Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's commitment to the welfare of farmers is a significant yet often overlooked aspect of his legacy. Historical records indicate that Shivaji Maharaj and his mother, Jijabai, were closely associated with farming in the Khed Shivapur area of Pune district. During his time, he observed the hardships faced by peasants under the oppressive rule of the Mughals, Nizam, and Adilshahi.
In the 17th century, amidst these adversities, Shivaji Maharaj laid the foundation of Swarajya, ensuring that his kingdom belonged to the people. Unlike today, farmers in his reign were content, and there were no instances of farmer suicides or large-scale protests. This was largely due to his pro-farmer policies and governance.
Disaster Management for Farmers
A letter dated 1662, written by Shivaji Maharaj to Sarjerao Jedhe, highlights his concern for farmers during enemy invasions. He instructed:
"Go immediately, without delay, and relocate the farmers, their families, and livestock to a safe place beyond the Ghats. If you fail in this duty, the sin will be on your head."
Similarly, in 1673, a letter from the havildar of Chiplun to the Jumledar describes Shivaji Maharaj’s meticulous instructions to prevent accidental fires in camps, which could destroy crops and livestock fodder. His directive stated:
"At night, put out all lamps before sleeping. If a rat knocks over a lamp, it could start a fire, burning the grass, rods, and fodder, causing great loss to farmers. If this happens, people will blame the Mughals. Then, what difference remains between you and them? So be careful and extinguish the lamps."
Pro-Farmer Policies
Shivaji Maharaj implemented several policies to safeguard farmers and their livelihoods:
Fire Prevention Measures: Strict guidelines were in place to prevent accidental fires from destroying crops and agricultural goods.
Stable Market Prices: He ensured that the prices of agricultural produce remained fair, preventing exploitation.
Import Taxes on Surplus Goods: To protect local farmers, taxes were increased on excessive imports.
Zero-Interest Loans: Farmers were provided financial aid without interest, reducing their economic burden.
Due to these progressive and farmer-centric policies, history does not record any farmer suicides during Shivaji Maharaj’s reign. His governance created a self-sufficient and prosperous agricultural system, reinforcing his legacy as a true "Raja of the People."