Ashtapradhan Council of Ministers in Maratha Administration:

The Ashtapradhan was a council of ministers in the Maratha administration. It was established by Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, to assist him in the governance of his kingdom. The Ashtapradhan consisted of eight ministers, each of whom was responsible for a specific area of administration.

The Eight Ministers of Ashtapradhan:

1. Peshwa: The Peshwa was the Prime Minister of the Maratha Empire. He was responsible for the overall administration of the kingdom, including finance, foreign affairs, and military matters.

2. Amatya: The Amatya was the Finance Minister of the Maratha Empire. He was responsible for the collection of revenue, the management of the treasury, and the distribution of funds to various departments.

3. Sachiv: The Sachiv was the Secretary of the Maratha Empire. He was responsible for maintaining records, issuing orders, and communicating with other departments.

4. Mantri: The Mantri was the Minister of Internal Affairs. He was responsible for the management of the royal household, including the recruitment of staff, the provision of supplies, and the organization of ceremonies.

5. Senapati: The Senapati was the Chief of Army Staff. He was responsible for the recruitment, training, and deployment of soldiers, as well as the management of military campaigns.

6. Sumant: The Sumant was the Chief Diplomat of the Maratha Empire. He was responsible for negotiating treaties, managing trade relations, and representing the kingdom in international forums.

7. Nyayadhish: The Nyayadhish was the Chief Justice of the Maratha Empire. He was responsible for the administration of justice, including the appointment of judges, the interpretation of laws, and the resolution of disputes.

8. Panditrao: The Panditrao was the Chief of Religious Affairs. He was responsible for the management of temples, the appointment of priests, and the promotion of religious harmony.

Conclusion:

The Ashtapradhan Council of Ministers played an important role in the governance of the Maratha Empire. Each minister was responsible for a specific area of administration, which ensured that the kingdom was managed effectively and efficiently. The Ashtapradhan system of governance was later adopted by other Indian kingdoms, including the Mughals and the British.