Shivaji's Ashtapradhan (Council of Eight Ministers) system is believed to have been inspired by which Deccan administrator known for his military and revenue reforms?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is (D) Malik Ambar.
Explanation:
☛ Malik Ambar was an Ethiopian-born military leader and the prime minister (Peshwa/regent) of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate.
☛ He is renowned for pioneering guerrilla warfare tactics (known as Bargigiri) in the Deccan and introducing revolutionary revenue reforms.
☛ Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's administrative framework, including his Ashtapradhan (council of eight ministers) and land revenue assessment system, was significantly inspired by Malik Ambar's administrative models.
☛ Malik Ambar assessed land revenue based on actual cultivation and productivity, standardizing land measurement using a rod known as the Kathi.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ The Ashtapradhan system consisted of eight key ministers directly responsible to the king: Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance), Waqia-Navis (Internal Affairs), Sachiv (Royal Correspondence), Sumant (Foreign Affairs), Senapati (Commander-in-Chief), Panditrao (Religious Head), and Nyayadhish (Chief Justice).
☛ Except for Panditrao and Nyayadhish, all members of the Ashtapradhan were required to lead military campaigns when needed.
☛ Afzal Khan: A prominent general of the Bijapur Sultanate who was killed by Shivaji Maharaj in 1659 during the Battle of Pratapgad.
☛ Shaista Khan: Mughal viceroy of the Deccan and maternal uncle of Aurangzeb, whose military encampment in Pune was daringly raided by Shivaji Maharaj in 1663.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which Maratha ruler established the 'Ashtapradhan' council of ministers? → Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
☛ What was the portfolio of the 'Amatya' in Shivaji's Ashtapradhan? → Finance and Revenue Administration
☛ What was the 25% (one-fourth) levy collected by Marathas from non-Maratha territories called? → Chauth
☛ What was the additional 10% levy claimed by Shivaji as the hereditary head of Maharashtra called? → Sardeshmukhi
☛ Who held the post of commander-in-chief in Shivaji's Ashtapradhan? → Sari Naubat (Senapati)