The Ashtapradhan system in Shivaji's rule is an example of what?

Organization of administrative departments

Correct answer: B. Ashtapradhan literally refers to a group of eight principal ministers associated with Shivaji's administration. These ministers were assigned different responsibilities, so the system shows an organised division of governmental work. It was therefore an administrative council or arrangement, not a plan for constructing a temple or writing a royal inscription. B is correct because it describes the organisation of administrative departments. A is too narrow: although religion could be relevant to a premodern court, Ashtapradhan was not simply a religious council. C belongs to Chola architecture. D refers to Gupta-style praise inscriptions. Memory cue: Ashtapradhan means eight ministers—remember Maratha administration.

This is a Class 10 General Knowledge question. Chapter: Indian History. Topic: Famous Indian Rulers.