About the Book
The "Administrative System of the Marathas" explores the governance structures under the Maratha Empire, particularly during its zenith in the 18th century. Written by Surendranath Sen, this work delves into administrative practices, revenue systems, military organization, and social policies of the Marathas. Sen's detailed analysis sheds light on how the Marathas managed their vast territories and diverse subjects, offering insights into their political strategies and the enduring legacy of their administrative innovations in Indian history.
About the Author
Surendranath Sen (1890-1962) was an eminent historian specializing in ancient and medieval Indian history. He authored several influential books and research papers, notably on the Gupta Empire and Bengal history. Sen's meticulous scholarship and critical analysis continue to shape understanding of India's historical evolution, particularly in the realms of political and cultural developments.
Preface
Shivaji, born in 1627, captured Torna in 1646 and died in 1680 at the comparatively young age of fifty-three. Before his death he had founded a mighty Hindu kingdom in defiance of the Sultanates of Bijapur and Golkonda, then tottering to their fall, and the Chagatai, miscalled Mughal Empire, then at the zenith of its power under Aurangzeb Alamgir. Within a decade of its founder's death, the infant Maratha power was faced with a serious crisis. The son and successor of Shivaji was captured and decapitated and the infant heir to the throne became a Mughal prisoner. Further expansion was out of the question, the very existence of the kingdom was threatened. The Marathas undeterred by the power, wealth and prestige of the empire engaged in a life and death struggle which ended in their favour. With the return of Shahu to his paternal kingdom opened a new era of conquest and expansion. The Maratha horsemen reached the extreme North-Western frontier of India, their horses drank the water of the Indus and the empire extended from sea to sea. The Maratha empire was apparently still in its full vigour when a conflict with a Western power brought about its disruption and fall. The last Hindu empire of India passed away after a chequered existence of 170 years.
It is commonly believed that this vast empire existed merely by plunder and robbery. An eminent English writer has described the Maratha generals as 'robbers, plunderers and scoundrels. But it is very difficult to understand how an empire could last for over a century and half by robbery and plunder alone, unless it had a surer and firmer basis of good government. Grant Duff does not answer this question. Ranade had set himself to this task and his brilliant chapters on the administrative institutions of Maharashtra served as an eye-opener to many, but he was cut off by death before his task was fully accomplished.
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