In Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan, the ‘Sar-e-Naubat’ (also Senapati) meant the Commander-in-Chief. He was responsible for the recruitment, discipline and organization of the Maratha army. Critically, the Sar-e-Naubat was primarily a military officer and had no civil authority, ensuring military power remained subordinate to the Chhatrapati and the Peshwa. Answer is (C) Commander-in-Chief
Share
The ‘Sar-e-Naubat’ (literally, Chief of the Military or Senapati) was the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces in Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan. This minister was responsible for the overall organization, maintenance and deployment of the army, including both cavalry (Paga) and infantry. Although a key ministerial post, the Sar-e-Naubat‘s power was deliberately limited to military affairs, ensuring the separation of civil and military authority, which was a hallmark of Shivaji’s administrative system.