Paper-7-History-of-the-Marathas-1630-CE-_-1707-CE-English-Version-munotes (2024)

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1 1
INTRODUCTION TO MARATHA
HISTORY
a) Marathi, Persian and European Sources
Unit Structure
1.0 Objective
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Sources of Maratha History
1.3 Sanskrit Sources
1.4 Hindi, Kannada, Rajasthani sources
1.5 Marathi Sources
1.6 Persian Sources
1.7 Eu ropean Sources
1.13 Summary
1.14 Questions
1.15 References
1.0 OBJECTIVE : -
1. To study different sources of Maratha History.
2. To understand the importance of Marathi Sources, especially the
Bakhar literature and its reliability as source of Maratha History.
3. To Study the importance of Persian sources.
4. To Study the importance of European sources of the history of
Marathas.
1.1 INTRODUCTION : -
The Maratha Power came to prominence in the seventeenth century with
the founding of Swaraj by Shivaji . It dominated the political scene of India
throughout the eighteenth century till it became extinct in 1818. The
history of Marathas is not only the history of the Marathas or the people of
Maharashtra alone but the history of the subcontinent with which the
Marathas were directly or indirectly associated. munotes.in

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History of the Marat has
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2
Allauddin Khilji invaded Devgiri in 1294 and Muslim rule was established
in Deccan. Political subjection gradually led to economic slavery. The
Bahamani Kingdom which came into existence in 1347 disinte grated in
1526. The states of Ahmednagar, Bijapur, Golkonda, Bidar and Berar had
emerged from the ruins of Bahamani Kingdom. Of these five independent
Kingdoms, only three namely those of Ahmednagar, Bijapur and
Golkonda existed at the time when the Marath as began to emerge from
their subjugation. Marathas sought service in these kingdoms and Mughals
either for money or in their military in subordinate positions. They were
appointed Jagirdars or Thanedars and conferred titles such as Raja, Naik
or Rao. They seemed to be content with serving the sultans and Mughals.
They lacked national sentiment and were not united among themselves.
Shivaji brought them together and build a powerful nation.
The establishment of Hindavi Swaraj by Shivaji proved that the Hindu
race can build a nation, found a state and defeat enemies. The Maratha
kingdom was transformed by the Peshwas in the eighteenth century into a
mighty empire. They conquered a large part of North India. The Mughal
Emperor was under their influence. The eig hteenth century can be rightly
described as the century of the Marathas.
1.2 SOURCES OF MARATHA HISTORY: -
Sources are either literary or non -literary and they throw light on the past.
Maharashtra had a rich tradition of historical writings during the medi eval
period. Literary sources are known as Bakhars. But Bakhar writers lacked
scientific approach to the writing of history. Finding historical facts,
determining their authenticity, their analysis were not the factors which
the Bakhar writers had in mind while writing these Bakhars. Maratha
history can be study with the help of primary or first -hand source material
like state papers and also with the help of material like Bakhars, Court
histories, chronicles, account of contemporary travellers and observat ions
made and recorded by the participants who played their part in an
historical event.
The early historical account of the Marathas was presented by Europeans
who were in charge of the administration of the newly acquire territories
of India. Edward Scot t Waring wrote History of Marathas in 1810. Grant
Duff, the Resident at Satara published three volumes of History of
Marathas in 1826. He based his history on Tawarikhs, Bakhars and State
papers of Peshwas, which he got from the Raja of Satara and a number of
other persons.
With the introduction of English education and establishment of
Universities educated Indians started critically examining the history
written by these authors. In 1868, a junior student of the Deccan College,
Nilakantha Janardan Kirtane pointed out a few deficiencies in Grant
Duff’s Work. Kirtane had emphasized the importance of Marathi Sources
which were not fully used by Grant Duff in narrating the history of the munotes.in

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Introduction to Maratha
History
3 Marathas. Vishnu Shastri Chiplunkar gave wide publicity to such sources
through his ‘Nibandhamala’ which encouraged the hunt for Marathi
documents. With a view to understanding the real and unbiased history of
the Marathas, a search for evidence started in Maharashtra in the last
quarter of the19th century which resulted in br inging to the emergence of
a huge amount of historical sources in Marathi. A band of research
Scholars like Rao Bahadur Kashinath Narayan Sane (1851 -1927),
Vasudeo Shastri Khare (1858 -1924), Vishwanath Kashinath Rajwade
(1864 -1926), ‘Riyasatkar’ Govind Sak haram Sardesai (1865 -1959), ‘Rao
Bahadur’ Dattatray Balwant Parasnis (1870 -1926) and many others made
available the treasure of Marathi source material to the scholars of history.
But the most outstanding personality in the field of historical research was
Vishwanath Kashinath Rajwade (1864 -1926). He went from village to
village, tracing old Maratha Sardars, clerks, priests and examining their
records. 22 Volumes of these papers have been published under the name
of ‘Marathyanchya Itihasachi Sadhane’ (Sourc e material of Maratha
history) with his analytical Introduction. He established Bharat Itihas
Sanshodhan Mandal. He prepared the ground for future historians.
Historians like Riyasatkar Sardesai, V.S.Bendre, M.V.Gujar, G.H.Khare,
N.R. Pathak, Appasaheb Pa war, Setumadhavrao Pagdi, S.M. Garge, S.S.
Desai, Dr. A.R. Kulkarni have made immense contribution to the writing
of the history of the Marathas.
Maratha History can be conveniently divided into broad periods
1. The Royal period from 1630 to 1713 consistin g of the reigns of
Shivaji, Sambhaji and Tarabai.
2. The Peshwa period from 1713 to 1818. There is abundant source
material as far Peshwa period is concerned but the paucity of authentic
source material is felt as far as the Royal period is concerned.
The causes of this state of affairs are as follows:
a. The Royal period was a formative period of the Maratha History.
There was hardly any time either for Shivaji or the later kings to
maintain proper records of their state papers.
b. In 1689, after the fall of Raigad, the Maratha capital was shifted to
Jinji. A number of state papers were either destroyed or damaged in
the process of shifting.
c. The contemporary society was indifferent towards a scientific study of
history.
d. Consequently, only private docu ments and legal papers like sanads,
gift deeds, nivada patras are available and they are of little use in
scientifically constructing the history of the Maratha.
The sources of Maratha History are available in Sanskrit, Marathi,
Kannada, Hindi, English, Fr ench, Portuguese, Dutch and Persian. munotes.in

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History of the Marat has
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4 1.3 SANSKRIT SOURCES: -
1. Shiv -Bharat :-
Shivaji’s court poet Parmananda wrote a Sanskrit poem. It consists of 31
chapters and nine verses. They trace the history of Bhosale family from
Maloji Bhonsale to the capture o f Shringarpur by Shivaji in 1661. In 1927
S.M. Divekar edited and translated this poem into Marathi. According to
Jadunath Sarkar it is a laudatory poem written by a court flatterer. But it is
important as a contemporary source.
2. Radha -Madhav Vilas Cham pu :-
This poem is written by Jairam Pinde in 1653 -54. He was contemporary of
Shahaji. The poem consists of three parts. The first and second parts deal
with life of Shahaji. The third part consists of poem composed by different
poets at the court of Shaha ji. The poem is highly exaggerated and
therefore has little historical importance. But it throws light on the life of
Shahaji and Socio -religious condition in the Maharashtra. It was
discovered and published by V.K.Rajwade with a long Introduction in
1922.
3. Anu Puran :-
It is believed that this poem is written by poet Parmanand. In 1952,
Baroda Oriental Institute has published this work. According to
T.S.Shejwalkar, this poem is composed by Parmanand’s son Devdatta and
later completed by grandson Govinda . It covers the history of Bhosale
family from Shahaji to Sambhaji. It is important source to study the
relations between Shivaji and Sambhaji.
4. Parnal -Parvat -Grahan -akhyana :-
It is written by the poet Jairam Pinde in 1674. The poem was discovered in
the famous Saraswati Mahal at Tanjore and published by S.K. Divekar in
1923. The poem refers mainly to the capture of the fort Panhala. This
poem is of historical value for the study of Shivaji’s life. It narrates the
capture of the Adilshahi fort of Panhal a in 1673.
5. Shivrajyabhishek -kalpataru :-
This poem is written by Aniruddha Saraswati. It consists of 234 Shlokas.
It is in the form of dialogue between Govind and Nischalpuri, who
performed second tantrik coronation. The subject is to prove the
importa nce of the tantrik influence in the coronation performed by
Gagabhatt.
6. Rajvyavahar Kosh :-
Marathi language and writing of the seventeenth century was very much
influenced by Persian. Raghunathpant Hanmante compiled
Rajyavyavaharkosh to expunge all Per sian terms used in the various munotes.in

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History of the Marat has
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6 1.5.2 Jedheshakavali :-
Some of the families of the nobles in Maharashtra mai ntained records of
the important historical events in which they were directly or indirectly
involved. They are known as Shakavalis or Chronologies. The Jedhe
Shakavali is one such Shakavali which gives an account of a number of
events of the seventeenth c entury for writing the political history of
Shivaji’s time. The Jedhe family of Kari (Pune district) played an
important role in mobilizing the Marathas under the leadership of Shivaji
in his efforts of founding the Maratha Swarajya. Kanhoji Naik Jedhe and
Baji Sarjerao Jedhe were in service of Shivaji and Sambhaji. The most of
the dates given by Jedhe Shakavali are accurate.
1.5.3 Bakhars :-
The term Bakhar is derived from the Arabic word Khabar which means
news or report. In Marathi the term denotes some historical work. It was
written in prose in Marathi in the cursive script called Modi. The Bakhars
were written by court writers for their masters. The oldest Bakhar
according to V.K. Rajwade is Shalivahanchi Bakhar. Rajwade has
estimated that between 156 6 and 1818 about 250 Bakhars were written.
He includes all types of historical writing in Bakhars. Actually, only half
of them are extant today and of these about seventy have been published
so far.
The main characteristics of a Bakhar are the following.
1. It is written in Modi Script of Marathi Language and in generally in
prose form.
2. It is generally written at the instance of the ruler or the chief.
3. Some Bakhars begin with a brief reference to the origin of the universe
and its history bringing the account up to the chronicler’s main theme.
4. Its emphasis is mainly on political events but they are hardly arranged
chronologically.
5. There are occasional reference to administrative measures and socio -
economic aspects.
6. It includes traditional reco rds, legends perhaps with a view to making
it more readable.
7. It includes many generally supernatural elements and they glorify
various deeds of the Bakhar writer’s master.
8. Its narration is often in the Puranic Style.
V.K. Rajwade has given a three -fold classification of Bakhars.
1. Bakhars written by contemporary writers. munotes.in

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Introduction to Maratha
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7 2. Bakhars based on hearsay or secondhand information. They are based
on the memory of the writers who is writing about an event many
years after the event took place, or informatio n given to the writer by a
third person.
3. Bakhars based on the Bakhars or mere copies of old Bakhars.
Dr. R.V. Herwadkar has grouped the Bakhars under the following heads
according to their contents.
1. Biographies :-
Biographies of some rulers of the p ast for e.g. Biography of Shivaji by
Krishnaji Anant Sabhasad.
2. Family Bakhars :-
Describes the achievements of the particular family for e.g. Peshweyanchi
Bakhar, Bhosale Vamsa Charitam.
3. Autobiographies :-
Autobiography of Nana Phadnis.
4. Major Landmarks in history :-
Panipatchi Bakhar, Kashirajachi Bakhar,
5. History of particular period :-
Peshwyanchi Akherchi Bakhar.
6. History of particular place :-
Mahabaleshwar Bakhar.
7. Pauranik Bakhar :-
Samarthanchi Bakhar.
8. Kaifiyat
These are the Bakhars written in defense of the policy of their masters for
e.g. Holkaranchi Thaili (1761), Bhausahebanchi Kaifiyat.
9. Translated Bakhar :-
Bakhar of Bundelas.
10. Bakhars related to income :-
These are Karina or representation to the state regar ding income.
Reliability of Bakhars as the source material for the Maratha history has
been a topic of controversy among historians. Sir Jadunath Sarkar
condemns the Bakhars as unreliable but still uses profusely for writing. munotes.in

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History of the Marat has
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8 The historian Rajwade has made a more critical and balanced assessment
of their worth as source of Maratha history. According to him, three types
of mistakes are found in Bakhars. 1) Mistakes of Persons 2) Mistake of
places 3) Mistakes of chronology. These mistakes have crept into t he
Bakhars because of flight of imagination on the part of writer, general
indifference of society towards scientific writing of history and lack of
proper training to writers.
But in spite of these drawbacks Bakhars still remains the most important
primar y sources of the Maratha History as they form a part of historical
literature and contain useful information.
1.5.4 Royal period
1. Sabhasad Bakhar :-
The nearly contemporary and the only authentic Bakhar of Shivaji was the
Sabhasad Bakhar. It was writte n by Krishnaji Anant Sabhasad probably in
1694 at the instance of Rajaram at Jinji. Sabhasad begins his narrative
with Maloji Bhonsale, then comes to early life and career of Shivaji, upto
his death in 1680. He also gives details such as names of Shivaji’s
eighteen Karkhanas, forts and their income and expenditure. The defect of
this Bakhar is that it was written fourteen years after the death of Shivaji.
The information is brief but still it is most reliable and useful of all
Bakhars.
2. 91 Qalmi Bakhar :-
This Bakhar was originally written by Dattaji Trimbak Waqanavis, a
contemporary of Shivaji. It was written perhaps between 1685 and 1707.
This collection is called 91 Qalmi Bakhar or narration in 91 sections. The
writer narrates the history of Bhosale fa mily from Maloji Bhonsale up to
the death of Shivaji. The Bakhar was published by V.S. Wakaskar in
Bharat Varsha and Prabhat in 1930.
3. Chitnis Bakhar :-
Malhar Ramrao Chitnis wrote this Bakhar in 1811 on the insistence of
Shahu II. The writer’s grand fa ther Balaji Avaji was contemporary of
Shivaji. The Bakhar is divided into seven chapters, written probably with
help of state papers preserved in the family. Chitins did not follow
chronological sequence in writing his Bakhar. This Bakhar was first
publish ed in Vividhgyana Vistaar in 1877.
4. Chitragupta Bakhar :-
This Bakhar is enlarged version of the Sabhasad Bakhar. The writer
Raghunath Yadav Chitre had added his poems in it. The Bakhar was
probably written 1765. Chitragupta was closely related to Bala ji Avaji, a
Chitnis of Shivaji. He gives surname of many important people which is
not mentioned in Sabhasad Bakhar.
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Introduction to Maratha
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9 5. Shivdigvijaya :
This Bakhar was written in 1818. Its writer is unknown. It was published
by Dandekar and Nandurbarkar in 1895. The aut hor narrates events like
Javali incident, attack on Shaiste Khan camp, conspiracy of Maharani
Soyarabai against Sambhaji. Rajwade is of the opinion that this Bakhar is
based on some old Bakhar.
6. Chhoti Bakhar : -
This Bakhar was written in 1817. B.J. Mo dak has published it first time in
Kavyetihas Sanghraha. The writer makes mistakes regarding place, dates
and persons. But it gives a new outlook on Shivaji’s period of rule.
7. Dalpatrayanchi Bakhar : -
This Bakhar is written by one of the critics of Shiv aji. The Bakhar is
important source for examining the views of critics of Shivaji.
8 Sambhaji Maharajanchi Bakhar and Rajaram Maharajanchi
Bakhar: -
Both these Bakhars have been authored by Malhar Ramrao Chitnis. They
are biographies of Sambhaji and Rajaram. The author criticizes Sambhaji
but glorifies the rule of Rajaram
There are number of Bakhars which are of less important like,
Shedgaonkar Bakhar, Shahannav Kalmi Bakhar and Shiv Pratap.
1.5.5 Peshwa period
1. Sashtichi Bakhar : -
This Bakhar was origina lly written in 1742, to which additions were made
in 1782. It mainly deals with the Vasai (Bassein) Campaign, in which the
Marathas had registered a remarkable Victory in 1739 A.D. against the
Portuguese by capturing the fort of Vasai. The Bakhar gives cre dit of this
victory to Gangaji Naik whereas traditional its fall is credited to the efforts
of Chimnaji Appa.
2. The Bakhar of Shahu
This Bakhar is written by Govind Khanderao Chitnis and it deals with the
life of Shahu. It gives a detailed description o f Shahu’s life in the Mughal
prison.
3. Peshwyanchi Bakhar :-
This Bakhar is written by Krishnaji Vinayak Sohoni. It narrates the history
of the rise and fall of the Peshwas. The author glorifies their rule. As it
was written in the last days of the Peshwas, it gives a reliable account of
only of the concluding days of the Peshwa rule.
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History of the Marat has
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10 4. Panipat Bakhar :-
It was written by Raghunath Yadav in 1763 at the instance of Gopikabai,
the widow of Peshwa Nanasaheb. The author was a clerk in the Peshwa
establishment. It gives a list of those who laid down their lives on the
battlefield at Panipat.
5. Bhau Sahebanchi Bakhar :-
The author of this Bakhar was a loyal servant of Mahadji Shinde. It deals
with the Panipat disaster in details. But it is unreliable. However, the
Bakh ar enlighten us on some of the prevailing social customs like sati, a
soldier with an injury on his back was ridiculed in the society because he
appeared to be running away from the battlefield when he was injured.
6. Kashiraj Pandit’s Chronicle of Battle of Panipat :-
Kashiraj Pandit, a Maratha Brahmin who was in service of Shuja -Ud-
daulah, gives an account of Panipat in Persian. It was rendered into
Marathi in 1810. It is a reliable source of battle of Panipat.
Historians have generally dismissed Bakhars as gossip, yet many of them
have used them for writing their own history of the Marathas. The Bakhar
may have defects but effort made by the chroniclers needs to be
appreciated. They have availed of documents that are lost to us. The study
of the Bakhar help s to fill the gaps of History.
Check your progress
1) Examine the importance of Marathi sources for the study of Maratha
history.
1.5.6 Official and private letters :-
Official letters include letters written by the king or their ministers,
treaties and engag ement, orders, sanads (Grants) or watan patre, and
similar other documents. During the Peshwa period, the Maratha activity
increased. Their agents were stationed in the courts of different rulers in
north India. In turn Maratha sardars appointed their own representatives in
the Peshwa’s Court in Pune. They kept their masters informed with what
happened in Pune. Their newsletters throw much light on political
situation of India.
There is an enormous quantity of family papers or private correspondence.
Pesh wa Diaries belong to this category.
1.6 PERSIAN SOURCES: -
Persian sources are important for the history of Shivaji. In Persian we have
history of Mughal Emperors written by Mughal Historians, the dispatches
of Jaisingh, and the correspondence of many no bles. As for the dates and
incidents, the most correct information is given in the Persian news letters
called Akhbarat which are preserved in the archives of Jaipur and London. munotes.in

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Introduction to Maratha
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11 1. Masir -i-Alamgiri :-
This is a biography of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb wri tten by Saqi
Mustaid Khan in 1709, two years after the death of Aurangzeb. Sir
Jadunath Sarkar translated this work in English and it was published by
the Asiatic Society Calcutta. Setu Madhavrao Pagadi has translated it in
Marathi.
The writer was an influ ential officer of Aurangzeb. He had accompanied
the Mughal army to the Deccan. He gives detailed account of the Mughal -
Maratha relations. This is an important source for the study of Shivaji,
Sambhaji, Rajaram and Tarabai. Most of the dates mentioned by hi m are
accurate.
2. Muntakhab -ul-Lubab :-
It was written by Aurangzeb’s court historian, Muhamad Hashim Khafi
Khan in 1734. He accompanied Aurangzeb in his Deccan expedition. He
has described in detail the heroic struggle of the Marathas against the
mighty Mughals between 1680 and 1707. Though he was a court historian
and loyal to the Mughal Emperor, he pays handsome tribute to the great
Maratha Leaders’ chivalry and he is our authority for the statement that
Shivaji had strictly forbidden his followers to h arm any mosque, Quran or
women. According to Jadunath Sarkar his account is the most accurate and
therefore very reliable.
3. Nuskha -i-Dilkasha :-
This is a personal memoir of Bhimsen Saksena. He was in the service of
Aurangzeb. In 1701 he was present at Panhala when Zulfiqar Khan had
laid siege to the fort of Panhala. He narrates the Mughal history from 1656
to the coronation of Bahadurshah (1709). As he was present in Deccan
during war of independence he gives a detailed account of Mughal -
Maratha struggl e between 1700 and 1707, Tarabai’s character and the
leadership she provided to Marathas. It is valuable a source for the study
of Rajaram and Maharani Tarabai.
4. Fatuhat -i-Alamqiri :-
It was written by Ishwardas Nagar. He was clerk of the Chief Justice of
Aurangzeb. He narrates the history of Aurangzeb from the Shaiste Khan
episode to 1700. It gives information on Sambhaji, Rajaram, Kavi Kalash,
Durgadas, Prince Akbar, Santaji and Dhanaji. Its makes passing reference
of the manner in which Sambhaji was k illed by Aurangzeb and the help
given by the Rani of Bednur to Rajaram while he was on his way to Jinji.
5. Khatut - i-Shivaji :-
Khatut means ‘letters’. This is collection of letters written not only by
Shivaji but Aurangzeb, Prince Akbar, Zulfiqar Khan, Jaisingh and Shahu.
It includes Shivaji’s letter protesting against the levy of ji*zya or poll tax.
These letters are compiled and translated by Sir Jadunath Sarkar. munotes.in

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History of the Marat has
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12 Setumadhavrao Pagdi has translated them in Marathi and published it in
the book Mughal Mara tha Sangharsha.
6. Haft Anjuman :-
This is a collection of letters of Mirza Raje Jaisingh. During his campaign
against Shivaji, he had written many letters to the Emperor. His secretary
Udayraj had compiled these letters under the title Haft Anjuman. Thes e
letters throw light on Jaisingh’s southern campaign, his military tactics,
and Mughal -Maratha relations. It is an important source for the study of
the Marathas.
7. Lutfulla Khan’s letters :-
This is collection of letters written by Lutfulla Khan, an i nfluential noble
in the court of Aurangzeb. In 1690, he was thanedar of Khatav. He fought
many battles with Santaji and Dhanaji. After 1699 he was subhedar at
Bijapur, Aurangabad and Varhad. Setumadhavrao Pagdi has complied 40
letters of Lutfulla Khan. Thi s is an important source to study Mughal -
Maratha relations between 1690 and 1700.
8. Matbarkhan’s letters :-
Matbarkhan was Mughal officer who conquered many forts in Nasik,
Baglan and North Konkan region during Sambhaji’s regime. His secretary
Jethmal ha d compiled the letters he wrote to the Emperor and other
officers and named it ‘Karnama’. Setumadhavrao Pagdi has translated and
published them in Navbharat magazine. This is important source to study
Mughal Maratha relationship during the reign of Sambhaj i and Rajaram.
9. Basatin -us-Salatin :-
This work is history of Adilshah. Muhammad Ibrahim Ali Zuberi has
written it in 1824. G.H. Khare and V.C. Bendre have published this work.
This work throws light on Shivaji -Adilshah relations.
10. Siyal -ul-Mutakhar in :-
It was written by Mughal sardar who spent most of the time of his service
in Bengal. His account refers to the civil war between Shahu and Tarabai.
11. Akhbarat :-
The news writers were present in the courts of Mughals. A day -to-day
account was rec orded by them. Many nobles appointed their agents in
Delhi who informed their masters of the day to day happenings in the
Emperor’s court. The accounts are known as Akhbarat. Many of these
accounts are destroyed. Some of the Akhbarats have found in the arc hives
of London, Kolkakata and Jaipur. They have been translated by
Setumadhavrao Pagdi and G.H. Khare in Marathi. They are an important
source for the study of Mughal -Maratha relations, Mughal administration,
the war strategy of Mughal and Marathas. They are helpful in writing
chronological history of Marathas because they provide accurate dates. munotes.in

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Introduction to Maratha
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13 1.7 EUROPEAN SOURCES.
The rise of the Maratha power in the seventeenth century and the advent
of the Europeans except Portuguese on the west coast of India who h ad
come earlier at the end of fifteenth century is a great coincidence. They
established their trading companies in India and soon started aspiring for
the political power. They were deeply concerned with rapid growth of
Maratha power since its establishme nt in the seventeenth century.
According to Dr. A. R. Kulkarni their concern for the rising Maratha
power apparently prompted them to learn more about the Marthas who
were likely to be their rivals in the course of time. This seems to have been
the reason behind the genesis of European writing on the Marathas.
1.7.1 English Records:
The English East India Company had established factories at Surat,
Mumbai, Rajapur, Karwar, Madras and Kolkata. A number of minor
factories used to send reports to the principal factories at Surat, Bombay
and Madras. These records included consultation or proceedings of the
councils, copies of letters sent and received and letter books of particular
individuals. Reports of the Meeting were regularly sent to the company
headquarte rs in London. These records throw light on the activities of
Marathas, policy of the English towards Shivaji and Mughals.
These letters were compiled and published in 1931 entitled English
Records on Shivaji. Records in India office London was compiled and
published by V.S. Bendre. Eminent Historian S. N. Sen in his foreign
Biographies of Shivaji has given an account of English Embassies to the
court of Shivaji which is based on originals sources in the Indian Office at
London. It also includes Dutch letter s translated into English and
observations of contemporary writers like Cosme de Guarda, Jean
Thevenot and Francois Martin.
1.7.2 Portuguese Sources:
Portuguese were the first to establish their power in India. They settled
down at places close to the Ma ratha territory. They therefore watched
Shivaji’s activities with keen interest. The Portuguese records,
manuscripts are available in Goa and Lisbon archives and they throw light
on the life of Shivaji. These sources include letter written by Portuguese
viceroys to their king, letters written to Maratha and Mughal nobles,
proceedings of the council etc. Dr. Pandurang Pissurlekar has published
many important Portuguese documents useful for the study of the
Portuguese - Maratha relations. Mr. S.S. Desai has tr anslated Portuguese
documents in Marathi.
1.7.3 French Sources:
French Records are available in the London and Paris archives. They
include letters written by French to their authorities in France, letters they
wrote to Indian rulers. The most important is memoirs of French Governor
Francois Martin. He served the French East India Company for many munotes.in

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History of the Marat has
(1630 CE – 1707CE)
14 years. He was first Governor of the French at Pondicherry, His account of
the Maratha activities in Karnatak region is of greatest value and
importance. He was in Pondicherry and therefore his account furnishes the
best contemporary account of Shivaji’s Karnatak Expedition. His memoirs
constitute a historical document of first -rate importance.
Historian Dr. Hatalkar has written about the relations between the Frenc h
and Marathas (1668 -1815), using French sources. This work throws light
on Maratha -French relations.
1.7.4 Dutch Sources:
There are transcripts from the archives at the Hague, Batavia and London.
This source gives us information about Marathas. Dr. Balkri shna has used
these records in his work ‘Shivaji the Great’. Rev. Heras has also
translated Dutch Records into English.
1.7.5 Account of foreign travellers:
1. John Fryer :-
Dr. John Fryer was a surgeon in service with British East India Company.
He visit ed India during 1672 -1681. He visited Junnar, Karwar, Vengurla
and Goa. His travel account ‘Travels in Indian in the Seventeenth Century
was published in 1873. He gives detailed account of the reports he heard
about Marathas.
2. Nicolas Manuchi :-
Nicho las Manuchi was an Italian Traveller who came to India in 1656 at
the age of seventeen. He traveled widely in India. He served Dara Shokoh,
Jaisingh, Aurangzeb, Portuguese, and English. His travel account ‘Storia
De Mogor’ written in French and Portuguese gives detail information of
Shivaji, Sambhaji, Rajaram and Tarabai.
3. Jean de Thevenot :-
Thevenot visited India in 1666. He narrates the incident of sack of Surat
and Shivaji’s visit to the Agra, however information given by him is not
reliable. Theveno t concludes his narratives as follows “The Raja Shivaji is
short and tawny, with sharp fiery eyes that show a great deal of wit”.
4. Francois Bernier :-
He was a French Physician and traveller. He arrived at Surat and visited
Agra, Delhi, Kashmir. His obs ervations are recorded in the form of
travelogues.
5. Abbe Berthelemew Carre :-
Berthelemew Carre has arrived at Surat in 1668. He visited Daman, Chaul
and Rajapur. In 1699 he published an account of his voyages which
contain interesting biography of Shiva ji. He gives an account of Shaiste
Khan episode, sack of Surat, Shivaji’s visit to Agra. He was great admirer munotes.in

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Introduction to Maratha
History
15 of Shivaji. He describes Shivaji as one of the greatest men the east has
ever seen.
6. William Norris :-
William Norris visited India in 1701 as a representative of the East India
Company to negotiate further trade concessions in India. Norris met
Emperor Aurangzeb at Panhala. He witnessed the Mughal siege of
Panhala. In his account he describes the Mughal camp, corruption, plots
and conspiracies o f nobles and valour of Marathas.
7. Henry Oxinden :-
Henry Oxinden represented the East India company at the time of
Shivaji’s Coronation at Raigad. He describes the coronation ceremony in
detail and it is considered as the best and authentic description.
Shivaji’s heroic exploits, daring deeds and clever stratagems have found
fitting place in the accounts of contemporary English, French, Dutch
Portuguese and Italian travelers. Although these writers can not be
expected to write on accurate and impartial hi story of Shivaji, they give us
some information of historical value.
It is significant also as a contemporary source of information, enabling us
to understand the assessment of the activities of Shivaji through the eyes
of the contemporary foreigners.
1.13 SUMMARY: -
The sources of Maratha history are not abundant. The Maratha rulers have
not maintained their own records and because of the paucity of Maratha
records we have to rely on chronicles of their enemies and accounts of
foreign travellers who visited India during the period under review.
However large number of documents in Modi script give information
about their administration. During last century many documents of the
Maratha period are published by scholars and historians. As new source
material i s explored, valuable light will be thrown on the Maratha history.
1.14 QUESTIONS: -
1. Discuss the importance of Persian literary sources for the study of the
history of the Marathas.
2. Point out the significance of European sources in the study of Maratha
History.
3. Examine Bakhars as a source for the study of the history of Marathas.
4. Critically assess the nature and importance of Marathi sources for the
study of the history of the Marathas. How far they are reliable?
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17 2
DECCAN IN THE 17TH CENTURY:
GEOGRAPHICAL, POLITICAL, SOCIAL,
ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL
CONDITIONS
Unit Structure
2.0 Objectives
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Geographical conditions
2.3 Political Conditions
2.4 Social Conditions
2.5 Economic Conditions
2.6 Cultura l Conditions
2.7 Introduction to the Concept of Maharashtra Dharma
2.8 Meaning of Maharashtra Dharma
2.9 Principles of Maharashtra Dharma
2.10 Impact of Maharashtra Dharma on Maratha History
2.11 Contribution of the Saints to Maratha Swarajya
2.12 Summary
2.13 Questions
2.14 References
2.0 OBJECTIVES: -
To understand the political, social, economical and geographical
conditions of the Deccan during early seventeenth century.
1. To understand the conditions leading to the rise of the Marathas in
Deccan .
2. To know the cultural background prepared by Bhakti movement in
Maharashtra.
3. To elaborate the concept and meaning of Maharashtra Dharma. munotes.in

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History of the Marathas
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18 2.1 INTRODUCTION: -
It is true that Shivaji contributed a lot towards the rise and growth of
Maratha power in Maharash tra, but it is equally true that at the time when
he appeared on the scene, the ground had already been prepared for him.
According to Dr. Ishwari Prasad, “... Shivaji’s rise to power cannot be
treated as an isolated phenomenon in history. It was as much t he result of
his personal daring and heroism as of the peculiar geographical situation
of the Deccan country and the unifying religious influences that were
animating the people with new hopes and aspirations in the 15th and 16th
centuries.”
2.2 GEOGRAPHIC AL CONDITIONS: -
Maharashtra is a part of the geological division of India called the Deccan.
It lies between the Arabian Sea in the west to the river Wardha in the east,
from Satpura at the north to end of Konkan coastal strip in the south. The
Konkan and Desh were main physical divisions. Geography lays the basic
foundation of socio – economic and political life of human being. The
topography of Maharashtra includes the coastal strip known as Konkan,
the Sahyadri, and Plateau region known as Desh or Ghat Matha. The area
of Sahyadri is hilly rocky and surrounded by dense forest. This brings
heavy rain in the Konkan region. The Ghat merged with plateau forming
high hill top on which there are impregnable forts.
The geographical condition of Maharashtra cont ributed to the rise of the
Marathas. The ranges of Sahyadri have forts and the one who controls the
forts naturally becomes the ruler of the entire land. These forts would
provide ample protection to kingdom. Shivaji realized this and hence
started his c areer with capturing forts.
The land of Maharashtra, particularly the Maval region is not very fertile,
leading to frequent famines in this region. Scarcity of natural resources
made the land and people isolated from rest of the country. Every body
had t o work hard to earn his livelihood. This made them strong and sturdy.
The sturdy Mavalas in the region were agile, they had few needs, and were
capable of quick movements. Shivaji used these qualities of his people in
perfecting the guerrilla system of war fare. They readily responded to the
call of Shivaji.
Origin of Marathas
Varahamihira, a famous, astronomer of the sixth century uses the word
Maharashtra, which later came to be corrupted into Mahratta or Maratha.
“Maharashtra, as its plain meaning show s, is a great Rashtra or nation
formed by a race of men who in ancient times were probably known as
Ratthas , some of whom came to be styled Maharashtra has as great
Ratthas . The land which they occupied also came to be called after them,
i.e. the country o f great men.” Their language was first known as
Maharashtri a Prakrit dialect. Its later derivative is Marathi. The land
between the Narmada and the upper Krishna practically formed the main munotes.in

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Deccan in the 17th
Century: Geographical,
Political, Social,
Economic and
Cultural Conditions
19 Maharashtra region in which Marathi is spoken and which is ling uistically
and geographically one hom*ogeneous block.
People of this land were known in early ages as Ratthas, Maharashtra of
Rashtrakutas who had earned great distinction for wealth, valour and
political power. During ancient period Maharashtra was ruled by great
dynasties such as Mauryas, the Satvahanas, the Bhojas, the Chalukyas, the
Kadambas, the Shilaharas and the Yadavas.
2.3 POLITICAL CONDITIONS : -
The establishment of Maratha Swaraj in the first half of 17th Century was
a great historical event i n India. Every great historical event has a
background of inter -related factors. The political background of rise of
Marathas can be traced from first Muslim invasion of the Deccan by
Alauddin Khilji in 1294.
2.3.1 Alauddin Khilji’s conquest of Devgiri - 1294
During the 13th century the Turkish Sultans of Delhi consolidated their
power over Northern India, they then extended their control over Deccan
and South India. Alauddin Khilji’s invasion of Devgiri (Capital of
Yadavas) in 1294 A.D. was the first Musl im invasion in the south.
Between 1296 and 1316 three great armies led by the famous general
Malik Kafur conquered greater part of Maharashtra and South India which
remained under the rule of Delhi till 1347.
2.3.2 Foundation of Vijayanagar and Bahamani Ki ngdom
During the rule of Muhammad – Bin – Tughlaq Vijayanagar Empire was
founded to the south of Tungbhadra river in 1336 by two brothers Harihar
and Bukka. In 1347 the Bahamani Kingdom was established in Deccan.
The Bahamani Sultans and Vijay Nagar ruler s carried on continuous
warfare. By the year 1526 the Bahamani. Kingdom was split into 5
independent Kingdoms, Imadshahi of Berar (1484), Adil Shahi of Bijapur
(1489), Nizamshahi of Ahmednagar (1498), Qutbshahi of Golkonda
(1518) and finally Baridshahi of Berar (1526). Out of these five
independent kingdoms only three i.e. Bijapur, Golkonda and Ahmednagar
existed when the Marathas began to emerge from their subjugation.
2.3.3 The Portuguese
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to settle in India. In 1 510 they
captured Goa from Adilshah. They also acquired bases in Diu. Daman,
Bombay, Sashti and Bassein. The expansionist policy brought them into
conflict with local powers like Adilshah, Mughals and later Marathas.
2.3.4 Siddis of Janjira
Another foreign pow er on the western coast of Maharashtra was Siddis.
They were the original inhabitants of Abyssinia in Africa. They were a
naval power and hence controlled the coastal area of Konkan. The Siddis
were in service of Nizamshah but later had joined Adilshah on the munotes.in

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History of the Marathas
(1630 CE – 1707CE)
20 condition they will be given some of his territory. They also promised to
protect trade of Adilshah, they made the fort of Janjira was their
stronghold. Siddis proved to be a major hurdle in Shivaji’s conquest of
Konkan.
2.3.5 Battle of Talikota 1565
The period between the establishment of five separate kingdoms in the
Deccan and rise of Maratha State witnessed constant internal struggle
between them. Similarly, war was going on with their neighbours like
Portuguese, the Mughals, and the Vijayanagar Empire. In 1565 the Sultans
of Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Golkonda and Bidar came together in an alliance
to defeat Vijayanagar in the battle of Talikot on 22nd January 1565. The
downfall of Vijayanagar was followed by anarchy and misrule in the
Deccan. Thus, th e Hindu resistance to Muslim domination carried on by
Vijayanagar kings collapsed. The period of Muslim domination began in
the history of south India.
2.3.6 The Mughals
After the death of Mughal emperor Akbar in 1605, his son Jahangir
continued the ag gressive policy at Deccan. Mughal conflict against
Chandbibi of Ahmednagar is one of the major episodes in Medieval Indian
History. After her death her officer Malik Amber continued war against
Mughals with the help of Bijapur and local Maratha Sardars.
In 1627 Shahjahan succeeded Jahangir. The rift between Shahjahan and
Khan Jahan Lodi, the Mughal Governor of Deccan, led to a war between
the two. After the death of Khan Jahan Lodi, Shahjahan dealt severely
with the Nizamshahi and Adilshahi kingdoms. Mar atha Sardars like
Lakhuji Jadhav and Shahaji Bhonsale played major roles in Nizamshahi
and later Adilshahi kingdoms.
2.3.7 Marathas in the service of the Bahamani kingdoms:
The founders of Bahamani Kingdom being foreigners were strangers and
hence employed loca l men in their services. Their knowledge and
experience were used in lower branches of administration. The village
organizations remained unchanged. The Patils, Deshmukhs, Deshpandes
retained their dominant role in rural politics. At the beginning 17th century
several Maratha families like Bhonsales of Verul, Jadhav of Sindhkhed,
Ghorpades of Mudhol, More of Jawali, Nimbalkars of Phaltan became
prominent. These Sardars were brave but sworn enemies of each other.
Neither national sentiment, nor unity of language and religion prevented
them from fighting with each other.
2.3.8 Malik Amber
Emperor Jahangir continued Akbar’s policy of expansion in the Deccan.
Chandbibi and Malik Amber defended Ahmednagar, but it was captured
by Mughals by 1600. Khandesh w as annexed in 1601 which almost ended
the Nizamshahi kingdom. Malik Amber, an Abyssinian general, tried his munotes.in

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Deccan in the 17th
Century: Geographical,
Political, Social,
Economic and
Cultural Conditions
21 best to protect the Nizamshahi kingdom, but his efforts were of no avail.
Murtaza Nizamshah II became the king and his capital was to Daulatabad.
Malik Amber, being an administrator introduced a series of revenue and
military reforms. This was the period when Shahaji Bhonsale came in to
prominence. He assisted Malik Amber against Shahnawaz Khan, the
Mughal Commander in battle of Roshangaon in 1616 but they were
defeated.
2.3.9 Rise of Bhonsales
Babaji Bhonsle, first known person of Bhonsale family was a Patil of
Hingani Beradi and Diwalgaon in Pune District (Patas subdivision). His
sons Maloji and Vithoji migrated to the Village of Verul at the foot of the
Daulatabad hills. The two brothers met Jadhav Rao of Sindhkhed, who
enrolled them as soldiers ( bargirs ). In the course of time, they raised their
own troops of about 1000 men and became influential in the Nizamshahi
kingdom.
2.3.10 Shahaji Bhonsale
Shaha ji’s name first occurs in recorded history in 1628. By the beginning
of 17th Century Deccan was undergoing continuous conflict between
Nizamshah of Ahmednagar and Adilshah of Bijapur. Similarly, Mughals
under the leadership of Shahjahan started their Decca n campaign. Malik
Amber, Vazir of Ahmednagar was prepared to meet Mughal forces. On
the other hand, Mughals made alliance with Bijapur and their combined
armies attacked Ahmednagar and threatened its existence. On 31st October
1624 Malik Amber made a valia nt effort to oppose the combined armies of
Mughal and Bijapur at Bhatwadi and defeated them. Shahaji Bhonsale
with his bravery shared the credit of victory.
After the battle of Bathwadi Shahaji rose to prominence and started
playing leading role in the Niz amshahi and Deccan politics. His prestige in
the Ahmednagar court increased tremendously. Malik Amber became
jealous of Shahaji. The Court intrigues made Shahaji to switch over to
Bijapur service, where he was welcomed with the post of Sarlashkar with
the jagir of Pune and Supa areas. Malik Amber died in 1626, he was
succeeded by his son Fateh Khan. Ibrahim Adilshah also died in the year
1627 and hence Shahaji once again joined Nizamshahi in 1628. Lakhuji
Jadhav was tired of serving the Mughals, he also jo ined Nizamshahi but
was murdered for having deserted the Mughals. An upset Shahaji was
forced to join the Mughals who awarded him the Panch – hazari
mansabdari in the year 1630.
The conditions of Mughal Darbar forced Shahaji to rejoin Ahmednagar,
where h e fought against the Mughals till 1636. Emperor Shahjahan
himself had camped in Deccan from 1631 -36 and brought the end of
Nizamshahi in 1636.
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History of the Marathas
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22 Shahaji then rejoined Adilshahi where he served till the end of his life in
1664. His Karnatak campaigns beg an in 1637 with Ranadulla Khan and
also Afzal Khan. Bangalore, Madurai, Kaveripattnam, Srirangapattam and
Vellore was brought under Adilshahi kingdom. His success brought both
name and fame to Shahaji along with the Jagir of Bangalore.
Check your progres s
1. Give detailed account of political condition in Deccan during the
seventeenth century.
2.4 SOCIAL CONDITIONS: -
The 17th Century society of Maharashtra was a caste – conscious
hierarchical society, Brahmins were at the top of the structure, the
Kshatriyas , the peasants and various professional classes were below
them. Brahmins lost their importance because of the Muslim invasion, the
Kshatriya also had lost their status and confidence as they failed to defeat
the foreign invaders. The Vaishyas or merchant class having lost their
traditional position because of the Muslim rule had to earn their living by
agriculture. Thus, the social order of Hindu society had lost their vitality.
It was for this reason that the Hindus in the Deccan had to seek
employment in the army and revenue departments of the Muslim rulers.
2.4.1 Social equality.
J.N. Sarkar, in his “Shivaji and His Times” has made some observations
regarding the social conditions in Maharashtra. According to him “Social
distinctions were f ewer and much less sharp in the 17th Century
Maharashtra. The rich were not immeasurably above the poor. In this
simple society, even the poorest man had his values. At least, he
preserved his self respect because very few had anything to spare. Poverty
had prevented women in Maharashtra from the purdah and other forms of
seclusion. Women played an important part in society and public life.
The sense of equality was promoted by the religion though the Brahmins
tried to maintain their monopoly, strong relig ious movement aroused and
swept through the length and the breadth of the land. “The Bhagwat
Dharma ” taught brotherhood: good contacts, unity of God and personal
devotion. Their chief centre was Pandharpur. The religious revival of in
Maharashtra was rega rded the work of masses and not classes. A number
of poets, philosophers emerged especially from the lower classes of the
society. “The fairs held at placed of pilgrimage on holy days promoted a
sense of Hindu unity”. Such social conditions enabled Shivaj i to build up
the Maratha nation without much difficulty.
2.4.2 Land rights and social status
The society of far south and also of Maharashtra was basically a rural
society hence land rights were considered very important. The highest
ambition of the Maratha fa mily was to possess a piece of land or a
hereditary office like Desai , Deshpande and Patil. The service in the munotes.in

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Deccan in the 17th
Century: Geographical,
Political, Social,
Economic and
Cultural Conditions
23 army was the most desired means of livelihood, the family estate “ Watan ”
although it might be a small village was very sacred in the eyes of
Marathas. They were ready to make any sacrifice for their “ Watan ”.
However, with each generation the Watan has to be sub -divided among
brothers and thus new means of livelihood and material progress had to be
sought, especially by the younger generation.
J.N. Sarkar has described the condition of the Poona district before the rise
of Shivaji “There were constant fighting among the watandars and the
peasantry was robbed. The civil administration had collapsed, no justice
could be attained, what was true of Poon a district was more or less true of
the whole of Deccan.
2.4.3 Village Community
The structure of the village and village community remained unchanged
over the centuries. The Village community was divided into the
cultivating class and twelve balutedars, i.e. potter, carpenter, goldsmith
etc. All civil and criminal cases were heard and decided by the Gotsabha
which consisted of senior and important men in the village. Since the
administration of village was carried out by Watandars like Deshmukh,
Deshpande and Kulkarni, there was hardly any contact between the rulers
and the ruled. Thus, the social life remained unchanged. The Muslims
influence was confined to the capital and the surrounding areas. Civil
offices and military centre where the Turks, Abyssinians, Pathans,
Persians and few Mughals, also the Indian converts enjoyed a slightly
higher status in the society.
Position of women
The position of the women and untouchables in Maharashtra was not
different from the rest of India. They were not aware of th eir rights and
were denied any privileges. Foreign invasion restricted their freedom in
the society. The women of the nobility and high classes led a secluded life
although there were outstanding examples of women who influenced
Deccan politics in sevente enth century.
2.5 ECONOMIC CONDITIONS : -
The economic condition of Bahamani kingdoms and the Hindu empire of
Vijayanagar was quite impressive. The accounts of foreign travellers
speak of the splendor and glory of the courts of Bahamani Sultanates and
Vijayana gar. They give a very flattering picture of wealth. Abdur Razaq
described the Kingdom of Vijayanagar as an extremely large and thickly
populated region. Barboza, Portuguese traveller noted that wheat, rice,
millet besides muslin, calico was produced in the Bahamani Kingdoms
were exported through the port of Chaul.
2.5.1 Land holding
After the fall of Vijayanagar and the division of the Bahamani kingdom
trade was hampered. Number of people engaged in trade and commerce munotes.in

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History of the Marathas
(1630 CE – 1707CE)
24 was not large. The majority of the p opulation lived on agriculture; in the
early 17th Century ownership of land was considered precious. Too much
importance was attached to land, not only as a source of income but also
as a symbol of social prestige. Even the priests and merchants struggle t o
possess a small plot of land which they themselves could cultivate or rent
it to their tenants. Tenancy cultivation was common. There was also a
class of landless laborers living in very miserable condition.
2.5.2 Famine 1630 -32
In early 17th Century there was a severe famine in the Deccan, it
practically desolated the Deccan and Gujarat. The monsoon failed for two
successive years and no crops could be cultivated. The invasion of the
Deccan by Shahjahan coincided with the famine and added to the miser ies
of the people.
Abdul Hamid records, “Life was offered for loaf but none could buy. Rank
was to be sold for cake but none cared for it”. As the viceroy of the
Deccan for 8 years Aurangzeb utilized the services of very competent
revenue administrators Murshid Quli Khan. Loans were given to peasants
to encourage production. Some measures were taken to see that the people
who had deserted the villages return to their fields. It is said that Murshid
Quli Khan’s work was a bright spot in the otherwise dark economic chaos
in the Deccan during early 17th Century. Those who had the capability of
forming small band of soldiers tried to seek employment with the Nizam
Shah or Adil Shah.
Check your progress
2. Describe socio -economic conditions that favoured the r ise of Marathas.
2.6 CULTURAL CONDITIONS: -
The socio -religious and cultural environment was not so smooth, rise of
Bhakti movement led to downfall of Brahmin domination and beginning
of new socio -cultural change. The saint poets of this time taught the new
idea of “ Bhakti ” i.e. devotion to god as a way of attaining salvation. In
Maharashtra saint poet like Dnyaneshwar, Namdeo, Eknath, Tukaram,
Ramdas and many others propagated Bhakti and the language of
commoners i.e. Marathi.
Dnyaneshwar is considered to be the propagator of Bhakti and founder of
Warkari sect. He wrote a Dnyaneshwari a commentary on Bhagwat Gita
in Prakrit or the commoners’ language. The advait philosophy was
propagated to replace ritualism and orthodoxy. Dnyaneshwar questioned
idolatry, caste system, superstition and blind faith. He emphasized that the
path of salvation is Bhakti i.e. devotion to God.
Namdeo was another saint of fourteenth century who popularized the
Bhagwat Sampradaya through his abhangas written in simple language
for c ommon man. He popularized worship of God Vithoba and started
pilgrimages to Pandharpur. munotes.in

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Deccan in the 17th
Century: Geographical,
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Economic and
Cultural Conditions
25 Eknath in sixteenth century and Tukaram and Ramdas in the seventeenth
century created socio -cultural awakening in Maharashtra. There were
several other saints who hai led from lower castes of Hindu society
popularized Bhakti Cult among common masses which strengthen the
foundation of Hindavi swaraj later founded by Chhatrapati Shivaji.
2.7 INTRODUCTION TO THE CONCEPT
MAHARASHTRA DHAMRAMA
“Like the Protestant Reformatio n in Europe in the 16th century, there was
a religious, social, and literary revival and Reformation in India, but
notably in the Deccan in the 15th and 16th centuries. This religious revival
was not Brahmanical in its orthodoxy. It was heterodox in its sp irit of
protest against forms and ceremonies and class distinctions based on birth,
and ethical in its preference of a pure heart, and of the law of love, to all
other acquired merits and good works. This religious revival was the work
also of the people, of the masses, and not of the classes. At its head were
saints and prophets, poets and philosophers, who sprang chiefly from the
lower orders of society, tailors, carpenters, potters, gardeners,
shopkeepers, barbers, and even untouchables more often than Brahmans.
The names of Tukaram (born about 1568), of Ramdas (b.1608), of Vaman
Pandit (b.1636), and of Eknath (b.1528) still retain their ascendancy over
the minds of the people of Maharashtra.”
2.8 MEANING OF MAHARASHTRA DHARMA
One of the subjects of gr eat historical importance in which, many eminent
scholars have concentrated their attention is Maharashtra Dharma. This
has five points:
1. Conception of Swaraj
2. Object in striving for it
3. Principles for which they stood
4. The unifying force which he artened them in time of trouble and
adversity
5. What enabled them to work for their national upliftment and
succeeded for nearly two hundred years.
Check Your Progress
1) Explain the meaning of Maharashtra Dharma.
Historical Background
It was Justice Rana de in his brilliant work “Rise of the Maratha Power”
first described the process of nation building in the Deccan and laid down
that it was Maharashtra Dharma which was their guiding principle. The
expression of Maharashtra Dharma is known to be used for the first time munotes.in

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History of the Marathas
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26 by the author of a popular Marathi work Gurucharirta composed some
where in the middle of 15th century. The saints of Maharashtra had
spoken about the concept of Maharashtra Dharma for many years
previously. In other words, what the saints of Maharashtra did was to
create a moral force that would exalt and enable to share political ideals of
the Maharashtra. In other words, there were two main factors that made
up this nationwide movement.
1. Representing the political power yielded by the more or less
independent jagirdars.
2. The moral force which the people devised from the preaching of
Ramdas and other great saints
Shivaji stands here as a synthesis of these two factors being a son of a
great Maratha noble, he possessed power and influe nce, he was also
familiar with the teaching of the saints. Inspired by their ideals he strove to
realize them in his life and in doing so he was prepared to risk jointly his
power and position.
Check Your Progress
1) What is the historical background of Ma harashtra Dharma?
2.9 PRINCIPLES OF MAHARASHTRA DHARMA:
The underlined principles of Maharashtra Dharma are divided into four
elements:
1. Practice towards the gods and injunctions of Shastras known as
Devshastra Achara .
2. Local practices known as Deshach ar
3. Family practices known as Kulachar
4. Caste practices known as Jatiachar
The inhabitants of Maharashtra were bound to follow all these things. The
only strong motive to move the masses of this land was an appeal to
religious faith during the 300 yea rs proceeding of Shivaji. The whole of
India was moved by the new contact with the militant creed and there has
been action and reaction particularly in Maharashtra.
2.10 IMPACT OF MAHARASHTRA DHARMA ON
MARATHA HISTORY:
A great movement like this was the basic factor in the rise of the
slumbering Maratha nation in the annals of our history. In the movement
of Maharashtra Dharma , we find certain stages of the way of thinking
under the leadership of various saints. It was Dnyaneshwar who wrote the
Dnyanes hwari, a commentary in Marathi on the Bhagwat Geeta. Tukaram
with his soul stirring Abhangas and Ramdas with his philosophy of action munotes.in

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Deccan in the 17th
Century: Geographical,
Political, Social,
Economic and
Cultural Conditions
27 were the two preachers of Maharashtra Dharma . They were the pillars of
the faith, inspirers of society and revivalist of Swadharma . They were the
builders of the emotional and psychological foundation of Swaraj .
Check Your Progress
1) Briefly examine the principles and impact of Maharashtra Dharma.
2.11 CONTRIBUTION OF THE SAINTS TO MARATHA SWARAJ:
If we classify the great mystics of Maharashtra according to their
mysticism they fall into the following groups:
 Dnyaneshwar was an intellectual
 Namdev ensured the claims of a godly and spiritual life.
 Tukaram’s mysticism of a personal nature while
 Ramdas emphasized action.
The c ombined teaching of these saints led to the proclamation of Swaraj .
The theoretical basis was given a political approach by Ramdas. He was
one of the saint poets of the seventeenth century whose teaching inspired
the people to fight for their independence . His valuable advice to the
Marathas was regarding the duty to “unite every Maratha and increase our
Maharashtra Dharma ”. This was the political connotation of the
‘Maharashtra Dharma’ . He states that the leader should spread the rule of
Marathas. Ther e is a difference of opinion regarding Ramdas Swami’s use
of the term Maharashtra Dharma . According to Rajwade, protection of
Hindu Dharma , establishment of Swarajya , unity and leadership were the
features of Maharashtra Dharma . He regarded it as politic al concept. He
is of the opinion that Maharashtra Dharma meant the establishment of
Swarajya. On the other hand, M. G. Ranade stated that monotheism,
devotion, and denouncing ritualism were the important aspects of
Maharashtra Dharma . Establishment of Swarajya was culmination of the
religious movement in Maharashtra. However, it has generally been
accepted that in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries there were two
kinds of movements in Maharashtra. Firstly, the various Maratha
Jagirdars were practi cally independent since ages. Secondly, the
intellectual and religious ferment begun by the warkaris. Shivaji brought
these two movements together. The term Maharashtra Dharma came to
connote both these movements.
Check Your Progress
1) Examine the role of Ramdas in propagating Maharashtra Dharma.
2.12 SUMMARY: -
Political, social, economic and cultural conditions of Deccan in sixteenth
century created the necessary background for the emergence of the
Maharashtra as political power, Grant Duff in his work “The History of
Marathas” has compared the rise of Maratha Power to a sudden munotes.in

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29
3
ESTABLISHMENT OF SWARAJYA:
EARLY LIFE AND CONQUESTS OF
SHIVAJI AND HIS RELATIONS WITH
BIJAPUR
Unit Structure
3.0 Objectives
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Early life of Shivaji
3.3 Shivaji’s early conquests
3.4 Conquest of Javali
3.5 Conquest of Konkan
3.6 Afzal Khan Episode
3.7 Shivaji and Siddi Jauhar
3.8 Struggle with Bijapur renewed in 1672
3.9 Summary
3.10 Questions
3.11 References
3.0 OBJECTIVES :
1. To study the rise of Maratha power under the able leadership of
Shivaji.
2. To understand leadership qualities, devotion, bravery and
intelligence of Shivaji.
3.1 INTRODUC TION:
Shivaji challenged Bijapur and Mughal and chalked out a new path, a
path to freedom, a path to a life of self-respect, a life richer and fuller
than what the Ma rathas had ever known. The entire State created by
Shivaji was carved the Swarajya out of the state of Bijapur. Shivaji’s
early aim seems to have been to take complete possession of his jagirs,
strengthen them by acquiring forts and embark on an expansion of his munotes.in

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History of the Marathas
(1630 CE – 1707CE)
30 territory by capturing Javali. He pushed his conquests towards Panhala on
the Ghats and towards Goa in the west coast.
3.2 EARLY LIFE OF SHIVAJI:
Shivaji was born in 1630. He was son of Shahaji and Jijabai. There is a
controversy regarding the exact date of Shivaji’s birth. Historians have
studied the sources, but not have been able to find out the accurate date.
Contemporary sources like 91 Kalmi Bakhar, Chitnis B akhar,
Shivdigvijay, and Shree Shiv Pratap which cites 1627 as the year
of Shivaji’s birth. Historian V.K. Rajwade, G.S. Sardesai and Sir
Jadunath Sarkar believed 10th April 1627 as Shivaji’s birth date. But
the historians like T.S. Shejwalkar, V.S. Bend re, D.V. Kale, Y.D. Apte
and Mahamahopadh yay Poddar accept 19th Feb. 1630, Phalgun Vadya
Trutiya, Shake 1551 as the birth date of Shivaji. He was born at
Shivneri fort near Junnar in Pune d istrict.
At the time of Shivaji’s birth, Shahaji was serving the Nizam shahi, which
came to end by 1638. He then joined the Mughals. He also married
Tukabai from Mohite family shortly after the birth of Shivaji. He spent
many years in Karnatak, where she accompanied him. They had one
son named Vyankoji. After the end of Nizamshahi, Shah aji joined
Adilshahi and received Pune, Supa, Indapur and Chakan as Jagir. Shaha ji
appointed his trusted officer Dadoji Konddev as a care taker of his
Jagir and family before leaving for Karnatak. The early life of Shivaji
began in the custody of Dadoji Konddev, who made arrangements for
Shivaji’s education at Pune. Dadoji established administrative offices in
Pune and developed it as a city.
3.2.1: Influence of Jijabai:
Jijabai had profound influence on the shaping of Shivaji’s personality.
She was a proud and spirited lady. She had developed a great hatred for
Muslim invaders who made her people slave, destroyed the temples of her
gods and humiliated Hindu women. Even her father and elder son were
killed treacherously by the Muslim invaders. She developed an intense
desire of liberating her mother land from the Muslim rule, so she inspired
Shivaji to rise against the Muslim encroachment on M aharashtra.
Stories of heroes of Ramayana and Mahabha rata told by Jijabai deeply
impressed Shivaji’s young mind. In the words of Ranade “If ever
great men owed their greatness to the inspiration of their mothers, the
influence of Jijabai was a factor of prime importance in the making
of Shivaji’s career and the chief source of his strength.”
3.2.2: Personality of Dadoji Konddev:
Dadoji Konddev, a Kulkarni of Malthan, was entrusted by Shah aji
with responsibility of protecting Shivaji and Jijabai and also of taking
care of his jagir. He was an able administrator who initiated young
Shivaji the art of civil administration. he also looked after Shivaji’s munotes.in

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Establishment of
Swarajya: Early Life and
Conquests of Shivaji and
His Relations with Bijapur
31 academic education and physical training. Shivaji thus came to possess
a sound mind in a sound body.
3.3 SHIVAJI’S EARLY CONQUES TS:
Shivaji’s career of conque sts started with capture of Adilshahi
forts around Pune. He captured Rohida and Torna in 1646 and
Rajgad and Purandar in 1648. He also brought an effective control
over most of his Jagirs spread around Pune. At this time, Adilshah and
Mughals controlled the remaining area of the Maratha country. The
question before Shivaji was whether he should proceed towards north
against Mughals or to carve out an independent kingdom from the
Bijapuri territory. As the Mughals were too powerful, Shivaji decided
to attack on the regions governed by B ijapur. The valleys of
Sahyadri were known as Maval. They were governed by Deshmukhs.
There were 12 Mavals, 12 around Pune and the surrounding areas. It was
Dadoji who have tried to administer this area with the help of local
officers. Shivaji, with the help of his followers like Yesaji Kank, Tanaji
and Suryaji Malusare, Baji Pasalkar, Balaji Narhekar, Jiva Mahala
began his early career of conquest. In the beginning he captured Rohida
and Torna and it was believed that he did this when he was only 15
years old. In March 1648, Shivaji captured Kond ana and
Murumbdev later named as Rajgad. This small beginning was
interrupted by the arrest of Shahaji near Jinji on 25th July 1648 by court
of Bijapur. To secure the release of his father, Shivaji gave up Kondana
to Bijapuri officer and promised not to carry on any further conquests.
Shahaji was released on 1 6th May 1649. After the release of his
father, Shivaji decided to look into administrative reforms of his Jagir and
not to carry on any campaign. By 1652, Shivaji restored his rule over the
area between the river Bhima and Nira, the area between Pune and
Shirval, thus the small Maratha kingdom has taken a shape. For seven
years after the death of Dadoji, Shivaji concentrated his energy in
organizing his kingdom and making his rule acceptable to all. In 165 5,
Shivaji once again unde rtook rapid expansion of his area which was to be
built on a steady foundation. Most of the Deshmukhs in Maval willingly
accepted his leadership, however few were reluctant to do so, Mores
of Javali were one of them.
3.4 CONQUEST OF JAVALI 1656:
Shivaji decided to lay his hand on the state of Javali. He felt that he has
nothing to fear from Bijapur because it is already been threatened by
Aurangzeb, the Mughal governor of Deccan. Javali occupied strategic
importance because within the range of 60 miles from Javali, as many as
8 passes cross the Sahyadri range - two of them open at Mahad and
Chiplun in Ratnagiri District. It is also covered with dense forest. The
Mores of Javali were Deshmukh of that area for a long period.
They enjoyed hereditary title of ‘Chand rarao’. They were allied by
family ties to most of the other Maval Deshmukhs and refused to join
Shivaji. Thus, it was a first necessity for Shivaji to disarm hostile Mores. munotes.in

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History of the Marathas
(1630 CE – 1707CE)
32 The friction between Shivaji and Mores started as early as 1648,
Daulatrao, a man of prestige, died living no h eir. With Shivaji’s help.
Daulatrao’s widow adopted Yashwantrao, a young man and conducted
affairs with the help of Hanumantrao More, a distant relation of the
family.
The triangular contest between the More, Shivaji and Afzal Khan, the
Bijapuri governor of Wai, began. In the year 1654, Afzal Khan was
transferred to Kana kgiri, Sensing this as an opportunity Shivaji decided to
attack Javali. Deshmukhs of Maval, particularly Kano ji Jedhe, Haibatrao
Silimkar and others were won over by Shivaji. In the first attempt,
Shivaji sent Sambhaji Kavaji which proved ineffectual. So anoth er
force under Raghunath Ballal Korde was sent. A battle was fought near
Javali in which Hanumantrao More was killed. Yashwantrao escaped
from the b attlefield and took shelter in the fort of Rairi.
In the third attempt, Shivaji himself proceeded to Javali. After long
negotiations, a meeting was arranged at the foot of Rairi. More came
down to meet Shivaji. In the course of this meeting, Yashwantrao was
killed and Shivaji carried his two sons as captives to Pune. In
this long affair, the assassination of Yashwantrao looks like an
indelible blot on spotless character of Shivaji. More Bakhar discovered
by Parasnis tells the inner history of Sh ivaji and More relations. The
conflict became bitter when Shivaji declared his goal of establishing
Swaraj. More, who claimed their ancestry from Chandragupta Maurya
was not ready to accept Shivaji’s leadership. After all attem pts to
persuade him through peaceful negotiations failed, Shivaji attacked Javali
and captured it. He seized all its wealth and treasure. Fort Wasota
which belonged to the More soon fell into his hands. Consequently,
twelve Mavals from Junnar to Wai came into Shivaji’s possession.
Raigad was occupied. Pratapgad was constructed on the adjacent h ills.
3.4.1 Consequences of Javali:
Javali incident was an important landmark in the career of Shivaji. By the
punishing Chandrarao More Shivaji made it clear to everybody that
oppo sition to Swarajya will not be tolerated henceforth. Sivaji’s Victory
over the Mo re brought important passes connecting the Desh and
Konkan into the Swarajya. The impregnable Desh and Konkan was
linked by this route which was important from the point of view of trade
as well. Shivaji’s Swarajya now extended to the western coast which
brought him into contact with European powers like English, Portuguese
and Dutch. This is the pe riod when Shivaji, a foresighted leader
began to think of having a Navy of his own. The money which he got at
Javali helped Shivaji in building important forts like Pratapgad. Thus,
Javali incident brought Shivaji in lime light.
3.5 CONQUEST OF KONKAN, 1657:
The internal quarrels and disunion in Adilshahi court following
there defeat at the hands of Aurangzeb gave an oppo rtunity to munotes.in

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Establishment of
Swarajya: Early Life and
Conquests of Shivaji and
His Relations with Bijapur
33 Shivaji to make further conquests at the cost of Bijapuri territories. In
1657 Shivaji advanced into Konkan. The northern part of Konkan was
governed by Mu llah Ahmad. Taking advantage of his absence, Shivaji
captured Kalyan and Bhiwandi and also annexed the fort of Mahuli on
8th January. 1658. After setting up his own administration in this area he
turned to Kolaba district. Thus, northern Konkan became a pa rt of
Swarajya. He also captured Rohida and Supa. This was the beg inning
of Shivaji’s career.
Check your progress:
1. Describe the nature of early conque sts of Shivaji.
3.6 AFZAL KHAN EPISODE
Activities of Shivaji made Adilshahi durbar furious which decided to
punish him. King Mohammad Adilshah of Bijapur died in 1656. His
minor son Ali Adilshah was put on the throne and the widowed
queen Begum Badisaheba became the regent. Between 1658 and 1659
there raged a war of succession in the Mughal court at Delhi which
offered a great chance to the Adilshahi government to deal with Shivaji
in any way it liked. Shahaji was asked to control Shivaji but he expressed
his inability to do so pleading that he was not responsible for this son’s
activities and Adilshah can deal with him in any way he liked. Thus,
Afzal Khan was entrusted with the task of subjugating Shivaji and
bringing him back, dead or alive. Accordingly, he started making the
necessary preparations by 1659.
As early as in Ap ril 1659 the Adilshahi government had ordered the
Deshmukhs of Maval to join Afzal Khan with their forces. At the end
of the mo nsoon Afjal Khan set out of Bijapur with an army of 10,000
soldiers. On his way he plundered the holy Hindu temples at
Pandha rpur, Tuljapur and Jejuri. His wanton destruction made the
Maratha all the more determined to protect their young Swaraj.
Marching towards Wai, the seat of his subhedari, Afzal Khan seized
chief of Phaltan, Bajaji Naik-Nimbalkar and extorted from him fine of
1 ½ lakh of Rupees and decided to atta ck Shivaji in his home of Pune.
Shivaji, realizing the danger quickly shifted to Pratapgad near to Javali.
This forced Afzal Khan to change his plan of attacking Pune. He decided
to camp at Wai with which area he was very much familiar. He
decided to use diplomacy to catch Shivaji in trap. After the meeting
with Krishnaji Bhaskar Kulkarni , envoy of Afzal Khan, Shivaji decided to
fight in self-defense. He sent Pantoji Gopinath to Afzal Khan to decide
details of the proposed meeting. It was settled that two chiefs should
meet in a grand tent pitched below the fort of Pratapgad leaving their
troops behind and then exchange the oath of submission and protection. A
grand tent was erected at the meeting place with richly decorated canopy
with gorgeous carpet and cushions worthy of gu est, precious stones,
Pearls were used to decorate the tent. munotes.in

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History of the Marathas
(1630 CE – 1707CE)
34 10th November, Thursday 1659 was the date fixed for the meeting. On
that day, Shivaji started preparing himself for the meeting. Under his
tunic he wore the coat of armour. Below his turban he placed a steel cap;
in his left hand he had a set of steel claws (Waghnakh) and up his right
sleeve was a thin sharp dagger called bichawa. At the decided time
Shivaji came to meet Afzal Khan with two of his trusted men, Jiva
Maha la and Sambhaji Kavji. Similarly, Sayyad Banda and Krishnaji
Bhaskar accompanied Afzal Khan. In the course of customary greeting
Afzal Khan embraced Shivaji and attempt ed to stab him with a dagge r.
The ever-alert Shivaji was on h is guard. Sensing the danger he quickly
tore the bowels of Afzal Khan with a blow of the tiger’s claws and drove
the bichawa in Afzals sides. Sambhaji Kavaji cut off Afzal Khan’s head.
As per the previous arrangement, signal was given to soldiers posted
in ambush at intervals. Under the leadership of Moropant Pingle and
Netaji Palkar, Marathas attacked Khan’s ungua rded army and
decisively defeated it. A large amount of booty fell into their hands.
Soon thereafter Chand gad, Vasantgad, Panhalgad and Rangnagad were
captured by Shivaji.
Check your progress:
2. Write a short note on Afzal Khan Episode.
3.7 SHIVAJI AND SIDDI JAUHAR:
Shivaji was perfectly aware that the death of Afzal Khan was only the
beginning of a long struggle against Bijapur. His assumption
turned true when Adilshah sent Siddi Jauhar with cavalry of 20,000
and 35000 infantry and heavy ammunitions. Siddi Jauhar, viceroy of
province of Karnul, swept away the Maratha resistance in open and
Shivaji was forced to fall back to Panhala in March 1660. Siddi besieged
Panhala and continued the siege for five months. Shaista Khan, Mughal
governor at Deccan had arrived at Poona in March 1660 and started
plundering Poona and other areas of northern region of Swaraj. Finding
himself in great difficulty Shivaji opened negotiations with the Siddi.
Taking advantage of relax vigilance on 13th July 1660, Shivaji, in the
darkness of night and heavy rains escaped from Panha la, took the road to
Vishalgad, 27 miles to the west accompanied by the small party
led by Baji Prabhu Deshpande.
Siddi dispatched a strong force under Fazal Khan and Siddi Halal in hot
pursuit when informed about escape of Shivaji. At the critical moment,
Baji Prabhu offered strong resistance to the Bijapuri forces at a narrow
pass called ‘Ghodkhind’ till Shivaji reached Vishalgad and signalled his
safe arrival there by gun fire. After five hours, the signal of gunfire was
heard and wound ed Baji Prabhu cheered his last moments. The faithful
servant had carried out his task at the cost of his life. Shivaji’s dramatic
escape from Panhala fort once again foiled the Bijapuri plans of capturing
him. On 22nd September 1660 Shivaji gave up the fort of Panhala to the munotes.in

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Establishment of
Swarajya: Early Life and
Conquests of Shivaji and
His Relations with Bijapur
35 Adilshah and concluded peace treaty with him so as to gain time to attend
to the Mug hal onslaught condu cted by Shaista Khan.
Aurangzeb sent campaign after campaign to subdue Shivaji and
simultaneously against Bijapur. After the treaty of Purandar, Shivaji had
to accompany Jai Singh against Bijapur and on their behalf attacked
Panha la which was in the hands of Adilshah that time. Since the
garrison of Sharza Khan and Khawas Khan offered stiff resistance,
Marathas had to withdraw. Thus, being the part of Mughal campa ign at
the Deccan Shivaji had to fight Bijapur army.
3.8 STRUGGL E WITH BIJAPUR RENEWED IN 1672:
After a long interval, Marathas, under the vigorous leadership of
Shivaji, began to raid Adilshahi territories of Deccan. His successful
campaigns against Mug hal raised his confidence and hence he decided
to deal firmly with Bijapur. In 1672, Rustam Zaman rebelled against
Adilshah to secure his Jagirs and the post of viceroy of Cana ra. The
revolt lasted for one year, Ali Adil Shah, the sultan of Bijapur, died in
1672 adding to confusion and chaos in the state of Bijapur.
Shivaji was quick to grab the opportunity and attacked Panh ala in 1673.
Within few months, Parali, Satara, Hubli and Balaghat were also brought
under his control. Bijapuri forces led by Bahlol Khan offered stiff
resistance. Battle of Umrani (36 m iles west of Bijapur city) was fought
between P rataprao Gujar and Bahlol Khan in 1 673 in which
Prataprao spared Bahlol Khan at his request. Shivaji sharply censured
his general for showing leniency to Bahlol. This made Prataprao to
seek an opportunity to crush Bahlol forever . On 24th Feb. 1674,
Prataprao, along with seven horsem*n, attacked Bahlol’s camp in
desperate state of mind. All seven horsem*n were killed by the enemy
forces at Nesari near Ko lhapur.
After death of Prataprao Gujar, Hambirrao Moh ite became the
commander of Maratha forces. The battle against Bijapur continued.
Marathas continued with guerilla tactics which tired Bijapur
government and gave up hostilities against Shivaji. Similarly,
Mugha ls had opened fresh campaigns against the leadership of Diler
Khan against Bijapur and hence Bijapur had to make peace with Shivaji
to save its doma in. Shivaji helped Bijapur greatly during the Mughal
invasion of 1679.
3.9 SUMMARY:
As Maratha Swaraj was carved out of Bijapur territories, the conflict with
Bijapur was inevitable. The means adopted by Shivaji to defeat
powerful commanders like Afzal Kahan, Siddi Jauhar display mental
and moral qualities, judgement, resolution, courage, talent for executing
surprises and high moral purpose that constitute military genius.
munotes.in

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History of the Marathas
(1630 CE – 1707CE)
38 Aurangzeb wanted to dominate the entire Deccan for which he undertook
a series of expeditions. The period after 1661 is known as period of
Mughal -Maratha conflict.
Maratha King dom was small created out of jagirs of Shahaji. 1647 is the
beginning of foundation of this small kingdom. During the first phase
Shivaji had to fight Adil Shahi sardars to capture various forts in the
Sahyadri ranges. Simultaneously he was trying to win t he support of the
local Deshmukhs and other Maratha sardars associated with Adil Shah. He
succeeded in his initial efforts and hence he decided to incorporate the
Mughal territory into his kingdom. This led to various campaigns and
conflicts against Mughal s. With the small army, less number of forts,
insufficient arms but with lot of zeal and enthusiasm, Shivaji carried out
many wonderful campaigns against the Mughal nobles like Shaista Khan
and Mirza Raje Jai Singh and many others to protect his new kingd om.
4.2 SHIVAJI’S RELATIONS WITH MUGHALS TILL
1660:
Shivaji shrewdly avoided conflict with the Mughals in the formative years
of the Swarajya . From 1653 the Deccan was governed by Aurangzeb. In
1656 when Aurangzeb was involved in a war with Golkonda, Shivaji w as
busy in capturing Javali and the Northern Konkan. When the Mughals
invaded Bijapur in 1657, Aurangzeb agreed to recognize Shivaji’s right to
Bijapuri forts if he assisted the Mughals. Shivaji raided Chamargonda and
Raisin under Mughal control. He also r aided Junnar and carried away lot
of money, precious jewels and horses. His army plundered the
Ahmednagar district. This army was stopped by a rapid march of Mughal
general Nasir Khan.
Adilshah made peace with Aurangzeb, Shivaji also followed suit as it wa s
futile and ruinous to continue the war with Aurangzeb on his own.
Raghunath Pant, Maratha representative was sent to Aurangzeb to secure a
letter of pardon for Shivaji. Thereafter Aurangzeb proceeded to Delhi to
participate in the war of succession (1658 -59). During this period, Shivaji
dealt with the Bijapuri forces under Afzal Khan, killed him, defeated his
forces and captured additional Bijapuri territories.
4.3 SHAISTAKHAN EPISODE:
Following his success in the war of succession, Aurangzeb sat the Mugh al
throne and then he appointed his uncle and a great general Shaistakhan as
a viceroy of Deccan to suppress Shivaji . Early in January 1660,
Shaistakhan opened the campaign against Shivaji leaving Ahmednagar
with a vast army of 25,000. Khan marched southwa rds via Daund and
captured Pune. Then he immediately proceeded to capture Shivaji’s
strongholds. Chakan was the first to be captured in August 1660. Firangoji
Narsala, the in charge of Chakan defended the fort for nearly two months
but he did not receive a ny aid from Shivaji who was besieged in the fort of
Panhala. He finally he surrendered the fort. Bravery and devotion of munotes.in

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History of the Marathas
(1630 CE – 1707CE)
40 Shivaji also sent message to English factory to give three lakhs or spare
the house of Haji Beg, but Henry Oxinden ignored the message. Since
Oxinde n had taken adequate measures to protect the factory Shivaji chose
not to pursue the matter any further. On Saturday, 9th January, Shivaji
received news of a Mughal force coming rapidly for the rescue of the
town, and hence, next day he left the place as suddenly as he had arrived.
He carried gold and silver, pearls and diamonds and the precious stones.
Heaps of cloth and household articles that were collected were freely
distributed to the town people. The overall booty must be about one crore
of Rupees. His main aim in looting Surat was to take revenge on
Aurangzeb for attacking his territory in Deccan.
The plunder was carried to Raigad and was utilized in fortifying the
capital of his future government. The huge sea fort of Sindhudurg at
Malvan was also constructed out of this wealth. The sack of Surat thus
was a bold move of Shivaji and a great challenge to the authority of
Aurangzeb. The Mughal forces from Khandesh arrived at Surat a week
after Shivaji had left it and found that place entirely ruined a nd devastated.
Check your progress
Write short notes on:
1) Shaistakhan episode.
2) Sack of Surat.
4.5 MIRZA RAJE JAISINGH AND SHIVAJI:
The failure of Shaista khan and the sack of Surat caused bitter
mortification to Aurangzeb and his court. So, he decided to send his able
General Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Diler Khan to put down Shivaji. They
left Delhi on 9th January 1665 and reached at the court of Muazzam on
10th February at Aurangabad and at Pune on 3rd March 1665.
At Pune Jai Singh planned a strategy a gainst enemies and friends of
Mughal power. Adil Shah agreed to help the imperial army. Portuguese of
Goa, Siddis of Janjira and also various, Deccani chiefs, Zamindars of
Karnatak like Shivappa Naik of Bednur and Zamindar of Basavapatan also
agreed to sup port the Mughals. Raja of Jawhar, Ambaji Govindrao More,
Fazal Khan also responded to Jai Singh’s invitation. Money and promises
of high ranks in Mughal service were largely showered on Shivaji’s
officers to corrupt their loyalty, but achieved little succe ss.
After this preparation, a vigorous military campaign capturing the forts of
Shivaji was pursued by the Mughals. The hill forts Lohgad, Tikona and
Chakan were first on the sight. Then Purandar, Kondana and Rajgarh were
also listed. Jai Singh made Saswad his base. Thus, Pune was completely
blocked by the Mughals. Various Generals with different units of cavalries
were sent to establish outposts from Junnar to Lohgarh, to Naldurg, to
Shirval, to Poona and Supa and finally at Saswad. munotes.in

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42 11th June Shivaji met Jai Singh at the foot of Purandar and agreed the
terms of the Treaty of Purandar, which were as follows:
1. Twenty -three of Maratha forts should be surrendered along with the
land yielding four lakh hons as annual revenue.
2. Twelve of Shivaji’s forts including Rajgarh with annual revenue of 1
lakh hons should be left with Shivaji,
3. Shivaji had to agree to accept the Mughal service with loyalty but he
asked for excuse and promised to send his son as his representative
with a contingent of 5,000 horses. He also had to give consent to the
proposal that for further Mughal wars in Deccan he will accompany
with his force.
4. Shivaji agreed to pay 40 lakh hons for the area of Konkan and
Balaghat which was in Bijapur territory where he can carry on his
campaigns of conquests against Adil Shah.
Above terms were brought into effect immediately and reports were sent
to Aurangzeb for his consent. Royal Farman and Robe of honour was
granted to Shivaji, who was a vassal of the Mughals. Thus, in a short
campaign of three months by Jai Singh and Diler Khan, Shivaji had to
surrender a large part of his kingdom to Aurangzeb. It was a splendid
victory for Jai Singh. The Treaty of Purandar was a striking blow to
Marathas but Shivaji had to accept this treaty to s ave at least the remaining
part of his Swaraj . His diplomacy, courage and understanding of the
situation saved the Swaraj . To follow the terms with loyalty, Shivaji had
participated in Bijapur campaigns of Mughals.
Check your progress
1. Discuss Mughal -Maratha relations with special reference to Treaty of
Purandar.
4.5.5 Invasion of Bijapur:
The next Mughal campaign started on 20th November 1665 with the
invasion of Bijapur. 9,000 Maratha troops under the leadership of Shivaji
joined the Mughals. Both Shi vaji and Netaji Palkar participated in the first
war which broke out on 24th December 1665. Diler Khan was at the head
of Mughal army. Bijapuri Generals Sharza Khan and Khawas Khan along
with 12,000 troops offered stiff resistance. Vyankoji and Shivaji fou ght on
opposite side in this war. By end of the December, the Mughal army
reached 10 miles north of Bijapur, but because of lack of adequate
preparations and weak artillery, Mughals had to retreat.
Shivaji had been given the task of winning over Panhala wh ich was under
Bijapuri control. But he failed to do so because the garrison there had
given stiff resistance. Another blow was of defection of Netaji Palkar to
Bijapur in return of 4 lakh hons. It was Jai Singh who tried hard and won
him back to the Mughal camp. Meanwhile Qutb Shah joined hands with
Adil Shah and offered combined resistance to the Mughals. munotes.in

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History of the Marathas
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44 was borne by two men on their shoulders. Initially the guards checked the
baskets but fe w days after baskets went unchecked. On the evening of 19th
August Shivaji and Sambhaji squeezed themselves in separate basket and
went through the line of guards unchecked. Hiroji Farzand lied down at
his place showing golden bracelet on his wrist and a s ervant sitting on the
floor massaging Rajas feet. On the other side the baskets of sweetmeats
were taken to a place six miles from Agra where Niraji Raoji, Datto
Trimbak and Raghumitra were waiting with horses. Shivaji immediately
proceeded to Mathura in t he dark. Next day morning Hiroji along with the
servant went outside saying Raja is taking rest. Being suspicious of the
whole thing the guards entered his room and found that Shivaji had
escaped. When Aurangzeb came to know he immediately dispatched his
soldiers in pursuit of Shivaji through Malwa, Khandesh and Gujarat but
Shivaji taken a route to the east to Mathura, Allahabad, Bundelkhand,
Gondwana, Golkonda and finally reached Rajgarh on 12th September, 25
days after his miraculous escape. On the way h e left Sambhaji at Mathura
to the house of Krishnaji Kashi and Visaji, brother -in-law of Moro
Trimbak. Later, Sambhaji was brought safe home.
After returning from Agra, Shivaji adopted kept quiet for some time. He
did not initiate any fresh campaign for a year. Later he sent Sambhaji to
Aurangabad to meet Prince Muazzam, who was then a viceroy of Deccan
as Mansabdar of 5000. The wonderful escape brought name and fame for
Shivaji through out the country. Ram Singh was punished by the
withdrawal of his Mansa b. Jai Singh was recalled and he died at
Burhanpur on his way back. Netaji Palkar, serving as Mughal Mansabdar
was arrested and converted to Islam and sent on the campaign at
Afghanistan for ten years. He returned in 1676 and was made a Hindu
again.
Chec k your progress:
2. Write short note on Shivaji’s Visit to Agra.
4.7 MUGHAL -MARATHA CONFLICT, 1667 -1670:
Since Shivaji’s return to Maharashtra political conditions in the Deccan
had changed. Death of Jai Singh, return of Muazzam and Jaswant Singh,
Yusuf zai revolts at Peshawar and dissention in Diler Khan camps diverted
the attention of Mughals from campaign against Shivaji, who wanted to
organize his government, make fresh revenue settlements, repair forts and
extend his power to the west coast. There wa s peace for two years between
Shivaji and the Mughals.
4.7.1 Capture of Kondana (Sinhagad):
After spending considerable time for consolidation of administration
Shivaji decided to capture the forts he had lost by Treaty of Purandar.
Kondana in the vicin ity of Poona was one of the strong forts and worthy of
being a part of Shivaji’s swaraj. Udaybhan was a vigilant Rajput
commander of Kondana maintained a strict vigil on the fort. Tanaji and munotes.in

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History of the Marathas
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46 campaign against Shivaji. This led to Mughal -Bijapur tr eaty against
Shivaji in 1675. But the plan could not succeed because soon Bijapur
Vazir Khawas Khan was put to death. In May 1676 Mughals invaded
Bijapur. Taking advantage of the situation Shivaji undertook Karnatak
expedition. In May 1677 Diler Khan was a ppointed Mughal governor of
Deccan.
4.8.1 Sambhaji joins the Mughal
While Shivaji was busy in war with Mughals and Bijapur, an unfortunate
incident happened. Sambhaji, the elder son of Shivaji defected to the
Mughal camp in 1678. Diler Khan won him over . It was a severe blow to
Shivaji. He was given a Mansab of 7000 along with the title ‘Raja’. Prince
Muazzam, viceroy of Deccan tried to capture Bijapur. The Maratha
country side was ravaged and towns plundered by Diler Khan. Sambhaji
realized the futility of fighting for Mughals and ravaging our own people,
repented for his act of desertion and return to Shivaji by the end of 1679.
The Mughal invasion met with failure and Prince Muazzam and Diler
Khan were recalled by Aurangzeb.
Shaista Khan, Diler Khan an d many others led various unsuccessful the
Marathas. Thus, Shivaji till his death in April 1680 continued constant
struggle against the mighty Mughals to protect his Swaraj, His people, his
wealth, and his religion, subjugation of Marathas remained still a
challenge before vast Mughal Empire in the North.
4.9 ESTIMATE OF SHIVAJI:
Chhatrapati Shivaji was a genius, far in advance of his times. He treated
all religions with equal respect. Shivaji is considered as a unique
personality not only in his own time s, but in modern age as well. In the
midst of surrounding darkness, he, with his brilliance and courage, shined.
Sir Jadunath Sarkar has rightly said “The last great constructive genius
and nation builder that the Hindu race has produced. He called the
Maratha race to a new life. He raised the Marathas into an independent,
self-reliant people, conscious of their oneness and high destiny and his
most precious legacy was the spirit that he breathed into his race. He has
proved by his example that the Hindu ra ce can build a nation, found a
state, defeat enemies; they can conduct their own defense, protect and
promote literature and art, commerce, industry. They can maintain navy
and ocean trading fleets of their own and conduct naval battles on equal
terms with foreigners. He taught the modern Hindus to rise to the full
stature of their growth. Shivaji has shown that the tree of Hinduism is not
really dead, that it can rise from beneath the seemingly crushing load of
centuries of political bondage; that it can p ut forth new leaves and
branches. It can again lift up its head to the skies.”
4.10 SUMMARY:
During his entire life, Shivaji continuously fought Mughals which was the
central power in India. Aurangzeb had subjugated almost all the rulers of munotes.in

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48 5
ESTABLISHMENT OF SWARAJYA:
SHIVAJI’S RELATIONS WITH
EUR OPEANS
Unit Structure
5.0 Objectives
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Sh ivaji and the European Powers
5.3 Sh ivaji and the Portuguese
5.4 M arathas and the English
5.5 Shivaji and the Dutch
5.6 Shivaji and the French
5.7 Summary
5.8 Questions
5.9 References
5.0 OBJECTIVES:
1. To study the causes of Maratha expedition to the south.
2. To understand the nature of expedition and its effects.
3. To examine the relations of Shivaji with the European powers.
5.1 INTRODUC TION:
After the grand coronation of 1674 the treasury of the Marathas was
almost empty. War with Adilshah and capture of Phonda were the
costly affairs and hence Shivaji was in a search of new areas to control.
Similarly the contemporary political changes also demanded his
interference in Deccan politics. He therefore decided to undertake the
Karnatak expedition.
Qutbshahi king of Golkonda was also then in search of support to
save his kingdom against Bijapur and Mughal attacks. The civil war
between the Afghan and Deccani parties at the court of Adilshah
provided an opportunity to Qutbshah to collaborate with Sh ivaji.
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Establishment o f
Swarajya: Sh ivaji’s
Relations with
Europeans
49 5.2 SHIVAJI AND HIS RELATIONS WITH
EUROPEANS
In the 15th century English, French, Dutch and the Portuguese
arrived in India. Their representatives were granted by their respective
kings Royal Charters granting them monopoly of trade with India. To
begin with they requested the local rulers for permission to carry on their
trading activities.
All of them had their settlements along the coast of India. On the
western coast they came into contact with Shivaji when he rose to power
in Maharashtra. With his vision and foresight Shivaji noted their trading
and other activities.
5.3 SHIVAJI AND THE PORTUGUESE:
Portuguese had settled in Goa and in north Konkan from Chaul to Daman.
The conflict between Shivaji and the Portugue se arose because of the
following causes:
1. Po rtuguese had tried to control the coastal areas of Maharashtra which
Shivaji did not like. They also helped Siddhis in their war against
Marathas.
2. The interruption of trade from the upland part to Goa by Shivaji’s
officers.
3. The Desais of the South Konkan on being dispossessed by
Shivaji took refuge in Goa and thus violating the neutrality of
Portuguese territory.
4. Shivaji’s claim to chauth from the Daman and Koli Raja of
Ramna gar.
But in spite of these differences Portuguese viceroys wisely avoided war
with Shivaji and remained neutral during his wars with the Mughals and
Bijapur. When in 1659, Shivaji’s vessels built at Bhiwandi, Kalyan and
Pen, began to ply the seas, the Portugue se Viceroy ordered his deputy at
Bassein to hinder their voyage. But with the growth of Maratha
power, they avoided conflict and developed friendly attitude toward
them. Lakham Sawant and Desais from Kudal opposed Shivaji’s
advance, but they were defeated in 1664. They fled to the Portuguese
district of Bardes. In 1667 Shivaji attacked Bardes. However later, he
entered a treaty of friendship with Portuguese. In 1668 the Desais
continued to violate the neutrality of Goa by atta cking Marathas, and
the viceroy expelled them from the Po rtuguese dominions at the
beginning of June 1668.
The treaty of peace with Shivaji was renewed in 1670. According to
which the viceroy removed a constant source of friction by extending
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50 granting Portuguese passes on the payment of the customary fee.
Shivaji repealed his promise to forbid his officers to levy tax on the
trade between Goa and the Ghats.
After his annexing Ramnagar Shivaji demanded Chauth as the lawful
right in succession to the Koli Raja of Ramnag ar. The viceroy of Goa
avoided paying it as long as possible. At last, Shivaji threatened war, but
his premature death saved the Portuguese. Thus, the Portuguese were a
decadent power in India anxious only to hold their own, and timidly
averting an armed encounter with Indian states by employing friendly
appeal, patient endu rance and diplomatic evasion.
Check your progress
1) Write a short note on Maratha Portuguese relations.
5.4 MARATHAS AND ENGLISH
The B ritish came in contact with Shivaji when his General Doraji Raide
attacked the port of Rajapur. Though the English had no business to take
sides they open ly assisted Adilshah and Mugha ls. The second Maratha
attack on Rajapur took place in March 1661. This time too, as
Jadunath Sarkar has said, “the English was clearly in the wrong”.
While Shivaji was besieged in Panh ala by Siddi Jauha r, the English
supplied some cannons and ammunition to the Siddi. The siege of Siddi
was very effective because of their help, which put Shivaji in a very
difficult situation. Shivaji’s second attack on Rajapur factory was
intended to punish the English for their interference in his internal affairs.
He plundered the factory and took four of the factors, Henry Revington,
Richard Taylor, Randolph Taylor and Philip Gyfford as prisoners.
In February 1663 they were released. English sensed the need to
maintain cordiality with Shivaji and began negotiations for compensation
for the loss done to their factory at Rajapur.
During sack of Surat, the English made adequate preparations to
defend themselves. Shivaji then chose to leave them alone. In 1671
Shivaji sent an amba ssador to Bombay to secure English aid aga inst
Siddi, especially grenades and ammunition but the English avoided to
participate in conflict between Shivaji and Siddi. English sent Lt.
Stephen Ustick in 1672 to negotiate with Shivaji. The demand of
ammunition was once again pushed by the Marathas but English were
firm on the compensation of their previous losses. But the negotiations
could not make much headway. They however dragged on throughout
the year 1672.
The English were impatient at the slow progress of the negotiations. To
the Rajapur incident was now added the loss sustained by the English at
Hubli when that town was sacked by the Marathas. Yet the English did
not want to break off negotiation because at the same time Dutch had
approached Shivaji for a mutually beneficial treaty. In 1673 Shivaji
received English ambassador Thomas Nicolls. They reached an
agreement in April munotes.in

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Establishment o f
Swarajya: Sh ivaji’s
Relations with
Europeans
51 1674, according to which the Rajapur affairs were settled and the British
secured permission to trade in his territory. Henry Oxinden, a
representative of the British east India Company was sent to Raigad
to secure the confirmation of the treaty. He reached Raigad at the time of
Shivaji’s coronation and his account of the ceremony is considered very
reliable.
Shivaji also attacked the British factory at Dharangaon in Khande sh in
1675. Mr. Samuel Austen went to Raigad on an embassy to demand
compensation but Shivaji refused to accept his claim.
Shivaji decided to fortify the island of Khanderi. Immediately the English
tried to oppo se this move by blocking the supply of provision and
mate rial reaching the island. A naval battle was fought. The
Marathas defended Khan deri. The B ritish withdrew their fleet and the
Marathas occupied Khanderi in 1680. After the death of Shivaji,
Sambhaji tried to ma intain cordial relations with the B ritish.
Check your progress
1) Explain Anglo-Maratha relationship during the period Shivaji.
5.5 SHIVAJI AND DUTCH
The Dutch came to India after Portuguese. In 1637, they built a fort
at Vengurla. Shivaji wanted to make use of Dutch power to crush Siddis
but could not do so. The Dutch provided help to Marathas in the
campa ign of Bardes in 1667. Portugue se and Dutch were staunch
enemies of each other and hence Dutch tried to exploit the opportunities
during Maratha Portuguese conflict. During the sack of Surat Shivaji
spared Dutch like oth er Europeans. During the Karnatak campaign Dutch
factories at Portonova and Tegenapattam sent gifts to Shivaji and secured
his recognition.
5.6 SHIVAJI AND FRENCH
French came in contact with Shivaji when they setup their factory at
Rajapur. It was Pondicherry where the Marathas came into close
contact with the French. Francois martin, Governor of Pond icherry sent a
letter appealing to Shivaji to protect the French factories in the Karnatak.
On the condition of strict neutrality Shivaji assured protection to French.
An account of Shivaji’s Karnatak expedition and conditions prevailing in
the South has been given by Francois martin.
5.7 SUMMARY
Shivaji established Maratha swaraj and expanded his kingdom
from North Konkan to South. During this task, he came into contact
with the Europeans. The Europeans wisely avoided conflict with
Shivaji and tried to remain neutral. Shivaji never trusted the Europeans
and never allowed them to interfere in his internal matters.
Unfortunately, the later rulers did not maintain his policy. munotes.in

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63 7
PERIOD OF CONSOLIDATION AND
CRISIS: SAMBHAJI, RAJARAM AND
TARABAI CIVIL WAR -TARABAI AND
SHAHU
Unit Structure
7.0 Objectives
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Sambhaji against Mughals
7.3 Sambhaji’s War with the Siddhis and the Portuguese
7.4 Death of Sambhaji
7.5 Chhatrapati Rajaram
7.6 Maharani Tarabai (1700 -1707)
7.7 The Civil War: Tarabai and Shahu
7.8 Summary
7.9 Questions
7.10 References
7.0 OBJECTIVES:
1) To trace the heroic struggle of the Marathas against powerful Mughals
after the death of Shivaji.
2) To un derstanding why this period is termed as the war of Independence.
3) To study the role played by Chhatrapati Rajaram and Tarabai during
the war of independence.
7.1 INTRODUCTION:
‘The Maratha kingdom was invaded by a powerful enemy in the person of
Aurangz eb. He used all his valour and resources, in wealth and materials,
for the destruction and conquest of this kingdom. But all his efforts proved
futile, by the grace of God.’
- Adnya Patra
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64 The Maratha state created by Shivaji, in the course of less than three
decades proved its vitality during thirty years that followed his death on
4th April 1680.
On the 4th April 1680 Shivaji died at Raigad. After his death his elde st son
Sambhaji succeeded as Chhatrapati . He ruled up to 1689 and continued
his struggle against the Mughal Empire but without much success.
Maharani Soyarabai who claimed the throne for her son Rajaram opposed
his succession to the throne. He crushed a ll opposition and was coronated
in 1681. Sambhaji did not have the support of the Maratha nobles and
courtiers of his father’s time and he punished them. He came under the
influence of Kavi Kalash, a Brahmin from Kanauj, which was not liked by
the Marath a Sardars. Thus, there was internal disturbance during his
reign.
7.2 SAMBHAJI AGAINST MUGHALS:
Sambhaji followed Shivaji’s policy of raiding of Mughal territory in the
Deccan. He raided Burhanpur. In 1680 -81 he carried a campaign in
Karnatak. In the mea nwhile, Prince Akbar who had rebelled against
Aurangzeb accompanied by Durga Das Rathod arrived at Sambhaji’s court
in June 1681 and Sambhaji not only gave the Prince shelter but also
promised to support him with a large Maratha army to secure the Mughal
throne. Prince Akbar promised that he would bring about an alliance
between the Marathas and Rajputs for a combined onslaught on the
Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb on hearing about Akbar joining Sambhaji
came down to the Deccan in November 1681. He had already sent a
powerful force under Prince Azam to pursue Prince Akbar. Aurangzeb
planned a four -sided attack against the Marathas, 1. Sayyed Hussain Ali
Khan was dispatched to the north Konkan 2. Shihab -ud-din Khan to
Nasik 3. Ruhullah Khan and Prince Shah A lam were sent to Ahmednagar
(to guard it from a surprise Maratha attack) and 4. Prince Azam was sent
to Bijapur to prevent supplies and help reaching the Marathas. He sowed
dissension among the followers of Akbar and Sambhaji and won them
over to his sid e by bribes and rewards. Shihab -ud-din Khan captured
some forts near Nasik but was compelled to abandon them on account of
timely arrival on Maratha army. Akbar now suggested to Sambhaji that
they should make a joint attack on Aurangzeb’s head quarters o r make a
dash through Gujarat into Rajputana. But Sambhaji hesitated to take such
a bold step. Aurangzeb now invaded Bijapur and Golconda and annexed
them. Akbar felt that Sambhaji was of no help and fled to Iran in 1687.
7.3 SAMBHAJI’S WAR WITH THE SID DIS AND
PORTUGUESE:
Siddhis and Portuguese were asked by Aurangzeb to join his war against
Marathas. The Siddhis raided Maratha territory towards the end of 1681.
Sambhaji at once launched a naval attack on Janjira. The Marathas created
terrible havoc agai nst the Siddhis, but just at this time Aurangzeb arrived
in the Deccan and Sambhaji was compelled to raise the siege of Janjira. munotes.in

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Period of Consolidation
and Crisis: Sambhaji,
Rajaram and Tarabai
Civil War -Tarabai and
Shahu
65 During 1683 Sambhaji attacked the Portuguese at Chaul and Goa. He
pushed back the Portuguese. This victory encouraged Sambhaji to advance
towards Goa but he had to retreat in order to face a Mughal army under
Shah Alam who was threatening his territory.
7.4 DEATH OF SAMBHAJI :
The conquest of Bijapur and Golconda enriched Aurangzeb. On the other
hand, Sambhaji had exhausted his treasury and had added nothing during
his seven years of misgovernment and war. Aurangzeb wanted to capture
Sambhaji. Sarza Khan one of the Bijapur generals under Aurangzeb
defeated and killed Hambir Rao Mohite, Commander in chief of the
Maratha army. This sealed the fate of Sambhaji. By this time Sambhaji
had been deserted by most of his followers. Sambhaji was encircled by
the Mughals on all sides. Finally in 1689, because of the treachery of
Shirkes, a Maratha family Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash were captured after a
small skirmish at Sangameshwar.
Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash were dressed as buffoons and brought before
Aurangzeb, who proposed that Sambhaji’s life would be spared if he
surrendered all his forts, revealed all hidden treasures and discloses the
names of Mughals officers who were in league with him. Sambhaji
rejected this proposal. Sambhaji and Kavi Kalash were tortured for a
fortnight and then killed in a most cruel manner.
Thus, though Sambhaji lacked the good qualities of Shivaji and had even
turned towards the Mughals during Shivaji’s time, later he carried out the
struggle against the Mughal Empire and died a hero’s death. The fearless
manner in which he met his end, united and steeled the hearts of the
Maratha nation as nothing else wou ld have done, and nerved them to
avenge the death of their king.
Check Your Progress:
1) Discuss the Mughal -Maratha relations during Sambhaji’s Period.
7.5 CHHATRAPATI RAJARAM (1689 -1700)
Rajaram, the younger son of Shivaji, was just nineteen years old, at the
time of Sambhaji’s death. He was born on 24 February 1670. The news
of Sambhaji’s capture reached at Raigad. His commander Yesaji Kank
proclaimed him king in February, a week after Sambhaji had been seized.
This proved that the Maratha monarchy was not at an end. Pralhad Niraji,
Manaji More and others were recalled to their offices. When the Mughal
Emperor Aurangzeb learnt about the proclamation of the new King at
Raigad, he immediately sent his forces under his able commander Zulfiqar
Khan to invade Raigad and to capture both that fort and the new Maratha
king. The Khan arrived before the fort on 25 March 1689 and at once laid
siege to it. In this critical situation Yesu Bai, the widow of Sambhaji an
intensely devoted woman guided the Maratha s. She encouraged the
Marathas by her brave words, “Raigad is doubtless a strong fort and can munotes.in

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66 hold out long; but it is hazardous that we should all remain confined in this
small place. In order to distract Aurangzeb’s attention, she advised
Rajaram that h e, along with his wives and followers should escape from
Raigad before the siege becomes too stringent. She offered to stay in
Raigad with her son Shahu and defend the capital. Meanwhile the Maratha
army was waging a guerrila war with the mighty Mughal ar my.
Accordingly, Rajaram escaped from Raigad on 5 April, proceeded to
Pratapgad and kept his wives and other people into the difficult fortresses
of Vishalgad and Rangna. Some of the other leaders, like Ramchandra
Pant Amatya, Pralhad Niraji and Shankarji Malhar Sachiv also left Raigad.
They continued their campaign against the Mughals by plundering and
using a network of spies to obtain information of the enemy’s movements.
While Zulfiqar Khan was busy in the siege of Raigad Aurangzeb captured
several ot her important Maratha forts such as Salher, Trimbak, Rajgad,
Rohida, Torna and Mahuli. Aurangzeb had appointed Matabar Khan to
administer north Konkan, which contained several forts of strategic
importance.
Rajaram’s young sardars, Santaji Ghorpade and Dh anaji Jadhav took up
the task of harassing the Mughal army in every possible way. They
stopped the supplies reaching Zulfiqar Khan at Raigad. They had created
a terror in the Mughal army. With a few selected followers they made
their way on a dark night in the rains to Aurangzeb’s camp at Koregaon.
They fell upon the royal tent, cut down the supporting ropes and the huge
cloth edifice came down in a crash. They carried away the sets of large
gold pinnacles at the top of the tent and other valuables and presented
them, to Rajaram at Pratapgad. Afterwards it was discovered that
Aurangzeb was absent from the camp.
Soon a Mughal force came to Prataptad and Rajaram had to leave it and
take up his residence at Panhala. Sheikh Nizam, who had captured
Sambhaj i invaded against Panhala to no avail. In the meanwhile, Santaji
fell upon Zulfiqar Khan’s besieging army, and brought away five
elephants and a huge plunder. plunder.
7.5.1 Fall of Raigad
Although Raigad was difficult to access Zulfiqar Khan captured Ra igad on
3rd November 1689 after a siege of 8 months. With the fall of Raigad
maharani Yesubai, Shahu and many others of the royal family were
captured and carried to the camp of Aurangzeb in honour and safety. But
their joy was short -lived. The Marathas a t this time were ready to save
their nation under the leadership of Rajaram. Rajaram did not posses the
skills of father of managing the affairs, but he cheerfully accepted the
suggestions of his counselors. His chief adviser was Pralhad Niraji, son of
Niraji Raoji.
But the credit of organizing the Maratha’s against the Mughal Emperor
goes to Ramchandra Nilkanth. Ramchandra Pant was no soldier, and
hardly moved from his base on any military expedition. He kept an eye munotes.in

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Period of Consolidation
and Crisis: Sambhaji,
Rajaram and Tarabai
Civil War -Tarabai and
Shahu
67 upon the doings of the number of Mara tha leaders. Two of the Maratha
chiefs, Parashuram Trimbak Pratinidhi, Shakankaraji Narayan Sachiv
were holding and recapturing the important forts of homeland.
7.5.2 Maratha Trek to Jinji
Rajaram’s position at Panhala again became insecure and it was d ecided
that he should escape to Jinji along with some of his followers. He arrived
at Jinji on 15 November 1689. Jinji soon became the center of Maratha
activity.
The credit of retrieving the Maratha fortunes goes to Ramchandra Pant
Amatya and Santaji Ghorpade. The aims of the Maratha government in
prosecuting the struggle against the Mughals are clearly stated in the
charters, issued by their rulers during this period of war. Rajaram weaned
away many Maratha chiefs who had accepted Mughal service. On 22
March 1690 Rajaram ruling from Jinji assured Baji Sarzerao Jedhe
Deshmukh of Kari of his support. In his letter he explained that the
Mughal emperor is becoming powerful because of the help given by the
Maratha Sardars. Therefore, he should stop givin g this help to save his
religion.
The Maratha bands spread over the vast territories from Khandesh to the
south coast over Gujarat, Baglan, Gondwana and the Karnatak,
devastating Mughal treasures, animals and stocks of camp equipment
Aurangzeb was unable t o cope with these methods. Ramchandra Pant
took affective measures against the Marathas who sided with the Mughals.
7.5.3 Besiegers besieged
The main object of the Maratha administrators and generals at this time
was to bring their Chhatrapati back to Mah arashtra from Jinji and liberate
the Maratha territories from the Mughal control. Rajaram now strongly
decided not to compromise in any way with the Mughals and continued
his struggle.
For the first few years of the present phase of the war, Jinji forme d the
main objective of the Emperor’s efforts for putting down the Marathas.
Zulfiqar Khan realized the hopelessness of subduing the Marathas under
the prevailing conditions. Very often the troops of Santaji and Dhanaji
pressed him so hard, that instead of besieging Jinji, he found himself and
troops besieged, during the summer of 1691.
At the end of 1692 Ali Mardan Khan, in charge of Kanchi, encountered
Santaji Ghorpade. On 13 December 1692 Ali Mardan Khan was defeated
and taken prisoner to Jinji, where he had to pay a large ransom to affect
his release. On January 1693, Ismail Khan Maka was similarly dealt with
by Dhanaji. Thus, Zulfiqar Khan found himself in pitiable condition.
Aurangzeb had now sent his son Kam Baksh and Asad Khan, father of
Zulfiqa r Khan to besiege Jinji. But their arrival created more
complications. Kam Baksh followed the examples set earlier by his munotes.in

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68 brother Akbar. They charged the Prince with collusion with the Marathas
and openly placed him under arrest in December 1692. The c onfusion
increases when a false report went round that the Emperor had died. The
victorious Maratha generals proclaimed Maratha sovereignty over the
whole of Karnatak. The condition of the Mughal force became pitiable.
Marathas cut off all supplies and lin es of communication of Mughals.
Zulfiqar khan was forced to pay large ransom to secure his release. For a
time Santaji became the master of the situation.
7.5.4 Santaji’s tragic end
Santaji in his career respected and obeyed only Ramchandra Pant. The
letters during this period clearly show how difficult Ramchandra Pant had
found to handle Santaji. Santaji’s biting tongue and boastful demeanor
had more than once disgusted Rajaram. After the unequalled successes
over the various Mughal generals, Santaji we nt straight to Jinji in April
1695, and demanded an adequate reward for his services. The relation
between Rajaram and Santaji were strained because of Santaji’s boastful
nature. He was dismissed from the post of Senapati, Dhanaji Jadhav was
appointed in h is place.
Santaji was not able to bare this insult. The monsoon months of 1696
passed critically for Santaji on the one hand and for Rajaram and Dhanaji
on the other. Rajaram ordered Dhanaji to capture Santaji and bring him a
prisoner before him. Santaji then fled away, being hotly pursed by
Dhanaji from the Karnatak into Maharashtra. Nagoji Mane of Mhaswad
near Satara was on his track. One hot noon in June 1697, as Santaji was
taking his bath he was captured and put to death. His death was a severe
blow to the Marathas. Santaji is remembered as the master of guerilla
warfare.
Check Your Progress:
1) Write a short note on Santaji and his contribution to the Maratha
kingdom
7.5.5 Fall of Jinji
The position of Rajaram was precarious. Having spent eight years in exile
and he was hard pressed for money. Aurangzeb ordered Zulfiqar to take
Jinji without further delay. In the meanwhile, Rajaram escaped with his
followers from Jinji in December 1697. Jinji was captured on 7th February
1698.
On 22nd February 16 98, Rajaram reached Vishalgad. Satara was made
capital. Rajaram at this time wanted some peace treaty to be signed with
the Mughal Emperor. But Aurangzeb continued with the war. Aurangzeb,
however, soon captured the fort of Satara, but the Marathas retoo k it in
1704.
During 1698 and 1699 Rajaram toured the entire country and established
contact with local officers and the guardians of forts and cheered up his munotes.in

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Civil War -Tarabai and
Shahu
69 soldiers by his personal presence. During this tour of inspection, he
discovered clear evidence of the decline of the Mughal power.
Aurangzeb was already too old to control the extensive and conflicting
elements of his government. His sons and officers looked more to their
personal prospects. Rajaram deputed Nemaji Sinde with some other chiefs
to ravage Khandesh and Berar and exact Chauth from those districts.
Early in 1699 Nemaji encountered the Mughal governor of Thalner,
Husain Ali Khan, captured him and released him after exacting a fine of
two lakhs from him. This news distressed the Emperor beyond measure.
Check Your Progress:
1) Comment on fall of Jinji.
7.5.6 Death and Estimate of Rajaram
At this moment of triumph and rising hope Rajaram found the strain of
camp life unbearable and his health suddenly gave way. He became ill
and died at Sinhagad on 2nd March 1700, having just completed 30 years
of his life. Rajaram was weak, but he was shrewd, sincere and a born
patriot. He showed no personal daring or capacity for government. But he
fortunately obtained wise and able counselors in Ramcha ndra Pant and
Pralhad Niraji, and brave warriors in Santaji and Dhanaji. His death
undoubtedly deepened the crisis of his state, though his survivors had both
courage and power to tide over it.
Check Your Progress:
1) Write a short note on Chhatrapati Ra jaram.
7.6 MAHARANI TARABAI :
After Rajaram’s death his widowed queen Tarabai crowned her son
Shivaji II, then a child of four and became his regent. Tarabai, daughter of
Hambirrao Mohite, was born in the year 1675. She was a spirited lady
who took upon herself the responsibility of defending the Maratha
kingdom. She infused vigor in her people and organized a tough
opposition to Aurangzeb. She exhibited wonderful powers of organization
and inspired the Marathas in their national cause. She personally l ooked
into the matters of administration. She chose her own men to carry on war
and planned raids into the Mughal territory. The energetic Tarabai not
only carried out military campaigns against the Mughals but with clear
diplomatic moves she created tro uble for the emperor all over
Maharashtra. Wild rumours of all sorts were purposefully circulated to
mislead the Mughal generals to create a wedge between them. Khafi
Khan in praise of her writes, “She showed great powers of command and
government and fr om day to day the war spread and the power of the
Marathas increased.” Aurangzeb now directed his forces to capture
Panhala and Vishalgad the two strong fortresses.
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70 The Emperor captured Panhala, Vishalgad, Sinhagadh, and Rajgadh
mainly by the use of brib e. The Marathas had adopted a new strategy –
They would hold the fort as long as possible and then surrender on
payment of huge sum of money. As soon as Aurangzeb turned his back
the forts were recaptured. Under the leadership of Tarabai, Maratha
power grew stronger and stronger with the result that Aurangzeb was
compelled to be on the defensive. The Marathas during the last year of the
aged Emperor’s reigns preceded beyond Maharashtra and led expeditions
into Malwa and Gujarat. They ravaged Burhanpur, Surat, Broach and
other rich towns of the western Coast. They established their rule over
Southern Karnatak. At one point Aurangzeb even decided to conclude
peace with them but abandoned the plan, when he suspected some intrigue
being carried out by his own generals with the help of Marathas.
Aurangzeb died in 1707 at Ahmednagar.
Tarabai managed the affairs of Maharashtra in the name of her son with
skill and ability. Later after the advent of Shahu on the scene many of her
supporters deserted her. Wit h their assistance she had prosecuted the war
with a vigor and success. According to A.L. Shrivastava, “The success of
Maratha war of independence was in no small measure due to the great
personality of this queen.”
Check your progress
1) Examine the role played by Maharani Tarabai in the history of
Marathas.
7.7 THE CIVIL WAR: TARABAI AND SHAHU
The Mughal had captured Shahu after Sambhaji’s death and kept him in
the Mughal prison at Delhi.
Aurangzeb had many times thought of releasing Shahu and create
dissension among the Marathas but he somehow could not do so during
his lifetime. However, after his death Azam Shah released Shahu to create
dissension in the Maratha camp. Shahu was released on the condition that
he would rule as a feudatory to Azam b ut he was granted permission to
collect the Chauth and Sardeshmukhi from six Mughal Subhas, and his
paternal kingdom. In order that Shahu should not declare independence,
his mother and other family members were to be taken to Delhi as
hostages.
Shahu’s en try in Maharashtra evoked mixed reaction as, one hand the
people welcomed the return of the son of the martyr king Sambhaji. On
the other the Maratha nobles and officers got divided between two
factions, one supporting Shahu and the other Tarabai and her s on whom
she had put on the throne of the Maratha kingdom. This led to a civil war
in the Maratha kingdom. Tarabai first tried to prove that Shahu was an
imposter. She argued that he had no right to the Maratha throne as
Sambhaji had lost Shivaji’s kingd om and it was Rajaram who had
recovered it. Therefore, it was her son and not Shahu who was the legal munotes.in

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Civil War -Tarabai and
Shahu
71 heir to the throne. Many eminent Maratha Sardars and Brahmins sided
with Shahu. Among these were Parsoji Bhosle, Nemaji Shinde, Haibat
Rao Nimbalkar an d others. Balaji Vishwanath the future Peshwa helped
in this delicate situation by winning over many Sardars to Shahu’s side.
Tarabai rejected all claims of Shahu and refused to relinquish power. She
sent an army under Dhanaji Jadhav to check Shahu’s adv ance by force. A
battle was fought at khed.
7.7.1 Battle of Khed
A battle was fought at Khed on November 1707, on the bank of the Bhima
in which Tarabai was defeated. Dhanaji her commander in chief had been
won over by Balaji Vishwanath. He was convince d that Shahu was the
legitimate heir to the throne. Dhanaji Jadhav therefore played no part in
the battle. Dhanaji now joined Shahu and was appointed Senapati.
Khando Ballal was raised to the office of Chitnis . Many other notable
officers of Tarabai de serted her and went over to Shahu who marched in
triumph to Satara and was coronated in 1708. Tarabai and her son had
taken shelter in Panhala. Shahu captured that fort also compelling Tarabai
to fly to Rangna and from there to Malwan. Tarabai continued her
opposition. She secured the help of Chandrasen i.e. Dhanaji’s son and
several other chiefs. Dhanaji had died and Chandrasen was made the next
commander by Shahu. However, he went over to Tarabai’s side. Tarabai
also got the help of the Angres but later on Kanhoji Angre was won over
by Balaji Vishwanath. Another bone of contention between Shahu and
Tarabai was the issue of Chauth and Sardeshmukhi.
7.7.2 Claim for Chauth and Sardhesmukhi.
Shahu and Tarabai both claimed for Chauth and Sardesmukhi . Even the
Mughals refused to mediate in this issue. By her activity and diplomacy
Tarabai made Shahu’s position shaky during 1711 and 1712.
Tarabai had established herself at Kolhapur while Shahu was at Satara.
The river Warna had become a dividing line between their territories. The
civil war would have continued but fortunately for Shahu, Tarabai was
thrown in prison in 1714 as the result of a palace intrigue. Rajasbai
another widow of Rajaram put Tarabai and her son into prison and placed
her son Sam bhaji on the throne with herself as regent. Sambhaji
continued to intrigue against Shahu. Shahu defeated him and secured
from him the treaty of Warna in 1731, by which territory south of the
Warna was to belong to Sambhaji while that on the north to Shah u.
7.8 SUMMARY:
In the war of independence, the Marathas proved their fitness to survive.
While the grandiose structure of the Mughal imperial system was tottering
to its fall, the young and vigorous Maratha power was advancing in a
crescendo of staggeri ng success.
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73 8
ADMINISTRATION DURING THE ROYAL
PERIOD: CIVIL, REVENUE, JUDICIAL
AND MILITARY
Unit Structure
8.0 Objectives
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Civil Administration
8.3 Revenue Administration
8.4 Judicial Administration
8.5 Military Adm inistration
8.6 Summary
8.7 Questions
8.8 References
8.0 OBJECTIVES :
1. To make students unde rstand the civil, revenue, judicial and military
administration of Maratha during the Royal period.
2. To help the students understand Shivaji in various roles – a farsighted
king, a military genius, a disciplinarian and an impartial ruler.
8.1 INTRODUC TION :
Shivaji became the crowned King of an independent Maratha kingdom in
1674 and converted his conque sts into lawful domain assuming the
title of Chhatrapati. The coronation undo ubtedly strengthened
Shivaji’s position as he could claim equality with other crowned kings.
The constitution of Maratha Swarajya received a formal shape on
the occasion of the coronation. However the Council of Eight
Ministers had been working even before the coronation.
Shivaji’s territory extended from Maharashtra in the north to Jinji and
Tanjore in the South (excluding some independent states that lay in
between). Shivaji was not only a great military leader but a good
administrator also. He had carved out a kingdom and had established a
system in the existing chaos in Deccan. Shivaji had realized that peace
and order were of primary importance for the ordered government of the
peop le. Also, strict discipline was very essential for the army and state in
its infancy.
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74 8.2 CEN TRAL ADMINISTRATION:
8.2.1 Ashta Pradhan Mandal
The theory and practice of ancient governments in India was the
basis of Shivaji’s central government. The king was Head of the Central
government. He was assisted by a Council of Eight Ministers called
‘Ashta Pradhan Mandal’. The ministers in the Ashta Pradhan Mandal
were designation as follows:-
1. The Peshwa or Mukhya Pradhan (Prime Minister)- Moropant
Trimbak Pingle.
He was next in rank to the King and his duty was to supervise the
working of the Council of Eight Ministers and to co- ordinate the
working of the various ministries. All royal letters and charters had to
bear his seal below that of the King’s.
2. Mujumdar or Amatya (Revenue Minister) - Ramchandra Nilkantha
and Naro Nilkanth. He had to check all the public finances and
expenditure and update the king about the financial position. He had
to countersign all statements of accounts both the kingdom in general
and of the particular districts.
3. Waknavis or Mantri (Personal Ad visor or Chronicler)- Dattaji
Trimbak.
His was to compile the daily routine of the K ing. He would also act asthe
master of ceremonies.
4. Surnis or Sachiv (Finance Minister)- Annaji Datto
He was to examine and correct all royal letters and check the accounts of
the mahals and parganas.
5. Sarnobat or Senapati (Commander-in-chief)- Hambirrao Mohite He
was to make war, lead expedition and maintain newly acquired territories.
He also kept the army alert and in an excellent condition.
6. Dabir or Sumant (Foreign Affairs Minister)-Ramchandra Trimbak.
He advised the king on foreign affairs and had the responsibility
to receive and entertain foreign envoys and maintain the dignity of the
state abroad.
7. Nyayadhish (Chief Justice)- Raoji Niraji.
The Nyayadhish was to settle all the civil and criminal cases as he was
the highest judicial authority in the state.
8. Pand itrao (Religious Affairs)- Pandit Raghunathrao.
He was to honour and reward learned Brahmins, settle caste and religious
disputes, plan religious ceremonies. All religious matters were under his
jurisdiction.
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76 and were placed under the Mahalkari or Havaldar. The mahals were
divided in such a way that each mahal would yield the approximate
revenue of 75,000 to 1, 25,000 hons.
8.2.5 Village administration
There was no chang e in the traditional system of the village
administration. A small village was known as mauze and the bigger one
was called a kasba. Several villages together formed a pargana and
were under the charge of Deshpande, Deshmukh, Patil and Kulkarni.
Shivaji was a political genius and very wisely devised the institution of
the Ashta Pradhan as he alone could not carry out the administration
single handedly.
Check your progress
1) Discuss the Civil administration of Shivaji.
8.3 REVENUE ADMINISTRATION :
Shivaji, being a genius showed a great foresight in organizing
his revenue administration. in spite of the constant wars that he was
involved in, he set up an excellent revenue system. According to Major
Jervis, “In the midst of all this confusion warfare and gene ral disloyalty,
the state of revenue and population is said to have prospered.” The
peasants during Shivaji’s time were aware of what they had to pay and
they seemed to manage it without any oppression. This was possible
because Shivaji introduced a flexible system.
Sources of Income
There were mainly four sources of income in Shivaji’s kingdom.
A. Land Revenue
B. Taxes
C. Mints and Coins
D. Chauth and Sardeshmukhi
8.3.1 Land Revenue
This was the chief source of revenue in the Maratha kingdom.
Shivaji adopted a detail system of calculating the land revenue that was
to be paid by the peasants either in cash or kind. The system was divided
into three stages.
i. The measurement of land – Shivaji found that the old measuring
rope was defective as its length varied in different seasons. He replaced
it with a kathi or a measuring rod for accurate measurement of land.
This came to be called as Shivshahi kathi. It was five cubits (haths) and
five fists (muthis) in length. Such twenty rods square a bigha and 120 munotes.in

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78 8.3.4 Chauth and Sardeshmukhi
Chauth and Sardeshmukhi were two important sources of revenue that
strengthened Shivaji’s treasure. Chauth was the 1/4th or 25% of the
collection of the government which was obligatory. Chauth was levied
on the neighbouring regions belonging to the Mugha ls and Adilshah.
This practice seemed to ha ve been established by the Koli Raja of
Ramnagar. He used to levy chauth on the inhabitants of some villages of
the Portugue se District of Daman and in return would protect these
villagers from the attack, plunder by his own people. Shivaji demand ed
chauth as tribute before raiding the territory and if denied raids were
conducted. S.N.Sen de scribes it as “nothing but a tribute exacted
from the weak by the strong”. Shivaji deman ded chauth from the
Moh ammadan enemies for the first time in 1665. In 1676 Shivaji
annexed Ramnagar and demanded chauth from the Portuguese. Since
then Shivaji also collected chauth from the Raja of Bednur and Chief
of Soonda. Thus it is clear that though Shivaji was not the originator
of chauth, he was responsible for its wider app lication.
Sardeshmukhi – Shivaji claimed to be the Sardeshmukh of his country
and had put forth his claim of right to collect his remune ration for his
office of Sardeshmukh. It was usually 10% of the revenue collected from
the people for the government. This collected amount was called
Sardeshmukhi. It means Shivaji collected Sardeshmukhi from his
Swarajya and also from his neighbouring territories. M.G.Ranade and
G.S.Sardesai are of the opinion that Sardeshmukhi was levied by
Shivaji along with the Chauth. It was a special tax of 10% levied as a
special right of the king. It was collected from all the people who paid
tax to the state. It seems that Shivaji adopted Sardeshmukhi from the
Desais of Ko nkan.
8.3.5 Administrative Division and Officials
Shivaji divided the Maratha Country into maujas, tarfs and prants and
also intended to do away with the old hereditary revenue officers
such as Patil and Kulkarni in a village and Deshpande and Deshmukh in
districts as they were growing very powerful and dominant over the
rayat. Shivaji took away all their powers, dismant led their forts or
gadhis and garrisoned strong places with his own troops.
Shivaji appointed new officers as revenue collectors. The officer
incharge of a mauja and tarf were generally styled as Havaldar and
Karkun. The officer in charge of prant was called Subhedar or Mukhia
deshadhikari.The Subhedar was further assisted by eight officers. Their
posts were not hereditary and were transferred to different places. The
Pant Amatya and the Pant Sachiv supervised the work of the district
and provincial officers.
83.6 Watan System
Watan system was a popular feature of the medieval times. Watan is an
Arabic word that meant one’s own country. During the Maratha period munotes.in

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80 8.4 JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION :
Shivaji’s judicial system was based on the principles of Hindu Laws
and Smritis books and followed them while settling disputes in his
kingdom. Though Shivaji was the head of the Maratha State he had
limited and restricted powers, as the king had to permit some local
judicial bodies to administer the justice. Shivaji introduced an
organized form of government for maintaining law and order in the
kingdom. T.T.Maha jan points out that Shivaji’s idea of justice may be
gathered from his letters addressed to the governors, local off icers of
his Swarajya. These letters are the directives that the king expects
the judicial heads at the local level to follow while giving justice. The
system of separation of judiciary from the executive did not prevail in
Shivaji’s time.
8.4.1 Features of the judicial system
Shivaji’s administration of justice was simple and primitive in nature and
also suitable to the times. It did not prescribe any code of law and
procedure and therefore everything was informal. Amicable settlements
were mostly encouraged. A lso, at times to discontinue ill feelings
between the contesting parties, the defeated party was shown some
consideration. Justice in his kingdom was imparted without fear and
favour. No interference by his officials or known person in administration
was allowed. Shivaji always considered the king as the protector and
executor of law. He never tried to rule out or surpass the decisions
taken by the judicial bodies. A ll men, irrespective of caste, creed
or religion were treated equal before Dharma (Law). No person
was to be imprisoned without proper investigation and trial.
8.4.2 King – The Head of the Judiciary
The king was the head of the judiciary system and the highest court
was called “Huzur Hazir Majlis” (court of the king or Rajsabha). Besides
the king this body consisted of his Chief Judge and the Panditrao, a
minister for religion and also the state officials. This court was also
regarded as the court of appeal against the justice administered by the
local courts. All royal decisions or orders issued by the king to the
Subhedars and Hawaldars in the suba were signed by the members of
the Rajsabha. Next in power to the king was the Nyayadish (Chief
Justice) who decided both the civil and criminal cases.
8.4.3 Provincial administration of justice
a) Subhedar
The kingdom was divided into Subas headed by a Subh edar who was the
representative of the king in the provincial administration. He had the
power to do justice and execute the decision. He had the responsibility of
gene ral supervision over the civil and criminal justice in the territory
under his jurisdiction. The Deshmukh of a Pargana assisted the Subh edar
and sent civil cases to the Subhedar for decisions. The Deshmukh was munotes.in

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82 ceremony according to vedic rites. Also, property disputes among the
Brahmins were generally heard here.
b. Deshak Sabha – It was composed of Deshmukhs, Deshpandes, Patils,
Balutas, Shete-Mahajans in the towns. It was presided over by an
officer ‘Rajmudra’ who heard cases relating to several villages.
Rehearing of cases was asked for by the dissatisfied party.
8.4.6 Evidence, Ordeal and Judgment
In civil cases parties were required to produce documentary evidences as
well as written evidences depend ing on the nature of the case.
According to Yajnavalkya Smriti, there are 3 types of evidences i)
written ii) possession iii) witness.
Offence and Pena lty – Shivaji followed trials laid down in the
Dharmashastras for punishing the offenders. The types of crimes
committed during those times were adultery, forgery, theft, offences
relating to false witness or complaints, offence by defalcation, etc. the
punishments were severe, such as imprisonment, confiscation of
property, fines, mutilation and capital punishment. However, cases
of capital punishments being awarded to anyone have not been traced.
Judgment At the conclusion of the cases the judgement in the form of a
document called ‘Nivadpatra’ was given to the winner and a copy of it
was kept for the official record.
Fee In cases related to money bonds, usual fee was 25% of the money
realized. In cases of division of property valued upto Rs. 300 no fee
was charged, but if above it, a fee at rate of 10% of the property value
was charged.
The Maratha judicial administration excelled in simplicity. Elphinstone,
though was highly critical of the system, appreciated the merits of the
Panchayat system and recommended its continuation even after the fall
of the Maratha Empire.
Check your progress
1) Write a detail note on judicial administration of Shivaji.
8.5 MILITARY ADMINISTRATION :
Shivaji’s frequent expeditions for territorial expansion required a well
organized and efficient military organization that would help in the
defense of his newly created kingdom. Shivaji was successful in
constructing a very effective army under his leadership. He was not in
favour of adopt ing the traditional feudal military set up, as was done by
the Mughal army and the armies of the Sultan. Shivaji exercised
complete control over the army as he had to protect his kingdom against
the invaders who were more powerful and resourceful than him. He
need ed to inspire his soldiers towards patriotism. Being a military munotes.in

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84 c. Infantry – The soldiers were mainly recruited from the Maval region
as they were accustomed to the difficult geographical terrain. In the
infantry each unit of 10 soldiers was placed under one Naik viz.
10 Soldiers - 1 Naik
5 Naiks - 1 Havaldar
2/3 Havaldars - 1 Jumledar
10 Jumledars - 1 Hazari
7 Hazari - Sarnobat of infantry
According to J. N. Sarkar “Shivaji’s Guard Brigade of 2000 select Mavle
infantry was splendidly equipped, dressed and armed at great expense
to the state”. Shivaji never recommended his soldiers to carry heavy
equipment or arms as that would affect their speed. Dressed in fight
fitting breeches, cotton jackets and turbans, armed mainly with swords,
spears and lances, bows and arrows, the soldiers were ready to march at
a moment’s notice.
d. Elephant and Camel Corps – The elephant and camel corps, though
small in number, was required to carry heavy guns, luggage and posts.
According to Sabhasad, at the end of Shivaji’s reign the number of
elephants was 1250, whereas Chitnis Bakhar stated that only 350
elephants of which 100 were kept for state use and the rest were given to
nobles and others. Shivaji’s camel corps had about 1000 to 1500 camels.
e. Fort Guards – Forts were of great importance in the Maratha
Kingdom. Though the exact number differs according to different
sources, it can be said that there were more than 240 forts under Shivaji.
A number of acquired or occupied forts that were ruined and neglected
were repaired and few new were created such as Raigad and Pratapgad.
The forts along the seacoast were known as durgs and those atop of
hills were called gads. There were also ground forts for e.g. Kalyan,
Chakan, Jinji and Vellore. Forts gave a control over 25 to 50 miles of
the territory around.
Each fort was placed under the control of th ree chief officers namely
Havaldar, Sabnis and Karkhanis who belonged to Maratha, Brahmin and
Prabhu community, respectively. They were to cooperate and serve as
checks to one anothe r. Above all was the Sarnobat , who was a Ma ratha.
The Havaldar was in charge of the security of the fort. The Sabnis was
incharge of the accounts in gene ral and the muster roll in pa rticular
including all correspondence with the government. The karkhanis
mainly looked into regular grain stores and provisions in the fort and
the areas under the jurisdiction of the fort.
A check over the en emies was kept by the Rakhaldas around the
fort walls. The Ramoshis and the Mangs also contributed to the
security of the fort at the foothills of the fort. The forts acted as a line of
defence along the north, northwest and also in the Karnataka region of munotes.in

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History of the Marathas
(1630 CE – 1707CE)
86 and the Europeans dominated the western coast of India. Soon after his
conquest of Konkan, Shivaji raised a fleet consisting of about 500 small
vessels mainly Gallivats and Ghurabs and rivercrafts of various
descriptions such as shibands, tarandis, pagaa r, machwas and trading
vessels. Shivaji placed his navy under the command of Admiral
Daria Sarang and an official Mai Nak. A few years later another
Muham medan Admiral Daulat Khan was appointed in Shivaji’ navy. The
sailors in the navy belonged to the sea fearing communities such as Kolis,
Bhanda ris, Sang hars, Vagh ars and the Agres.
According to J.N.Sarkar Shivaji brough the first naval ship into the
sea after capturing Kalyan in 1659 and the expansion continued with
Konkan area coming under his control. Shivaji stepped up his foreign
trade. His naval officers captured a ship of Afzal Khan and used it for
trading purpose for quite some time. Mughal ships leaving Surat to
Mecca were also looted by Shivaji’s navy. Sabha sad Bakhar states
that Shivaji’s fleet not only harassed the indigenous sea powers of
the south but also plundered the ships and possessions of European
powers such as the Portugue se, the Dutch and the English. However, his
fleet was inferior to that of the English in efficiency though not in
number. It must be noted that Shivaji’s sailors had, on mo re than one
occasion attacked Portuguese men of war with success. In 1670 a large
Portuguese ship was captured near Daman by the Maratha fleet.
Besides doing policing against the Siddi’s private fleet Shivaji’s navy
was also employed in taking possession of foreign vessels wrecked on his
coast and collected duty from trading ship. The Siddis, Portuguese and
the British all faced the wrath of Shivaji’s navy. The coastal towns such
as Dabho l, Rajapuri, Colaba and Khande ri were strengthened by
fortifying and constructing the sea forts named S indhudurg and
Vijaydurgh. Suvarnadurg, Jaidurg, Anjanvel, Ratnagiri were other sea
forts.
Sea trade activities connected the Malabar Coast with towns of Arabia.
The Angres did not allow the naval spirit to die even after the death
of Shivaji. They maintained the reputation till the destruction of their
fleet by the combined efforts of the Peshwa and the English.
8.6 SUMMARY:
Shivaji not only established Swaraj, but with the help of a sound
administrative system, consolidated his position and created a welfare
state. His gift of judging character was one of the main causes of his
success, as his selection of generals and officers, diplomats and
secretaries were never faulty and his administration, both civil and
military was unrivalled for efficiency.
He created a welfare state in which the happiness of the subjects was
closest to Shivaji’s heart. According to the J.N. Sarkar “Shivaji was not
only the maker of the Maratha nation, but also the greatest constructive
genius”. munotes.in

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