Q. Who was the king to organize Asht Pradhan?
(a) Akbar
(b) Shivaji
(c) Krishnadeva Ray
(d) Tipu Sultan
Ans: (b) Shivaji
Explanation: The correct answer is (b) Shivaji.
Shivaji, also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was the king who organized the Asht Pradhan (Council of Eight Ministers). He was a prominent Maratha warrior king who established the Maratha Empire in western India during the 17th century.
The Asht Pradhan, meaning “Council of Eight,” was an administrative council formed by Shivaji to assist him in governing his kingdom. It comprised eight ministers who were appointed based on their expertise and capabilities in different areas of administration.
The members of the Asht Pradhan held important positions and were responsible for various aspects of governance. They included the Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance Minister), Sachiv (Secretary), Mantri (Interior Minister), Senapati (Commander-in-Chief), Sumant (Foreign Affairs Minister), Nyayadhish (Chief Justice), and Panditrao (Religious Affairs Minister).
The Asht Pradhan system helped Shivaji establish an efficient administrative machinery and effectively govern his expanding kingdom. It played a crucial role in the administration, decision-making, and governance of the Maratha Empire.
Therefore, Shivaji was the king who organized the Asht Pradhan during his reign.
