Sumant
Also called: Dabir · Topic: The Marathas · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Sumant was one of the eight ministers in Shivaji's Ashta pradhana mandala (council of eight ministers that helped the king). He looked after foreign affairs, meaning the kingdom's dealings with other states. He received envoys (messengers sent by other rulers), handled talks with neighbouring powers and kept the king informed about them. His older title was Dabir, a Persian word. It was replaced by the Sanskrit name Sumant when Shivaji gave Sanskrit names to state offices.
Example
In the 17th century the Maratha kingdom had to deal with Bijapur, the Mughals and European traders on the coast. Sending and receiving envoys to these powers was the Sumant's job.
Don't confuse with
- Sumant vs Sachiv: the Sumant handled foreign affairs. The Sachiv handled royal letters and correspondence.
- Sumant vs Peshwa: the Peshwa was the 'prime minister' (a Persian term) and headed the council. The Sumant handled only foreign relations.
Related concepts
- Maratha administration
- Ashtapradhan
- Peshwa
- Amatya
- Sachiv
- Nyayadhish
- Panditrao
- Deshmukh
- Chauth and sardeshmukhi
- Saranjam