1. The 'Ashtapradhan' (literally, Eight Ministers) was the council of ministers formalized by Shivaji to efficiently administer his expanding Maratha Kingdom. The eight key posts included the Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance Minister), Sachiv (Secretary) and Sumant (Foreign Affairs). The counciRead more

    The ‘Ashtapradhan’ (literally, Eight Ministers) was the council of ministers formalized by Shivaji to efficiently administer his expanding Maratha Kingdom. The eight key posts included the Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance Minister), Sachiv (Secretary) and Sumant (Foreign Affairs). The council was a purely consultative body; all ministers held their office at the pleasure of the Chhatrapati, ensuring a strong central executive authority, unlike the later period where the Peshwa became supreme.

     

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  2. Dadaji Kondadev was the esteemed political guru and administrator entrusted with the care and education of young Shivaji by his father, Shahaji Bhonsle. Kondadev trained Shivaji in all aspects of statecraft, including revenue management, land survey and judicial administration, while managing the faRead more

    Dadaji Kondadev was the esteemed political guru and administrator entrusted with the care and education of young Shivaji by his father, Shahaji Bhonsle. Kondadev trained Shivaji in all aspects of statecraft, including revenue management, land survey and judicial administration, while managing the family’s Pune Jagir. His tutelage provided Shivaji with the foundational knowledge of civil administration and justice, which were implemented in the Maratha state alongside the moral and religious ideals taught by his mother, Jijabai.

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  3. The revered saint was Samarth Ramdas. He was Shivaji's spiritual preceptor (guru), although his direct political influence is debated. He preached a philosophy centred on the Hindu faith, political unity and action (Karma Yoga) through the concept of Maharashtra Dharma. His teachings emphasized theRead more

    The revered saint was Samarth Ramdas. He was Shivaji’s spiritual preceptor (guru), although his direct political influence is debated. He preached a philosophy centred on the Hindu faith, political unity and action (Karma Yoga) through the concept of Maharashtra Dharma. His teachings emphasized the need for a cohesive Maratha identity to achieve Swaraj. His influence continued with Sambhaji, whom he advised to effectively lead the Marathas and uphold the principles of righteous governance.

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  4. 'Das Bodh' (Advice to a Disciple) is a classical work of Marathi literature authored by Samarth Ramdas, the spiritual preceptor of Shivaji. Composed in verse, the text provides comprehensive instruction on practical morality, metaphysics, administration and the ideal qualities of a good ruler. It stRead more

    ‘Das Bodh’ (Advice to a Disciple) is a classical work of Marathi literature authored by Samarth Ramdas, the spiritual preceptor of Shivaji. Composed in verse, the text provides comprehensive instruction on practical morality, metaphysics, administration and the ideal qualities of a good ruler. It strongly promoted the ideals of Karma Yoga (the path of action) and spiritual consciousness, making it a critical source for understanding the moral and ethical framework underpinning the Maratha struggle for independence.

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  5. The 'Sarjami' system was the Maratha version of the feudal military land grant system, akin to the Mughal Jagirdari system. Under this system, Maratha military chiefs (Sardars) were granted Sarjam (revenue assignments) from a specific territory. In return, they were required to maintain a fixed numbRead more

    The ‘Sarjami’ system was the Maratha version of the feudal military land grant system, akin to the Mughal Jagirdari system. Under this system, Maratha military chiefs (Sardars) were granted Sarjam (revenue assignments) from a specific territory. In return, they were required to maintain a fixed number of cavalry and foot soldiers for the state. While effective for rapid expansion, the system’s decentralizing tendencies were a source of tension between the central Peshwa administration and the autonomous Maratha chiefs.

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