The institution of the Peshwas, established during the heyday of the Maratha Empire, played a pivotal role in shaping the political and administrative landscape of India. This article delves into the specifics of the Peshwa system, with a focus on key figures and historical events.
1. Peshwas and Their Strategic Alliances:
The Peshwas, as prime ministers to the Maratha rulers, strategically allied with influential sirdars, creating a pentarchy. Shindes of Gwalior, Holkars of Indore, Gaikwads of Baroda, and Bhosles of Nagpur formed semi-autonomous fiefdoms under Peshwa control.
2. Arrangements with Chhatrapatis:
The Peshwas engaged in arrangements with Chhatrapatis, the kings of Shivaji's line. Similar to the hereditary shogun's position in Japan, the Peshwa and the Maratha king maintained separate capitals. The Peshwa received investiture robes from the king, showcasing respect.
3. Balaji Vishwanath (1713-1720):
Balaji Vishwanath Bhat, the first hereditary Peshwa, rose from a small revenue official to Peshwa in 1713. He played a crucial role in establishing Shahu as the Maratha ruler and secured significant rights from the Mughal emperor, Farukh Siyar, in 1719.
4. Baji Rao I (1720-1740):
Baji Rao I, Balaji Vishwanath's eldest son, succeeded his father at the age of twenty. Established a confederacy system among Maratha chiefs, assigning autonomous territories and empowering prominent Maratha families.
5. Balaji Baji Rao (Nanasaheb Peshwa, 1740-1761):
Nanasaheb excelled in war, diplomacy, and administration, focusing on civil administration improvements. Nanasaheb's policies suffered due to the destruction of the Maratha navy in 1756, leading to a strategic alliance with the British to overcome the Angre navy.
6. Third Battle of Panipat (1761):
The Afghan invader Shah Abdali inflicted a major defeat on the Marathas. The Marathas lost over 100,000 men, key sirdars, and valuable resources, marking a turning point in Maratha fortunes.
7. Peshwa Madhav Rao I (1761-1772) and Successors:
Madhav Rao, succeeding Nanasaheb, attempted to reclaim Maratha power lost at Panipat. Victorious battles against the Nizam of Hyderabad and Haider Ali of Mysore.
8. Peshwa Baji Rao II (Last Peshwa):
Baji Rao II, son of Raghunath Rao, marked the end of the Peshwa lineage. The British conquest followed the decline of Maratha power, marking the transition in Indian history.
