Q. In Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan, who among the following officers looked after the foreign affairs?
(a) Peshwa
(b) Sumant
(c) Pandit Rao
(d) Sachiv
Ans: (b) Sumant
Explanation: In Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan, the officer who looked after the foreign affairs was (b) Sumant.
The Ashtapradhan was Shivaji’s council of eight ministers, each assigned with specific responsibilities to administer the affairs of the Maratha Empire. Among them, the Sumant, also known as the Dabir or Secretary, was responsible for handling foreign affairs. The Sumant played a crucial role in diplomacy, negotiations, and communication with foreign powers and emissaries. They were tasked with maintaining diplomatic relations, drafting and interpreting treaties, and managing correspondence with other kingdoms and entities outside of the Maratha Empire.