Final Breach with Shivaji—Shivaji’s Administration and Achievements.
Shivaji's Legacy
The Treaty of Purandar, Shivaji’s coronation, and his administrative reforms marked turning points in 17th-century Indian history. These events highlight Shivaji’s struggles with the Mughals, his innovative governance, and his lasting achievements. This topic is highly important for students preparing for competitive exams as it covers military, political, and administrative aspects of the Maratha Empire.
Final Breach with Shivaji: Treaty of Purandar, Administration, and Achievements (1670–1680)
The Treaty of Purandar and renewed conflicts with the Mughals shaped Shivaji’s rise as a formidable Maratha leader.
The breakdown of peace with the Mughals reignited Shivaji’s conquests and expanded his influence across western India.
(i) Aurangzeb provoked Shivaji by narrowly interpreting the Treaty of Purandar, despite failure of the Bijapur expedition.
(ii) Shivaji opposed ceding 23 forts and revenues worth four lakhs of hun annually without fair compensation.
(iii) In 1670, he resumed war with the Mughals, famously sacking Surat again.
(iv) Over the next four years, Shivaji regained Purandar and many other forts, exploiting Mughal distraction with the Afghan uprising.
(v) In 1674, Shivaji’s coronation at Raigarh elevated him as the strongest Maratha chief.
(vi) His coronation improved his social standing and enabled equal treaties with Deccani sultans.
Shivaji’s Administration: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Shivaji’s administration combined existing Deccani practices with his own innovations, ensuring accountability and efficiency.
The Ashtapradhan Council
(i) Shivaji appointed eight ministers called the Ashtapradhan, directly responsible to him.
(ii) The Peshwa handled finances and administration, while the Sar-i-Naubat served as chief of the army.
(iii) Other ministers included the Majumdar (accounts), Wakenavits (intelligence, posts, household), Surunavis/Chitnis (correspondence), Dabir (ceremonies & diplomacy), Nyayadhish (justice), and Panditrao (charitable grants).
Shivaji’s Achievements: Military Prowess and State Building
Shivaji’s achievements lie in building a disciplined army, an effective revenue system, and laying the foundations of a strong Maratha state.
Military System
(i) Shivaji’s army was disciplined, with regular cash salaries for soldiers.
(ii) The standing cavalry (paga) numbered 30,000–40,000, supervised by salaried havaldars.
(iii) His last major success was the Karnataka expedition, supported by the Qutb Shah, which yielded vast territorial gains.
Revenue System
(a) His revenue system followed Malik Ambar’s model, improved by Annaji Datto in 1679.
(b) Chauth (one-fourth tribute) was imposed on Mughal territories to supplement income.
(c) By curbing the deshmukhs’ power, he ensured faster mobilization and accountability in his army.
Legacy of Shivaji
(i) Shivaji died in 1680, leaving behind a robust administrative system.
(ii) He laid the foundation of an enduring Maratha state that challenged Mughal supremacy.
Summary of Shivaji’s Legacy and Importance
The Treaty of Purandar, Shivaji’s administration, and his military achievements highlight his role as a nation-builder in 17th-century India. His coronation in 1674, the Ashtapradhan system, and the chauth revenue system made him one of the most remarkable rulers in Indian history. For students, this topic is essential for understanding Maratha–Mughal conflicts, administrative innovations, and the rise of regional powers in medieval India.
