Shivaji Maharaj                                                                                                                                                                               

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Context: Maharashtra Governor remarks that Samarth Ramdas was the ‘guru’ of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has stirred controversy in the state.

• Historians and researchers say that the issue of calling Samarth Ramdas guru of Shivaji Maharaj is more about the supremacy of Brahmins over non-Brahmins but there is no such records or evidence available to show the same.

About Shivaji Maharaj:

• Shivaji Bhonsale I, also referred to as Chhatrapati Shivaji, was an Indian ruler and a member of the Bhonsle Maratha clan.
• Shivaji carved out an enclave from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur that formed the genesis of the Maratha Empire.
• In 1674, he was formally crowned the Chhatrapati of his realm at Raigad Fort.
• He established a competent and progressive civil rule with well-structured administrative organisations.
• He revived ancient Hindu political traditions, court conventions and promoted the usage of the Marathi and Sanskrit languages, replacing Persian in court and administration.
• The Council of Eight Ministers, or Ashta Pradhan Mandal, was an administrative and advisory council set up by Shivaji.

       Ashta Pradhan Mandal

            Minister                                                                                Duty

1. Peshwa or Prime Minister                               General Administration
2. Amatya or Finance Minister                               Maintaining Public accounts
3. Mantri or Chronicler                                                Maintaining Court records
4. Summant or Dabir or Foreign Secretary                All matters related to relationships with other states
5. Sachiv or Shurn Nawis or Home Secretary           Managing correspondence of the king
6. Panditrao or Ecclesiastical Head                                 Religious matters
7. Nyayadhis or Chief Justice                                 Civil and Military justice
8. Senapati/Sari Naubat or Commander-in-Chief All matters related to army of the king

Except the Panditrao and Nyayadhis all other ministers held military commands, their civil duties often being performed by deputies. Shivaji is known for his liberal and tolerant religious policies.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-controversy-maharashtra-governor-remark-shivaji-maharaj-7796049/