Revisiting Shivaji’s Statecraft: Lessons for Modern India

A National Conference by Samskruti Foundation and Sree Shivaji Sphoorthi Kendra, Srisailam

India’s governance philosophy has always been deeply rooted in its cultural and civilizational ethos. In this spirit, Samskruti Foundation and Sree Shivaji Sphoorthi Kendra, Srisailam, jointly organized the National Conference on “Chhatrapati Shivaji’s Statecraft, Lessons for Modern India.”The event brought together distinguished academicians, administrators, and scholars to rediscover Shivaji Maharaj’s visionary governance principles and their relevance to contemporary public policy.

Objectives of the Conference

The conference was designed to bridge historical insights with modern governance challenges. Its objectives included:

1. Sensitizing participants to Shivaji’s system of public administration and service delivery.

2. Appreciating his policies on women’s welfare and security.

3. Connecting Shivaji’s taxation and revenue systems with today’s fiscal frameworks.

4. Drawing strategic lessons from his innovative military practices.

Themes of Discussion

The conference explored four major themes, each offering a fresh perspective on governance, ethics, and leadership.

1. Shivaji’s Administration and System of Civil Service

Shivaji recognized that effective governance begins with responsive public administration. He divided his kingdom into provinces, districts, and villages, empowering local institutions like the gram panchayat.He emphasized fairness, accountability, and the moral duty of officials toward citizens—principles that laid the groundwork for what we recognize today as ethical civil service.

Discussions revolved around his contribution to administrative reforms, his people-centered approach to governance, and the organization of a merit-based service system.

2. Revenue Collection and Taxation System

Shivaji’s economic model was one of compassion balanced with efficiency. He introduced rational taxation by classifying land based on fertility and irrigation, protecting farmers from exploitation.He abolished unfair cesses, offered relief during droughts and famines, and ensured taxes were collected only after harvest. His revenue policies reflected justice and empathy—values that resonate even in modern fiscal management.

3. Concern for Women’s Welfare

Centuries ahead of his time, Shivaji upheld the dignity and safety of women. He strictly prohibited harm to women during wars and enforced harsh punishments for offenders.His army followed an ethical code of conduct that respected women regardless of faith or status. These practices, discussed in the conference, underscored Shivaji’s commitment to women’s honor and his role as a reformer who embodied both valor and virtue.

4. Shivaji’s Military Strategy

Shivaji’s military brilliance lay in his adaptability and deep understanding of terrain and people. His hallmark, Guerrilla Warfare (Ghanimi Kava), combined speed, surprise, and intelligence gathering.He built India’s first strong naval force to safeguard coastal regions and boost maritime trade. His lessons on strategy, discipline, and innovation were examined for their enduring relevance to national security and leadership training today.

Organizing and Advisory Committees

The conference was guided by a distinguished team of scholars, administrators, and cultural leaders:

• Dr. C. Umamaheswara Rao (IAS Retd) – Chairman, Samskruti Foundation

• Dr. H. Hemnath Rao – Conference Chair

• Dr. U.M. Chaudhari – Academic Convenor

• Shri T. Rambabu – Administrative Convenor

• Smt. Sumitra Mahajan – Former Speaker, Lok Sabha

• Dr. K. Aravinda Rao (IPS Retd) – Former DGP, Andhra Pradesh

• Shri Ch. Vidyasagar Rao – Former Governor of Maharashtra

• Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe – President, ICCR, New Delhi

The collective expertise of these leaders enriched the deliberations and brought historical insight into practical dialogue.

Conference Experience

Held in the sacred town of Srisailam, where Shivaji Maharaj once paid homage to Goddess Bhramaramba Devi, the conference combined scholarship with spirituality. Participants engaged in panel discussions, paper reviews, and interactive sessions exploring how ancient governance models can shape a more ethical and people-oriented public policy in modern India.

Delegates included academicians, social scientists, policy analysts, media professionals, and administrators from across the country. Selected papers from the event will be compiled into Conference Proceedings for wider dissemination.

Legacy and Vision

This conference was more than an academic exercise—it was a tribute to India’s civilizational genius. It reminded participants that Shivaji’s vision of Swaraj was not merely political freedom but ethical self-governance rooted in dharma and justice.

Through initiatives like this, Samskruti Foundation and Samskruti Adhyayana Kendra continue their mission of connecting culture, governance, and policy. By studying icons like Shivaji Maharaj, the Foundation seeks to inspire future policymakers to blend administrative efficiency with compassion, cultural rootedness, and integrity.