Note for OPSC Aspirants: This comprehensive note focuses on administrative hierarchy, revenue systems, and the socio-economic impact of Maratha rule, areas frequently targeted in previous Civil Service Mains examinations.
1. Introduction and Political Division
The Maratha administration in Odisha was essentially a replica of the Mughal administration, as they wished to retain the existing administrative fabric. Geographically, the Maratha possessions were bounded by the sea on the east, Chhattisgarh on the west, Chilika and Ganjam on the south, and Jaleswar/Midnapur on the north.
Politically, Odisha was divided into two distinct units:
- The Garjat States: These consisted of twenty-four tributary chieftains who paid tribute to the Raja of Nagpur.
- The Mughalbandi: This was the coastal tract extending from Suvarnarekha in the north to Chilika in the south, which was under direct Maratha rule.
2. Administration of the Garjat States
Among the feudatories, the King of Khurda was the most powerful, alongside influential Rajas of Mayurbhanj, Dhenkanal, and Kanika. The Maratha policy towards these states was non-interventionist; the governors did not interfere in the internal administration of these chiefs. However, these feudatories were often irregular in their payment of tribute to the Maratha Subahdars.
3. Administration of the Mughalbandi (Coastal Odisha)
The Mughalbandi region was administratively divided into 150 Paraganas, which were placed under the management of 32 Amils. The structure was as follows:
- Revenue Division: Each Paragana was further subdivided into two or more Mahalas or allotments.
- The Amil: Acting as the Revenue Commissioner, the Amil was responsible for revenue assessment and entrusting collection charges to subordinate officers.
- Local Officials: Hereditary revenue collectors included Chaudhuries, Kanungoes, and Talukdars.
- Remuneration: These officers were granted rent-free lands known as Nankar.
- Assessment Method: The settlement system known as Hustabud was prevalent, where government demand was based on the amount of land actually under cultivation.
4. Civil and Military Hierarchy
The administration was headed by the Subahdar, who was the supreme authority in both civil and military matters.
- Military Defence: The Kiladar served under the Subahdar and was specifically in charge of the fort of Barabati at Cuttack.
- Internal Security: Faujdars controlled various chaukis (outposts), while a Thanadar headed a unit known as a 'cneuk' (likely referring to a Thana/station unit).
- Judiciary: The Amil possessed powers to investigate and try both civil and criminal cases.
5. Economic Conditions and Trade
Despite administrative issues, economic activities continued:
- Agriculture & Exports: Paddy was produced in huge amounts and was a major export item to Bengal and Madras.
- Ports: Exports were conducted through small ports such as Golrah, Harishpur, Bishenpur, and Manikpatna.
- Manufacturing: Salt was plentifully manufactured along the sea coast.
- Transport: Odisha was connected via roads to Bengal, Madras, and Nagpur, with a notable road connecting Cuttack to Bengal via Balasore and Jaleswar.
6. Religious Policy and Cultural Impact
A unique feature of Maratha rule was the regeneration of religious life, specifically regarding the Jagannath temple at Puri.
- Patronage: Maintenance of the temple was a prime duty of the Subahdars, and under their patronage, the fame of the deity spread across India.
- Pilgrim Welfare: Although a pilgrim tax was collected, a large portion was spent on temple festivals. The Marathas opened Annachhatras (free food distribution camps) and ensured pilgrims faced no difficulties.
- Grants: Rent-free lands were granted to Brahmins and suitable grants were offered to mathas.
7. Critical Evaluation (Conclusion)
The Maratha rule in Odisha was, by and large, military in nature.
- Revenue Extraction: The Bhonsles of Nagpur viewed the land as a milch cow with the primary aim of extracting maximum revenue.
- Instability: The frequent change of governors made administration precarious, leading to anarchy.
- Public Sentiment: Massive exploitation and the extraction of revenue enraged the population, creating a situation where people eventually welcomed British hegemony.
However, the era is distinguished by its maintenance of the Jagannath temple, which had been ignored during the previous Mughal era.
