Nature of Political System of Marathas | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

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.