Solution-Class 7-History-Chapter 7-The Administration of the Swaraj -Maharashtra Board

Ashtapradhan Mandal was a council with eight departments

Bahirj Naik was the Head of Intelligence department

Sindhudurga fort built by Maharaj near Malvan

Karkhanis looked after the war materials on the fort

• Shivaji Maharaj had entrusted the task of organising the land revenue system to Annaji Datto.
• Shivaji Maharaj had warned the revenue officers that they should not collect revenue in excess of the amount that was fixed.
• Shivaji Maharaj encouraged peasants to bring uncultivated land under cultivation.
• Shivaji Maharaj gave remission in land revenue and other taxes in times of natural calamities and devastation caused by the enemy army.
• Shivaji Maharaj paid special attention to the welfare of the peasants.
• Shivaji Maharaj instructed his officers to provide bullocks, ploughs and good quality seeds to the peasants.

• Unlike other kings in medieval age, conquest of territory and dominance of people was not vision of Shivaji Maharaj.
• He wanted his subject to be independent.
• In order to ensure welfare of people, he provided a disciplined administration.
• He wanted to defend the conquered territory as well as take care of his people.
• He was not interested in mere conquest and power but was a watchful administrator who took care of his subjects.

(1) Shivaji Maharaj wanted smooth management of the affairs of the Swaraj.

(2) Shivaji Maharaj also wanted to ensure people’s welfare by having efficient administration.

Therefore, Shivaji Maharaj established a council of eight ministers i.e. Ashtapradhan Mandal.

• The Portuguese of Goa, the Siddis of Janjira and the British factories of Surat and Rajapur created obstacles in the work of expanding the Swaraj on the west coast.
• It was necessary to curb their activities and protect the west coast.
• He realised that the one who has a navy, controls the sea.
• Therefore, Shivaji Maharaj raised a navy.
• There were four hundred ships of various kinds in his navy.