Horses of Shivaji Maharaj

                          Ashtapradhan

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj designated eight ministers, its known as 'Ashtapradhan', each minister being directly responsible to the ruler. Shivaji established a royal name for himself in history with his administrative skills by upholding the Swarajya values and the Maratha heritage.

Ashta Pradhan was a council of eight ministers that administered the Maratha empire. It was an administrative and advisory council set up in 1674 by the Maratha leader Shivaji. The eight officials were called Peshva, Amatya, Waqia-Navis, Samant, Sachiv, Pandit Rao, Sar-i-nabuat, and Nyayadhish.

1. Peshwa -  (Pantpradhan)  Moropant Trimbak Pingle were the most important ministers who looked after the finance and general administration of Empire.he was the first Peshwa appointed by Shivaji Maharaj.

2. Senapati - (sari-i-naubat) Netaji Plakar was appointed as the first Senapati. Senapati were one of the leading Marathas chiefs which was basically post of honour. Senspsti is Commander - in- Chief, managing the force and defense of the Empire.Most famous Senapti in that era was Hambirrao Mohite.

3. Majumdar-  (Amatya) - Ramchandra Pant appointed as Finance Minister, he was accountant of empire.after the Coronation, the post Mujumdar was renamed as Amatya.

4. Wake navis - Dattoji Pant  is one who looks after the intelligence and Espionage, and household affairs.

5. Surnavis or chitnis - (Sachiv)  Annaji Datto appointed as Secretary, how preparing royal edicts. He assist the king with his correspondence.

6. Dabir - (Samant) - Foreign Minister was the master of ceremonies and helps the king in his dealing with foreign affairs. Sonopant Dubeer was the first dabir who was send by Shahaji maharaj to help Shivaji Maharaj and Jijabai in Pune region.after Sonopant, his son Traymbak Dibeer was appointed as Dabir.

7. Nayayadish - Chief Justice,were in charge of justice on civil and criminal matters. the post Nyayadish was bestowed on Niraji Ravaji, after of Pralhad Niraji.

8. Panditrao -  Raghunath Pandit was High Priest, managing internal religious matters. The duties of the Panditrao were to promote learning and in theAshta Pradhan, known as Senapti or Sarnobat, he was to watch over the intrests of his officers.

Continued conflict with the Mughal Empire meant that military matters remained exceedingly important to the affairs of the nascent state. Hence, with the notable exception of the priestly Panditrao and the judicial Nyayadisha, the other pradhans held full-time military commands, and their deputies performed their civil duties in their stead. In the later era of the Maratha Empire, these deputies and their staff constituted the core of the Peshwa's bureaucracy.

General features  Shivaji's Administration

To maintain balance and equality among people, he employed people of all tribes and castes.
He made no office hereditary.
Separate responsibilities were assigned to the ministers under his administration.
Special attention was given to the forts by the ruler shivaji.

 Achievements of Adminstration – he increased the influence of the Maratha Empire from Deccan to Karnataka and gave it a place at the all India level, he built an efficient administrative system,set up an authentic revenue system for income and broadened the economic base of the empire through Chauth. 

Military Administration:

Shivaji organised a disciplined and efficient army. The ordinary soldiers were paid in cash, but the chief and military commander were paid through jagir grants, The army consists of Infantry i.e. Mavali foot soldiers, Cavalry i.e. Horse riders and equipment holders, Navy.