Persons were appointed to the title and office by the King, these appointees made up the King's council of ministers. Only a very few Adigars existed at one given time and most senior of Adigars was known as the "Maha Adikarm" or 1st Adikar; similar to the post of a modern Prime Minister. There was no time limit for the office holder as he held the post at the pleasure of the King, which meant throughout his life, if not incurred the displeasure of the King. It was not hereditary, although members of the same family have been appointed.