The ‘Ashtapradhan’ (Council of Eight Ministers) existed during the reign of Shivaji. This council was his advisory body, assisting him in the administration of the newly formed state. Unlike later administrations, the ministers were advisory and subordinate to the Chhatrapati, who held ultimate executive and legislative power. Answer is (A) Shivaji
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The ‘Ashtapradhan’ (literally, Eight Ministers) was the council of ministers formalized by Shivaji to efficiently administer his expanding Maratha Kingdom. The eight key posts included the Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance Minister), Sachiv (Secretary) and Sumant (Foreign Affairs). The council was a purely consultative body; all ministers held their office at the pleasure of the Chhatrapati, ensuring a strong central executive authority, unlike the later period where the Peshwa became supreme.