MARATHA ASCENDANCY (ADMINISTRATION)

ADMINISTRATION

- Based on the pattern adopted by Malik Amber in Ahmadnagar & Mahmud Gawan in Bahmanj kingdom.

- Maratha kingdom was called 'Swarajya' or 'Mulk-e-Kadim- Provinces were called 'Mahal' or 'Subah'.

- The Marathas collected Chauth or 1/4th of the land revenue.

- The 'Sardeshmukhi' or 1/10th of the standard land revenue was imposed on the entire population of a village or town in token of their recognition of the Marath King as their 'Sardeshmukh' or Suzerain

- Central administration was unique in the sence that the 'Ashtapradhan' were council of Minister who were individually & not collectively responsible to the king. Shivaji.

They were:
i. Peshwa " Finance &General administration " Later Prime Minister & controlled the entire administration.
ii. Majumdar or Amatya " Accountant Gereral " Later Finance Minister.
iii. Senapati or Sar-i-Naubat-Military Chief.
iv. Waqenavis " Interlligence & household affairs.
v. Surunavis & Sachiva or Chitnis " Royal correspondence in "charge.
vi. Dabir or Sumanta " Master of ceremonies.
vii. Nayadhish " Justice " both Civil & Criminal cases.
viii. Pandit Rao " Charities & Religious affairs.

- Rajaram creted the new post of 'Pratinidhi'

- All ministers except Pandit Rao & Nyayadhish participated in war.

- The 'Swarajya' was divided into revenue division called 'prants' & the Revenue Officials were Deshmukhs, Deshpandes, Patils & Kulkarnis.

- Out of the revenue of Chaut-
25% - Zabri (to central govermment)
66% - to Mokasa & Saranjam
6% - to Sahotra granted to Sachiva
3% - to Nadguads

- Saranjmi system was a system of revenue grants given to soldiers instead of their salaries.