Table of Contents
Introduction: List of Peshwas of The Maratha Empire
The Peshwas of The Maratha Empire were a powerful dynasty of prime ministers who had significant influence in the Maratha Empire. The title “Peshwa” means “foremost leader” in Persian.
The rise of the Peshwas began with Balaji Vishwanath, who served as the first Peshwa from 1713 to 1720. However, it was under his son, Baji Rao I, that the Peshwas reached the zenith of their power. Baji Rao I expanded Maratha’s influence across India through military campaigns and diplomacy.
Under subsequent Peshwas like Balaji Baji Rao (also known as Nana Saheb) and Madhavrao I, the Maratha Empire continued to expand its territories and influence, reaching its greatest extent during the latter half of the 18th century.
Who Were the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire?
- The Peshwa was the prime minister and chief administrator of the Maratha Empire.
- The position of Peshwa was established during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and continued as a hereditary office within the ruling Brahmin family of the Bhat family.
- The Peshwa was the second highest office in the Maratha empire.
- The word Peshwa came from Persian Peshwa, meaning “foremost, leader“.
- The Bahmani Sultans designated their prime minister as “Peshwa“.
- The office of Peshwa became hereditary after the death of Shahu in 1749.
List of Peshwas of the Maratha Empire
| Moropant Trimbak Pingle (1620–1683) | He was the first Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. |
| Nilakanth Moreshvar Pingale | 2nd Peshwa of the Maratha Empire (1683-1689). |
| Ramchandra Pant Amatya | Finance Minister (Amatya) of Shivaji Maharaj from 1674 to 1680. 3rd Peshwa of the Maratha Empire (1689–1708). He wrote Adnyapatra (code of civil and military administration). |
| Bahiroji Pingale | 4th Peshwa of the Maratha Empire (1708 – 1711). |
| Parshuram Trimbak Kulkarni | In 1698, he was appointed as Pratinidhi by Rajaram I. |
| Balaji Vishwanath | 1. Chatrapati Shahu appointed Balaji Vishwanath as Peshwa in 1713. 2. He helped the Syed Brothers in deposing the Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar. |
| Baji Rao I | Baji Rao was appointed Peshwa by Chhatrapati Shahu in 1720. Battle of Palkhed (1728): Baji Rao I led the Maratha forces to victory against the Nizam of Hyderabad at the Battle of Palkhed. This battle established Maratha’s dominance in the Deccan region. Treaty of Mungi Shevgaon (1728): Following the Battle of Palkhed, Baji Rao I negotiated the Treaty of Mungi Shevgaon with the Nizam of Hyderabad, securing territorial gains for the Marathas and establishing their influence in the region. Peshwa Expansion: Baji Rao I significantly expanded the territories of the Maratha Empire through military campaigns and diplomatic alliances. His conquests extended Maratha’s influence into Malwa, Gujarat, and parts of Rajasthan. Battles against the Mughals (1737): Baji Rao I led several successful military campaigns against the declining Mughal Empire, including battles against Mughal governors and the Mughal Emperor himself, Muhammad Shah. Establishment of the Peshwa Administration: Baji Rao I further strengthened the administrative system established by his predecessors, laying the foundation for the Peshwa administration, which would become the central authority in the Maratha Empire. Death and Legacy: Baji Rao I died in 1740. His reign marked a period of significant expansion and consolidation of Maratha power in India. Shaniwar Wada in Pune was constructed by Peshwa Bajirao I in 1732. It was the principal residence of the Peshwas, until 1818. |
| Balaji Bajirao | Balaji Bajirao was known as Nana Saheb. Balaji Bajirao served as the Peshwa from 1740 to 1761. Battle of Udgir (1760): Balaji Bajirao led Maratha forces in the Battle of Udgir against the Nizam of Hyderabad. Third Battle of Panipat (1761): One of the most significant events during Balaji Bajirao’s rule was the Third Battle of Panipat, which took place in 1761. The Maratha Empire, led by Sadashivrao Bhau, suffered a decisive defeat against the Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Durrani. This battle resulted in significant loss of life and territory for the Marathas and marked a turning point in Indian history. Death and Succession: Balaji Bajirao passed away in 1761, shortly after the Third Battle of Panipat. His son, Madhavrao I, succeeded him as the next Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. |
| Madhav Rao I | Peshwa of the Maratha Empire from 1761 to 1772. Recovery and Reorganization after the Third Battle of Panipat (1761): Madhavrao I ascended to the position of Peshwa at a challenging time following the devastating defeat of the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat. He played a crucial role in rebuilding the Maratha Empire, restoring stability, and reorganizing the administration and military. Diplomatic Relations: Madhavrao I worked to strengthen diplomatic relations with various regional powers to ensure stability and security for the Maratha Empire. He negotiated treaties with neighboring states and forged alliances to protect Maratha’s interests. Military Campaigns: Madhavrao I led successful military campaigns to expand Maratha’s influence and reclaim lost territories. Death and Legacy: Madhavrao I’s reign came to an end tragically when he died in 1772 at a young age. |
| Narayan Rao | Peshwa of the Maratha Empire from 1772 to 1773. Narayan Rao ascended to the position of Peshwa following the death of his father, Madhavrao I, in 1772. Narayan Rao’s rule was marked by intense court intrigues and political rivalries within the Maratha court. He faced opposition from various factions. He was murdered in a conspiracy orchestrated by his uncle, Raghunathrao, and his supporters, who sought to place Raghunathrao on the throne. |
| Raghunath Rao | Peshwa of the Maratha Empire from 1773 to 1774. Maratha Civil War: Raghunath Rao’s attempts to assert his authority as Peshwa led to a civil war within the Maratha Empire. The conflict was known as the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782). Treaty of Salbai (1782). Deposition and Exile: Raghunath Rao’s inability to govern led to his deposition as Peshwa in 1774. |
| Madhav Rao II | Peshwa of the Maratha Empire from 1774 to 1796. |
| Baji Rao II | Peshwa of the Maratha Empire from 1796 to 1818. Treaty of Bassein in 1802. Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805): Second Anglo-Maratha War between the Marathas and the British East India Company in 1803. Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818): Between the Marathas and the British East India Company. The war ended with the defeat of the Marathas at the Battle of Koregaon and the subsequent annexation of Maratha territories by the British. Baji Rao II was deposed as Peshwa, and the Maratha territories were annexed by the British East India Company. Baji Rao II was exiled to Bithur near Kanpur, where he lived in obscurity until he died in 1851. |
| Nana Sahib | Leader during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Adopted son of the exiled Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao II. Aimed to restore the Maratha confederacy and the position of Peshwa. |
| Bajirao III (1795-1818) | Birth: 10 January 1775 Death: 28 January 1851 Position: 13th and last Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy Reign: 1795 to 1818 Early Life and Background: Son of Raghunathrao and Anandibai. Born while his parents were in captivity by the Peshwa’s cabinet. Spent his early years in confinement with limited education. Political Career: Installed as a puppet ruler by Maratha nobles Daulat Rao Scindia and Nana Fadnavis in 1795. Succeeded Madhavrao II after his suicide in 1795. Treaty of Bassein (1802): Signed a treaty with the British, allowing them to station troops in Maratha territory. The treaty led to the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805), which the British won, re-installing Baji Rao II as Peshwa, though with less power. Holkar’s Invasion of Poona (1802): Baji Rao fled Poona after Yashwant Rao Holkar defeated him in the Battle of Hadapsar. Took refuge in Vasai and later moved to Bombay for assistance. Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818): Baji Rao II sided with the Maratha feudatories against the British after a dispute over the Gaekwad revenue-sharing. Battle of Khadki (1817): Despite initial advances, Baji Rao’s forces were defeated by the British near Poona. After several defeats, Baji Rao II was forced to surrender to the British in 1818, marking the end of the Maratha Confederacy. Surrender and Retirement: After the surrender, Baji Rao II was allowed to retire to Bithoor, near Kanpur, with an annual pension of £80,000. He was forbidden from returning to Poona and had to give up all claims to his title as Peshwa, though he was allowed to use the title of Maharaja. The British stationed him under supervision in Bithoor, where he lived for the remainder of his life. End of the Maratha Power: Baji Rao II’s surrender and the British control over the Maratha territories signified the end of the Maratha Confederacy as a powerful entity in India. He passed away in 1851 at Bithoor. He spent the last years of his life under British surveillance. |
FAQ
Who were the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire?
Answer: The Peshwas were the prime ministers of the Maratha Empire, originally serving as chief administrators under the Maratha kings. Over time, they became the de facto leaders of the empire, wielding significant political and military power. The position of Peshwa was established in the early 18th century by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Who was the first hereditary Peshwa, and what were his contributions?
Answer: The first hereditary Peshwa was Balaji Vishwanath, appointed in 1713. His major contributions include stabilizing the Maratha Empire after the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s successors, negotiating the release of Shahu from Mughal captivity, and establishing the Peshwa’s authority within the empire.
Why is Baji Rao I considered one of the greatest Peshwas?
Answer: Baji Rao I, who served as Peshwa from 1720 to 1740, is considered one of the greatest due to his exceptional military skills and successful expansion of the Maratha Empire. He led numerous campaigns that extended Maratha’s influence across central and northern India, defeating several major powers of the time.
What was the significance of the Third Battle of Panipat for the Maratha Empire?
Answer: The Third Battle of Panipat fought in 1761, was a major conflict between the Marathas and the Afghan forces led by Ahmad Shah Abdali. The Marathas suffered a devastating defeat, which significantly weakened their military power and marked a turning point in the empire’s fortunes. The battle resulted in massive casualties for the Marathas and led to a temporary decline in their influence in north India.
Who was Madhavrao I, and how did he contribute to the Maratha Empire?
Answer: Madhavrao I was the Peshwa from 1761 to 1772. He is known for his efforts to rebuild the Maratha Empire after the catastrophic loss at the Third Battle of Panipat. His administrative reforms and successful military campaigns helped restore the empire’s stability and strength.
What led to the decline of the Peshwa rule in the Maratha Empire?
Answer: The decline of Peshwa’s rule was primarily due to internal conflicts, succession disputes, and increasing pressure from the British East India Company. The defeat of Baji Rao II in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818) marked the end of Peshwa rule and the incorporation of Maratha territories into British India.
Conclusion
Internal strife and external pressures, including conflicts with the British East India Company, weakened the Maratha Empire in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818) resulted in the defeat of the Marathas, and the Peshwas were stripped of their power, marking the end of their rule and the eventual annexation of their territories by the British.