Nandyal (Andhra Pradesh), Dec 20 (Representative) Samskruti Foundation, under the aegis of Samskruti Adhyayana Kendra, in collaboration with Shivaji Sphoorthi Kendra would organize a two-day “National conference on Chhatrapati Shivaji’ Statecraft: Lessons for Modern India” at Srisailam in this district from December 24. The main objectives of the conference is to sensitize the participants and enable them to understand Shivaji‘s system of Public Administration and Public Service delivery ; To appreciate Shivaji‘s policy on Women‘s security and their welfare; Link the system of taxation and revenue collection adopted by Shivaji to the modern context and To learn lessons from Shivaji‘s military strategies, the foundation said in a release here on Tuesday. Participants would include academics, social scientists, social activists, media professionals, administrators and civil society leaders with demonstrated interest in Shivaji’s ideals and philosophy. The participants are welcome to submit conceptual, review, research and case study based papers relevant to Shivaji’s system of public administration, preferably bearing relevance to the conference themes and sub-themes though there would be no formal paper presentations.
Four topics are proposed to be covered in four technical sessions in the two-day conference – His Statecraft, Military strategy, treatment of Women and his Tax and Revenue system. One great feature of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s State-craft is its strong anti-feudal tendency. The communities were allowed to administer their own affairs under the paternal supervision of a set of government officers. Lands were divided into three classes superior, ordinary and inferior. For revenue purposes, keeping in view the condition of irrigation and the nature of the crops to be taken into consideration at the time of fixing the land tax Shivaji paid foremost attention to the correct measurement of land. Shivaji attempted to take special measures to protect the peasants from the oppressive revenue officials. He also abolished all the cesses to the advantage of the peasants in times of famine, drought and damage of crops, special concessions were given to the peasants. Cash, seeds and ploughs were distributed among peasants in times of need to be repaid on easy installments.Shivaji had religious regards for every woman’s honour and he tried his best to maintain it in actual practice. He treated every other woman as a mother. During those days the women were badly treated by ruling class conflicts. He warned his generals and soldiers that no woman, weather Hindu or Muslim should be harmed in battles.
He saw to it that those orders were enforced.Shivaji combined many war tactics and strategies to achieve and sustain Swarajya. He adopted different strategies at different times and didn’t shy away from learning from his mistakes. One of the best things about Shivaji that we all could apply in our daily lives is ‘never repeat one’s mistakes’. He realized very early in his career that in order to devise sound military strategies one had to be familiar with the geography of one’s kingdom. Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj, thus, still lives and will continue to live in the soul of India because he was not only a ruler but was also an idea. And ideas never die. The four chairpersons together would present an integrated view of Shivaji’s contribution to governance and state administration. At present, the whole India is inspired by Shivaji and his achievements. Because of his greatness and personality his name became the Indian army’s Maratha battle cry. “Shri Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj Ki jai (Say Victory to king Shivaji)”. Also, Indian Navys new ensign (flags) twin golden borders surrounding the national emblem are said to have drawn inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji.