Military

Shivaji's genius is most evident in his military organisation, which lasted till the demise of the Maratha empire. He was one of the pioneers of commando actions, "Ganimi Kava" a term used for such a warfare, (though the term "commando" is modern).[22] His Mavala army's war cry was 'Har Har Mahadev' (Hail Lord Shiva).[8] Shivaji was responsible for many significant changes in military organization. These include -

* A standing army belonging to the state called paga;
* All war horses belonged to the state; responsibility for their upkeep rested on the Sovereign.
* Creation of part time soldiers from peasants who worked for eight months in their fields and supported four months in war for which they were paid.
* Highly mobile and light infantry and cavalry were his innovations and they excelled in commando tactics;
* The introduction of a centralized intelligence department, (Bahirjee Naik was the foremost spy who provided Shivaji with enemy information in all of Shivaji's campaigns, Vishwas Nana Dighe played an important role during the Battle of Pratapgad, and Vishwasrao Musekar provided important intelligence during the siege of Panhala)
* A potent and effective navy.
* Introduction of field craft viz. Guerrilla warfare, commando actions, swift flanking attacks;
* Innovation of weapons and firepower, innovative use of traditional weapons like tiger claw or 'Vaghnakh'. 'Vita' was a weapon invented by Shivaji ;
* Militarisation of almost the entire society, including all classes, with the entire peasant population of settlements and villages near forts actively involved in their defence.[8]

Shivaji realized the importance of having a secure coastline and protecting the western Konkan coastline from the attacks of Siddi’s fleet.[8][23][24] His strategy was to build a strong navy to protect and bolster his kingdom, he was also concerned about the growing dominance of foreign British India naval forces in Indian waters and actively sought to resist it. For this very reason he is also referred to as the “Father of Indian Navy”.[25]
[edit] Forts of Shivaji
Main article: Shivaji's Forts

Shivaji constructed a chain of 300 or more forts running over a thousand kilometres across the rugged Western Ghats. Each were placed under three officers of equal status lest a single traitor be bribed/tempted to deliver it to the enemy. The officers (Sabnis, Havladar, Sarnobhat) acted jointly and provided mutual checks balance. Shivaji had control of 360 forts when he died.
[edit] Marathi Language

Chhatrapati Shivaji made preparations for effective use of Marathi language his mother tongue. He started Rajvyavharkosh (translation: dictionary for administration of kingdom) and Encyclopedia of Marathi words.