Under the Maratha ruler Shivaji, what was the name given to his council of eight ministers that handled different departments of administration?

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on the administrative system introduced by the Maratha ruler Shivaji. One of his important innovations was the creation of a council of eight ministers, each responsible for a specific function such as finance, foreign affairs, and justice. Knowing the collective name of this council is a common requirement in Indian history examinations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks about Shivaji s administrative council.
• There were eight ministers handling different departments.
• Options include Parishad, Mantri Parishad, Ashta Pradhan, and Rajya Parishad.

Concept / Approach:
In Marathi, Ashta means eight and Pradhan means ministers or chief officers. Therefore, the council of eight ministers under Shivaji was called the Ashta Pradhan. Each member had a specific title and function, such as Peshwa for general administration and Amatya for finance. The other terms in the options are more generic and do not specifically denote the eight member council.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Shivaji organised his central administration with the help of eight key ministers. Step 2: Recognise that Ashta Pradhan literally translates to eight ministers. Step 3: Note that this term appears in almost all descriptions of Shivaji s administrative system. Step 4: Understand that other phrases like Mantri Parishad or Rajya Parishad are more generic and not the technical name used in history texts. Step 5: Therefore, select Ashta Pradhan as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard textbooks on medieval Indian history and Maratha administration lists the eight ministers under the heading Ashta Pradhan, with each minister s portfolio clearly defined. This confirms the correctness of the term.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Parishad and Rajya Parishad simply mean council or state council and are too general to be the technical term. Mantri Parishad similarly means council of ministers but does not capture the specific eight minister structure under Shivaji.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners focus only on the idea of a council and choose one of the more generic names. Remembering the literal meaning of Ashta as eight can help avoid this mistake.

Final Answer:
Shivaji s council of eight ministers was called the Ashta Pradhan.