Council of Eight Ministers):

  • Shivaji appointed a council of eight ministers to assist him:
  • Peshwa– Prime Minister, headed the council.
  • Amatya– Auditor.
  • Mantri– Record keeper.
  • Sachiv– In charge of the Royal Secretariat.
  • Sumant– Foreign secretary.
  • Senapati– Commander-in-chief.
  • Pandit Rao– In charge of religious affairs.
  • Nyayadhish– Chief Justice.
  • All ministers, except Nyayadhish and Pandit Rao, were required to command armies and lead expeditions.
  • Their functions were primarily advisory.

M G Ranade noted that Shivaji was a great organizer and builder of civil institutions, similar to Napoleon. His system was an autocracy, with him as the supreme head. His administration principles focused on the welfare of his subjects.

Centralized Military:

  • Shivaji established a regular standing army under the Senapati.
  • The army was divided into infantry and cavalry, with most soldiers being cavalry who worked on their fields for half the year and engaged in military service during the dry season.

Navy:

  • Shivaji recognized the importance of a navy for trade and defense against European powers.

Forts:

  • Forts played a crucial role in the Swarajya.
  • Shivaji appointed a Havaldar for fort administration, assisted by a Subedar and a Karkhanis.
  • Multiple officials provided checks and balances.

Centralized Revenue System:

  • Shivaji's kingdom was divided into provinces, which were further divided into parganas, with villages as the lowest unit for revenue collection and administration.
  • Revenue settlement was based on land measurement and careful surveys.
  • State dues were fixed at 30%.
  • In addition to land revenue, Shivaji imposed various other taxes, including taxes on profession, trade, and social and religious functions.
  • To check the powers of the Deshmukh, Shivaji proclaimed himself Sardeshmukh and introduced a tax called Sardeshmukhi.
  • He legitimized his power through ideological means, adopting titles like Kshatriya kul vatamsa(jewel of the Kshatriya family) to reinforce his Kshatriya lineage.
  • Shivaji also established his lineage with the Sisodias and claimed to be the protector of Hindu Dharma(Haindav Dharmaodharak) and the protector of cows and Brahmins(Gau Brahman Pratipalak).

Phase II (1713 to 1761): Feudal kind of system (under de facto head Peshwa)

Weak Successors and Rise of the Peshwa:

  • Due to the weak successors of Shivaji, the Ashtapradhan (council of ministers) and the office of the Peshwa (Prime Minister) became hereditary.
  • The King became a de jure head(nominal head), while the Peshwa emerged as the de facto head(real authority).

Shift in Governance:

  • The centralized system of governance lost relevance, and a system based on land became more important, resembling a feudal system.
  • Deshmukhs(land revenue officers) gained importance in this new system.
  • Maratha chiefs like Nimbalkar, Holkar, Gaekwad, and Bhonsle became powerful under the leadership of the Peshwas.

Peshwa's Authority Established:

  • By the Sangola Agreement of 1750, the Peshwa was recognized as the real and effective head of the state, while the Raja became a Roi Faineant(a figurehead) and the “Mayor of the palace”.

Phase III (From 1761) – Maratha confederacy

Feudal System and Maratha Confederacy:

  • The feudal system initiated during the Peshwa era eventually led to the formation of the Maratha Confederacy.
  • The Maratha Confederacy primarily included:
  • Peshwa of Poona
  • Sindhia of Gwalior
  • Gaekwad of Baroda
  • Bhonsle of Nagpur
  • Holkars of Indore
  • Although the Peshwas were the nominal leaders, the Maratha chiefs such as Gaekwad, Holkar, Sindhia, and Bhonsle operated with significant autonomy.
  • This autonomy led to the emergence of parallel powers, which weakened the Peshwas' authority.
The document Nature of Political System of Marathas | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) is a part of the UPSC Course History Optional for UPSC (Notes).
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FAQs on Nature of Political System of Marathas - History Optional for UPSC (Notes)

1. What were the key features of the Maratha political system?
Ans. The Maratha political system was characterized by a decentralized governance structure, where power was distributed among various local chieftains known as 'Sardars'. The central authority was led by the Chhatrapati, who was the sovereign ruler. The system also included a council of ministers called 'Ashtapradhan', which helped in administration. Additionally, the system was marked by a strong military organization and revenue collection methods that involved local participation.
2. How did the Maratha Empire manage its vast territories?
Ans. The Maratha Empire managed its vast territories through a network of regional governors and local chieftains who were given autonomy to govern their regions. This decentralized approach allowed for effective administration and quick response to local issues. The Marathas also established a strong communication system and maintained a formidable military presence to ensure control over distant regions.
3. What role did the Maratha navy play in their political system?
Ans. The Maratha navy played a crucial role in the political system by securing trade routes and protecting coastal territories from foreign powers such as the Portuguese and the British. Under leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the navy was developed to enhance maritime power, which in turn supported the economic strength and political influence of the Maratha Empire in the western coast of India.
4. How did the Maratha political system differ from that of the Mughal Empire?
Ans. The Maratha political system differed from the Mughal Empire primarily in its decentralized structure. While the Mughal Empire was characterized by a centralized autocracy with the emperor holding supreme power, the Marathas allowed local chieftains significant autonomy. Moreover, the Marathas practiced a more participatory form of governance, involving local leaders in decision-making processes, contrasting with the Mughal emphasis on direct control and a bureaucratic hierarchy.
5. What were the economic policies implemented by the Maratha political system?
Ans. The Maratha political system implemented several economic policies aimed at revenue generation and local development. They focused on agrarian reforms, ensuring fair tax collection methods, and promoting trade. The Marathas also encouraged local industries and craftsmanship, allowing regions to maintain their economic autonomy. This blend of taxation and support for local economies helped sustain the empire's finances and fostered economic growth.
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