Question

What was the 'Astapradhana' system under Shivaji?

Hint:

Remember key administrative councils from Indian history, such as Shivaji's Ashtapradhan and Akbar's Navaratnas. Creating a table with the minister's title and their function can be a very effective study tool.

Answer 1

The 'Ashtapradhan' (council of eight) was the administrative and advisory council established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It was a system of eight ministers who assisted Shivaji in the governance of the Maratha Empire. Each minister was directly responsible to the ruler and headed a specific department.
The eight ministers were:
\begin{enumerate}
Peshwa (Prime Minister): Looked after general administration and welfare.
Amatya or Majumdar (Finance Minister): Managed the public accounts.
Waqia-Navis or Mantri (Chronicler): Maintained the king's daily records.
Shurunavis or Sachiv (Superintendent): Looked after royal correspondence.
Dabir or Sumant (Foreign Minister): Advised on matters of foreign affairs.
Senapati or Sar-i-Naubat (Commander-in-Chief): Managed the military.
Panditrao (High Priest): Dealt with religious matters and charities.
Nyayadhish (Chief Justice): Was responsible for dispensing justice. \end{enumerate}