Annaji Datto Sachiv was the Sachiv (Chief Secretary) in the Ashta Pradhan (Council of 8) mandal of the Maratha Empire during the rule of Shivaji. Early life Before joining the services of Shivaji, Annaji Datto was a Kulkarni of Sangameshwar. He joined Shivaji's administration in 1647. Career Campaign on Panhala and Pawangad Annaji Datto was assigned the job of capturing the Panhala fort after the Afzal episode. In 1659, Annaji captured the Panhala fort and Pawangad fort from the Mughals. Minister under Shivaji Maharaj Land reform In 1667, Shivaji Maharaj appointed Annaji to the task of land revenue reform in areas under the Swarajya.He improved upon Malik Amber's revenue system and introduced a new one. Annaji's efforts led to a new system of lower government claim on farm produce of 2/5.His work involved accurate land measurement, bringing new land under cultivation, and measures to reduce exploitation of the illiterate cultivators by the hereditary village officials such as the Patil and Kulkarni. Annaji Datto also carried out a survey known as Annaji Datto's Dhara. He improved upon Malik Amber's revenue system and introduced a new one, which is considered to be one of the great land-marks in the deve- lopment of agriculture in Maharashtra in medieval time Sarkarkun for Konkan division According to Subhasad Bhakhar, the Maratha Empire of Shivaji Maharaj was divided into three parts, each under a cabinet minister, called a Sarkarkun. Annaji Datto Sachiv, Moropant Trimbak Pingle, and Dattoji Pant were appointed sarkarkun. As sarkarkun, Annaji Datto controlled the Konkan territory, including Choul. Dabhol, Rajapur, Kudal, Bande, Phonda, and Koppal. This division between territories was called Talghat or Southern division. Conflict with Sambhaji Shivaji's eldest son and presumptive heir, Sambhaji, was sent to the fort of Panhala by his father, who disapproved of his habits. However, in December 1678 Sambhaji left the fort and defected to the Mughals for a year, but then returned home when he learnt of a plan by Dilir Khan, the Mughal viceroy of Deccan to arrest him and send him to Delhi. Upon returning home, Sambhaji was unrepentant and was again put under surveillance at Panhala by his father. However, Shivaji soon fell ill and died in April 1680. The news of Shivaji's death reached Sambhaji at Panhala within eleven days. Conspiracy with Soyarabai At the time of Shivaji's death, Annaji conspired with Shivaji's widow, Soyarabai to lure the Council of ministers (ashtapradhan