The Economic Ideas of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Reflected in the Policies of Modern-day Bharat.

प्रतिपाचचंद्रलेखेव वर्द्धसनूरविश्व्वनदीत 

सहसूनो शिवस्येषा मुद्रा भद्राय राजते

As inscribed on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Rajamudra, it said, 

“Ever growing in the splendour like the moon of the first day of the bright half of the month and adored by the world, this seal of Shivaji, the son of Shahji, shines for the benediction of all.”

    As true as time has proved it to be, we all know Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a benevolent ruler, a champion in defence strategy and a devotee of Maa Bhavani who always walked on the path of Dharma. As futurist as he was, his economic policies were the vital ones that supported the administration and expansion of Swarajya and the well-being of its people. Throughout decades, many took note of it and worked towards empowering every citizen by promoting the progress and development of nation.

    One such follower was Umaji Naik. 

The main purpose of the Mughals was ‘Mulkgiri’ - looting foreign (Non-Muslim) lands that resulted in oppression, conversion and Jihad. Chh. Shivaji Maharaj decided to re-capture all the wealth that rightly belonged to the people of Bharat from the Mughal-infested areas thus leaving Mughals without any influence and power. In 1823, following the footsteps of Maharaj, Umaji Naik, a Ramoshi leader, with an army of thousands of Ramoshis started re-capturing lands and wealth under British control. The power of this movement instilled a terror so strong that no officer dared to step into their territories. Even after several warnings by the British to disown Umaji, people supported him. A report from Robertson, Collector of Pune District, wrote to the government, 

“Citizens are waiting for big political change. These Ramoshis are creating hatred for Europeans and want to throw them out from India and common citizens are very helpful to them. What will happen if Umaji becomes powerful as Chhatrapati Shivaji? And common citizens start looking at Umaji in the form of Shivaji”

 Thus, the British authority met its end. This is just one of the many instances.

Chh. Shivaji Maharaj had a people-centric policy for the welfare of his subjects. He realised that Swarajya is agrarian in nature and so he promoted cultivation and empowered farmers. He wrote a letter to Ramaji Anant, the subedar of Prabhavali on 5th September 1676. It said,

“Encourage the cultivators and promote cultivation. Exert yourself and go from village to village. The peasant in the village should be assembled. If a peasant has manpower, oxen and grain to cultivate his piece of land, well and good. But if a peasant has the ability and manpower to cultivate his piece of land but does not have oxen, plough and grain and is therefore forced to remain idle, he should be given cash and made to purchase two or four oxen. He should be given a candy or two of grain for his subsistence. You should get him to cultivate the land according to his ability. Make inquiries about the peasants, support them, bring wasteland under cultivation and increase the revenue…If a peasant is ready to exert himself but is unable to pay arrears of dues and is therefore in dire straits, then the realisation of dues should be suspended and a report be made to His Majesty about the promotion of agriculture as well as about the cancellation of such dues. Then His Majesty would issue a decree about the remission of all dues in such cases”

    In times of freebies and appeasement diplomacy that leaves state in bankruptcy, the policies of the current Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi, show parts of the welfare policies of Chh. Shivaji Maharaj during his time. Through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana that ensures timely compensation for crop losses, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi that provides direct financial assistance to small and marginal farmers, Pradhan Mantri Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan that promotes self-reliance of Bharat in agriculture sector thus helping farmers and the nation economically, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana that promotes organic, traditional and indigenous methods of farming. All these schemes and more, provide financial security, a better standard of living and an economic boost to farmers and the nation. After 350 years, Chh. Shivaji Maharaj’s policy still useful and timeless.

    Chh. Shivaji Maharaj also promoted local production and businesses. He was very “Vocal for Local”, you can say. When the Portuguese tried to disrupt and dominate the salt business by importing salt from Africa and Europe and selling it at a lower cost in Goa, the salt-based agri community took a hit. The market tilted against them. Chh. Shivaji Maharaj took cognizance of the situation and ordered heavy custom duty on this imported salt making it expensive for consumption. The agri community won the market again while the Portuguese abstained from doing business in salt altogether. 

    Today, you see this policy being applied to several businesses in Bharat. Asserting a high import duty on foreign products to uplift the local business and giving MSMEs a new voice and platform, is the highlight of the administration today. Right from the ‘Make in India’ toys to Khadi production to defence equipment. In Maan ki Baat or International speeches, Bharatiya production is getting a boost through initiatives like these, all to make Bharat Atmanirbhar. 

Prime Minister of India, Shri. Narendra Modi, on the 350th anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, on June 2, 2023, said, “The welfare of the state and its people was the basic principle of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s rule. The 350th anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a source of energy and inspiration. His coronation is an important chapter of India’s history.” 

Chh. Shivaji Maharaj realised the importance of preserving culture, dharma and developing Swarajya by empowering citizens. The policies he crafted weren’t just best for the Kingdom and its people but sustained infantry, protected the frontiers, helped people in their time of need and expanded the borders of Swarajya. Ever so eternal - yesterday, today, tomorrow and a thousand years from now on, these policies of Chh. Shivaji Maharaj will thrive. And like always, time will yet again prove it to be true.