Shivaji’s administration was centralised and efficient. He removed hereditary positions and paid all officers from the treasury. The Ashta Pradhana Mandal, his group of eight ministers, handled affairs like defence, finance, justice, and diplomacy. In the military, he maintained infantry, cavalry, and a navy. The cavalry was divided into bargirs (state- supplied) and shiledars (self-equipped). Forts were key to defence and strategy. Officers were rotated regularly to prevent corruption and misuse of power.