Peshwa Baji Rao I
In this article, we will learn about the life of Peshwa Baji Rao I, his military conquests, his personal life and how did he die? Happy Reading!
Table of Contents
Who was Peshwa Baji Rao I?
Peshwa Baji Rao was the 2nd Peshwa of the Maratha Empire after his father Balaji Vishwanath died due to ill health. He was born on 18th August, 1700. Baji Rao I is often referred as the fighting Peshwa because of his awesome military skills.
He was credited with expanding the Maratha Empire ten-fold. He was the greatest exponent of guerrilla tactics after Shivaji
He preached the idea of Hindu Padshahi to secure the support of Hindu chiefs against the Mughals.
Personal Life of Baji Rao I
Baji Rao I was the son of Balaji Vishwanath and Radhabai Barve. He was married to Kashibai and Mastani. He had 4 sons – Balaji Baji Rao, Shamsher Bahadur I, Raghunath Rao and Janardhan Rao. Out of these, Balaji Baji Rao became famous as the next Peshwa of Maratha Empire.
Military Conquests of Baji Rao I
- Nizam of Hyderabad – Nizam was forced by Baji Rao I to sign a peace treaty with Marathas in 1728.
- Malwa Expedition
- Battle of Vasai with Portuguese
- Bundelkhand Expedition
- Capture of Gujarat
- Battle of Delhi
- Battle of Bhopal
What did Peshwa Baji Rao did not focus on?
Though he expanded the Maratha empire manifold but he was unable to lay a strong foundation for the Maratha Empire. Just like a tall building falls without a good base, the great Maratha Empire weakened after his death because of the various feudal lords in the Empire. The immediate result of this was that the Marathas lost the 3rd Battle of Panipat from Ahmed Shah Abdali.
How did Peshwa Baji Rao died?
Peshwa Baji Rao died on 28th April 1740 due to a virulent fever while he was in Ravekhedi. However some say that he died because of separation from his lover Mastani.
Who became Peshwa after Baji Rao I?
After his death, his son Balaji Baji Rao became the Peshwa. During his time, Sangola agreement was signed through which constitutional power was transferred from Chhatrapati to Peshwa. The headquarters of Maratha Empire now shifted to Poona.
Balaji Baji Rao also fought the 3rd Battle of Panipat with Ahmad Shah Abdali where he lost. And this defeat marked the starting of decline of Maratha Empire.
FAQs
Peshwa Baji Rao was the 2nd Peshwa of the Maratha Empire after his father Balaji Vishwanath died due to ill health. He was born on 18th August, 1700.
Baji Rao had 2 wives – Kashibai and Mastani. From Kashibai, he had 3 sons – Balaji Baji Rao, Raghunath Rao and Janardhan Rao. And from Mastani he had 1 son – Shamsher Bahadur I.
His eldest son Balaji Baji Rao became the Peshwa after the death of Baji Rao I. During his reign, the decline of Maratha Empire started after Marathas lost the 3rd Battle of Panipat from Abdali.
Baji Rao I forced Nizam of Hyderabad to sign a peace treaty with the Maratha Kingdom.
Kashibai suffered from Athritis and died because of poor health.
He died while fighting for the Marathas in the 3rd Battle of Panipat.
Peshwa Baji Rao II was the last Peshwa.
Peshwa Baji Rao was not killed by anyone. Rather he died because of a virulent fever while he was in Ravekhedi camp in 1740.