This was the council of Eight Ministers appointed by Shivaji to advise him on the important matters connected with the administration of the kingdom. Each minister headed a particular department or ministry. The minister incharge of finances and general administration was known as Peshwa. The minister who held the charge of the army was known as Sar-i-naubati. Both these ministers were very powerful. Other ministries included finance and revenue, home minister, foreign affairs, charitable grants, justice and correspondence.