Shivaji administered his kingdom with the help of the ashtapradhans.
What was the role of the ashtapradhans in the administrative system?Answer in brief.
Answers
Answer:
The King was the supreme head of state who was assisted by a group of eight ministers known as the ‘Ashtapradhan’.
The Asthapradhan
Peshwa or the Chief Minister- He looked after general administration.
Amatya or Majumdar- Accountant general, he later became revenue and finance mnister.
Sachiv or Surunavis- Also called Chitnis; he looked after the Royal correspondence.
Sumant or Dabir- Foreign affairs and the master of Royal ceremonies.
Senapati or Sari-i-Naubat- Military commander. He looked after the recruitment, training and discipline of army.
Mantri or Waqia Navis- Personal safety of the king, he looked after the intelligence, post and household affairs.
Nyayadhish- Administration of Justice
Punditrao- Looking after charitable and religious affairs of the state. He worked for the moral upliftment of the people.
Apart from the departmental duties, three of the ministers- Peshwas, Schiva and the Mantri were also given incharge of extensive provinces.
All ministers, except the Panditrao and the Nyayadish, had to serve in a war whenever necessary.