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UPPCS Mains 2013

Maratha Administrative Innovations

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Ashtapradhan was a Council of Ministers in:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Shivaji didn't just conquer land; he established a durable administrative machinery. The Ashtapradhan ensured that the state was governed through specialized departments rather than arbitrary royal whims.

Explanation In 1674, Shivaji formalised the Ashtapradhan—a council of eight ministers. This included the Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance), and others responsible for foreign affairs, intelligence, and justice.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The system was advisory; the final decision always rested with Shivaji, but the ministers had full operational control over their departments.
Logic 2: Unlike the Vijayanagara system (Nayakas), the Ashtapradhan were officials of the central government, not regional feudal lords.

Active Recall

Question

How did the role of the Peshwa change after Shivaji?

Answer

Under Shivaji, the Peshwa was a subordinate minister; later, under Shahu, the Peshwas became the hereditary, de facto rulers of the empire.

Core Insight

The Ashtapradhan provided the Maratha state with the institutional stability needed to survive even after Shivaji's death.

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