1. The question asks about the Ashtapradhan.
2. The Ashtapradhan (literally 'Council of Eight') was the principal Council of Ministers in the Maratha Administration.
3. It was formally established by the founder of the Maratha Empire, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in the 17th century to assist him in governing the empire.
4. The council comprised eight ministers, each holding a specific portfolio, such as the Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance Minister), Senapati (Commander-in-Chief), etc.
5. This administrative structure was specific to the Maratha Empire and was distinct from the administrative councils found in the Gupta, Chola, or Vijayanagar administrations.