Ashtapradhan was a Council of Ministers

The Ashtapradhan was a council of eight ministers that assisted the Maratha King Shivaji in his administration. Established in 1674, this system ensured smooth governance by assigning specific portfolios to each minister. The council included the following key positions: 1. Peshwa or Mukhya Pradhan: Prime Minister responsible for general administration. 2. Amatya or Majumdar: Finance Minister who managed public accounts. 3. Shurunavis or Sacheev: Secretary who handled royal correspondence. 4. Waqia Navis: Interior Minister in charge of intelligence and household affairs. 5. Sar-i-Naubat or Senapati: Commander in Chief of the military. 6. Sumant or Dabir: Foreign Minister who handled relations with other states. 7. Nyayadhish: Chief Justice responsible for civil and military justice. 8. Panditrao: High Priest who managed religious matters and charities. Except for the Nyayadhish and Panditrao, all other ministers were required to lead military expeditions. This administrative framework was a hallmark of the Maratha Empire.