Bajirao I

Shrimant Peshwa

Bajirao I
Portrait of Bajirao I
7th Peshwa of the Maratha Empire
In office
17 April 1720 – 28 April 1740
MonarchShahu I
Preceded byBalaji Vishwanath
Succeeded byBalaji Baji Rao
Personal details
Born
Visaji Bhat

(1700-08-18)18 August 1700
Dubere, Sinnar, Maratha Kingdom
Died28 April 1740(1740-04-28) (aged 39)
Rawerkhedi, Maratha Empire
Spouse(s)
  • Kashibai
    ​
    (m. 1720)​
  • Mastani
    ​
    (m. 1728)​
Children5, including Balaji Baji Rao, Shamsher Bahadur and Raghunath Rao
MotherRadhabai Barve
FatherBalaji Vishwanath
Relatives
  • Chimaji Appa (brother)
  • Bhiubai Joshi (sister)
  • Anubai Ghorpade (sister)
  • Sadashivrao Bhau (nephew)
Signature
Military career
Branch Maratha Army
RankPeshwa
UnitPeshwa's Cavalry
Battles / wars
See list

  • Wars of Bajirao

Bajirao I (also known as Visaji Bajirao Ballal) was the 7th and most powerful Peshwa (prime minister) of the Maratha Empire. Born on August 18, 1700, he is regarded as one of the most energetic leaders in Maratha history, second only to Shivaji. Bajirao became Peshwa when he was just twenty years old and was known for his quick decisions and love for military adventures.

Early Life

Born into a Brahmin family, he was one of the two sons of Radhabai and Balaji Vishwanath. His younger brother, Chimnaji Appa, also became a skilled and respected general in the Maratha armies and remained loyal to Bajirao throughout his life. Balaji Vishwanath, their father, was a strict disciplinarian and instilled strong values and a sense of adventure in both his sons. Bajirao often accompanied his father on military campaigns and witnessed his victories over the enemies of Shahu Maharaj, which had a lasting impact on him.

Military Campaigns

Throughout his career, Bajirao fought against many leaders and groups. Some of his notable opponents included:

Bajirao I played a key role in turning the Maratha Kingdom into a powerful empire. During his leadership, he expanded Maratha control from just 3% to about 30% of the Indian subcontinent.

Death

Baji Rao I died on the banks of the Narmada River. His death was caused by his body being worn out from the many wars and battles he had fought throughout his life.

References

  1. ↑ Gokhale, Sandhya (2008). The Chitpavans: social ascendancy of a creative minority in Maharashtra, 1818–1918. Shubhi. p. 82. ISBN 978-8182901322.
  2. ↑ Chhabra, G. S. (2005) [1971]. Advanced Study in the History of Modern India (Volume 1: 1707–1813) (Revised ed.). Lotus Press. p. 19. ISBN 978-8189093068.
  3. ↑ New Cambridge History of India. The Marathas - Cambridge History of India (Vol. 2, Part 4). p. 114.
  4. ↑ G.S.Chhabra (2005). Advance Study in the History of Modern India (Volume-1: 1707-1803). Lotus Press. p. 19. ISBN 978-81-89093-06-8.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 G.S.Chhabra (2005). Advance Study in the History of Modern India (Volume-1: 1707-1803). Lotus Press. pp. 25–27. ISBN 978-81-89093-06-8.
  6. ↑ Montgomery of Alamein, Bernard Law Montgomery (1972). A concise history of warfare. Internet Archive. London : Collins. p. 132. ISBN 978-0-00-192149-8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: publisher location (link)
  7. ↑ Srinivasan, c k (1961). Baji Rao I The Great Peshwa. p. 128.