The cavalry was divided into two classes: the bargirs (soldiers whose horses were given by the state) and the shiledars (mercenary horsemen who had to find their own horses).

Justice
The administration of justice was of a rudimentary nature.
There were no regular courts and regular procedures. The panchayats functioned in the villages.
The system of ordeals was common.
Criminal cases were tried by the Patels.
Appeals in both civil and criminal cases were heard by the Nyayadhish (chief justice) with the guidance of the smritis.
Hazir Majlim was the final court of appeal.

The cavalry was naturally the main strength of the Maratha army. Every jagirdar had to bring a stipulated number of horsemen for a general muster, every year.
The horsemen were divided into three classes based on the quality of the horses they kept

Proinces under the Peshwas were of various sizes. Larger provinces were under the provincial governors called Sar-subahdars.
The divisions in the provinces were termed Subahs arid Pranths.
The Mamlatdar and Kamavistar were Peshwa's representatives in the districts. They were responsible for every branch of district administration.
Deshmukhs and Deshpandes were district officers who were in charge of accounts and were to observe the activities of Mamlatdars and Kamavistars.

In July 1658, Aurangzeb ascended the throne as the Emperor.
Shaista Khan was appointed the Governor of the Deccan in 1660 with the main purpose of crushingShivaji.
Shivaji hit upon a bold plan. He entered Poona at night with 400 soldiers in the form of a marriage party and attacked the home of Shaista Khan.
Aurangzeb was forced to recall Shaista Khan from the Deccan in December 1663.