THE OVERALL CONDITION OF BILASPUR DISTRICT DURING THE MARATHA PERIOD

Abstract

Bimbaji Bhonsle was the first Maratha ruler of Ratanpur State. He exercised direct rule in Ratanpur. During his reign, administrative functions continued to operate in accordance with the Kalchuri system of governance. There were no major changes in governance. After Bimbaji Bhonsle's death, Vyankoji Bhonsle became the ruler of Chhattisgarh. He decided to rule from Nagpur and appointed his representative in Ratanpur. This marked the beginning of the Subedari system. The Subedari system had become synonymous with plunder in Chhattisgarh. The Subedar was the supreme authority in the administration. Due to the distance from Nagpur and the poor means of transportation, a vacuum was visible between the Nagpur ruler and Ratanpur. This vacuum was exploited by the appointed Subedar. Administrative changes were carried out by the second Subedar, Vitthalrao Dinkar. He introduced the Pargana system. The old administrative strongholds were converted and divided into Parganas. The Marathas established a total of 27 Parganas.