Hindu Polity: A Constitutional History of India in Hindu Times c43.61

c43.61

note the official designations of different ministers. The number of the Ministry or Cabinet is recommended by Manu (VII. 54) to be seven or eight. The number eight had become nearly fixed when the Śukranīti was written, and on its tradition the Ashṭa Pradhāna, or the Ministry of Eight, of Śivāji, was founded. The eight ministers according to 'some' authorities referred to in the Śukranīti are the following:—¹