Ashtapradhan was a Council of Ministers

Q. Ashtapradhan was a Council of Ministers

(a) in the Gupta Administration

(b) in the Chola Administration

(c) in the Vijayanagar Administration

(d) in the Maratha Administration

Ans: (d) in the Maratha Administration

 Explanation: The correct answer is (d) in the Maratha Administration.

Ashtapradhan, also known as the Council of Eight Ministers, was a prominent feature of the Maratha Administration. The Maratha Empire, which existed from the late 17th century to the early 19th century, had a unique system of governance with a council of ministers known as the Ashtapradhan. This council consisted of eight ministers who were responsible for various aspects of administration and governance. Each minister had a specific portfolio and played a crucial role in the decision-making process. The Ashtapradhan system was established by Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire, and continued to be an integral part of the Maratha administration during subsequent rulers’ reigns.