Question

Shivaji Maharaj’s policy regarding agriculture.
Write about it in your own words.

Answer 1

The Treaty of Purandar (or पुरंदर चा तह) was signed on June 11, 1665, between the Rajput ruler Jai Singh I, who was commander of the Mughal Empire, and Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji was forced to sign the agreement after Jai Singh besieged Purandar fort. When Shivaji realised that war with the Mughal Empire would only cause damage to the empire and that his men would suffer heavy losses, he chose to make a treaty instead of leaving his men under the Mughals.

Following are the main points of the treaty:

Shivaji kept twelve forts, along with an area worth an income of 100,000 (1 lakh) huns.Shivaji was required to help the Mughals whenever and wherever required.Shivaji's son Sambhaji was tasked with the command of a 5,000-strong force under the Mughals.If Shivaji wanted to claim the Konkan area under Vijapur's control, he would have to pay 4 million (40 lakh) huns to the Mughals.He had to give up his forts at Purandar, Rudramal, Kondana, Karnala, Lohagad, Isagad, Tung, Tikona, Rohida fort, Nardurga, Mahuli, Bhandardurga, Palaskhol, Rupgad, Bakhtgad, Morabkhan, Manikgad, Saroopgad, Sakargad, Marakgad, Ankola, Songad, and Maangad.

Along with these requirements, Shivaji agreed to visit Agra to meet Aurangzebfor further political talks.

Answer 2

Shivaji Maharaj was not only a armed vanquisher but also a successful emperor who is adorned with praise and devotion by the common people.  He was the People’s king.  

Farmers were given priority in his kingdom. The state ministers kept direct contact with the farmers. Ryotwari system was customary in which proceeds are directly collected from the farmers.  

Farmers had the option to pay the land revenue in cash or kind.  They can also pay in installments and they were not penalized.  In case of famines, the states offered loans to farmers.