Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the ‘Democratic Ruler’.
Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the vibhuti one single handedly resisted Islamic Iconoclasm. We all know about that Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj was an autocrat like any one other ruler of his time but he can be rightly addressed as a democratic ruler. Yes the term ‘Democratic Ruler’might look like an oxymoron but this article will justify the term given to the most important man ever born in our punyabhumi.
When we talk of any ruler, the first idea that comes into our mind is a person who is enjoying enormous power and all the powers starting to administrative to finance lies in his mighty hands. But Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a ruler gives a different shade to the universal idea of a ‘ruler’. Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj ensured that he did not misuse the great power vested in him. He had a council of 8 ministers, the Ashta Pradhan who assisted and was a kind of advisory council. Ashta Pradhan comprised of Peshwa- Prime Minister, who looked after the overall welfare of the people and the state.Amatya- Finance Minister, who looked after all the public accounts of the kingdom and some districts.Mantri or Wakia Nawis- Chronicler who kept a daily account of what was happening in the court. Samant/Dabir- Foreign Secretary who advised the king on all matters of war and peace, and those relating to foreign states and also received foreign Ambassadors and envoys. Sachiv- Home Secretary, who handled the king’s correspondence, ensuring all royal orders were in proper style. Also checked the accounts of the Parganas. Pandit Rao who was equivalent to Muhtasib, the religious head. Nyayadish, the Chief Justice reponsible for civil and military justice and Senapati, the Commander in chief, who oversaw the recruitment and organization of the Army. Therefore, Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj can be rightly called a ‘Democratic Ruler’.
Credit – Sadaa Shree
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