Administration

Administration Central Government Shivaji was a not only a great warrior but a good administrator too. He had an advisory council to assist him in his day-to-day administration. This council of eight ministers was known as Ashta Pradhan . Its functions were advisory. The eight ministers were: The Mukhya Pradhan or Peshwa or prime minister whose duty was to look after the general welfare and interests of the State. He officiated for the king in his absence. The Amatya or finance minister checked and countersigned all public accounts of the kingdom. The Walkia-Nawis or Mantri maintained the records of the king’s activities and the proceedings in the court. Summant or Dabir or foreign secretary was to advise king on all matters of war and peace and to receive ambassadors and envoys from other countries. Sachiv or Shuru Nawis or home secretary was to look after the correspondence of the king with the power to revise the drafts. He also checked the accounts of the Parganas.