Women’s Role in Politics and Administration during the Maratha Rule: A Study of Shivaji Maharaj’s Governance

Abstract

During the 17^th century Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj founded the Maratha Empire which produced several milestones through military and administrative developments as well as significant involvement of women in political and governance matters. Women in Shivaji Maharaj’s administration and political sphere gained active positions during his reign to help stabilize and expand the Maratha Empire according to this research.The historical research investigates traditional documentation to reveal the operational involvement of women regardless of their royal status for governmental responsibilities as well as diplomatic negotiations and strategic choices. Jijabai served as a crucial force shaping Shivaji Maharaj’s vision and leadership although Tarabai and Rani Yesubai along with Jijabai displayed exceptional strategic capabilities through critical periods of administrative and military leadership.According to the study researchers have examined the progressive measures of Shivaji Maharaj that facilitated woman empowerment in state governance. The study explores cultural as well as socio-political elements that made it possible for women to take substantial administrative positions within the Maratha regime.The goal of this work is to present a complex understanding of how women exercised leadership under Maratha rule while breaking down accepted stories which minimize their participation. Histories study demonstrates that Maratha Empire’s leadership style proved forward thinking and accessible to all people while providing relevant knowledge to modern political development.