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Difficulty: MediumMedieval Indian Dynasties, Administration, and Regional Kingdoms

Consider the following statements regarding the 'Ashtapradhan' administrative council and revenue system established under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:

1. The Peshwa was responsible for the general administration and finance of the kingdom.
2. The Sumant (Dabir) held charge of military affairs, troop recruitment, and army organization.
3. 'Sardeshmukhi' was an additional ten percent levy claimed on land revenue based on the ruler's assertion of hereditary rights over the region.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 3 onlyAnswer
  2. B
    1 and 2 only
  3. C
    2 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

Statements 1 and 3 only are correct.
The combination specifying statements 1 and 3 only is correct. Under Shivaji Maharaj's Ashtapradhan council, the Peshwa served as the prime minister overseeing civil and financial administration. 'Sardeshmukhi' was indeed an additional 10% tax collected on top of 'Chauth' (25%), justified by Shivaji's claim to hereditary suzerainty. Statement 2 is false because the Sumant (Dabir) was the foreign minister, whereas military administration fell under the Senapati (Sarnaubat).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding the Peshwa's portfolio.
The Peshwa (Mukhya Pradhan) was the Prime Minister responsible for overall administration, civil affairs, and state finance.
Verifies that Statement 1 is accurate.
2
Analyze Statement 2 regarding the Sumant (Dabir).
The Sumant (Dabir) handled foreign affairs, foreign dignitaries, and diplomatic relations. Military recruitment and defense were led by the Senapati (Sarnaubat).
Identifies Statement 2 as incorrect due to portfolio misattribution.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding Maratha revenue demands.
Sardeshmukhi was an extra 10% tax levied on lands outside the core territory based on Shivaji's claim as the Sar-Deshmukh (head headman).
Verifies that Statement 3 is accurate.

Key Concept

Maratha Administration: Ashtapradhan Council Portfolios and Revenue Systems
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Topics

Medieval Indian Dynasties, Administration, and Regional Kingdoms

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