Peshwa Era
Peshwa Era
1. Background
Period: Late 17th century
to early 19th century (1674–1818).
Context: The Peshwa era
refers to the period of governance in the Maratha Empire when the Peshwas
(prime ministers) held significant political power.
2. Key Peshwas
1. Balaji Vishwanath
(1714-1720)
Role: First Peshwa of the
Bhat family; consolidated Maratha power and restored stability.
Achievements: Strengthened
the central authority and negotiated peace with the Mughal Empire.
2. Baji Rao I (1720-1740)
Role: Famous for his
military campaigns and expansion of the Maratha Empire.
Achievements: Expanded
Maratha influence across India, leading successful campaigns in North India,
including the Battle of Palkhed against the Nizam of Hyderabad. Established
Maratha supremacy in Malwa and Gujarat.
3. Balaji Baji Rao II
(1740-1761)
Role: Peshwa during a
period of internal strife and external challenges.
Achievements: Faced
significant challenges, including the rise of rival factions and invasions by
the Afghan warlord Ahmad Shah Abdali. His tenure ended with the Third Battle of
Panipat (1761), which was a major defeat for the Marathas.
4. Madhav Rao I (1761-1774)
Role: Took over after the
Third Battle of Panipat and worked to restore the Maratha Empire's stability.
Achievements: Focused on
financial and administrative reforms, rebuilding the empire after the loss at
Panipat, and reestablishing Maratha power in the Deccan. Known for his efforts
to strengthen the administration and improve fiscal management.
5. Narayan Rao (1774-1778)
Role: Peshwa during a
turbulent period marked by internal dissent and factionalism.
Achievements: His reign
was short and marked by instability, leading to his assassination in 1778. His
tenure saw increased internal conflicts and weakening of central authority.
6. Raghunath Rao (Raghoba)
(1778-1800)
Role: Known for his
ambitious and controversial attempts to consolidate power.
Achievements: His tenure
was marked by factional disputes and a failed bid for greater control,
eventually leading to his downfall and the restoration of his nephew, Madhav
Rao II.
7. Madhav Rao II (1800-1802)
Role: Restored after the
fall of Raghunath Rao.
Achievements: His rule saw
the weakening of Maratha power due to internal dissent and the rise of the
British East India Company. He resigned in 1802, leading to the appointment of
Baji Rao II as Peshwa.
8. Baji Rao II (1802-1804)
Role: His reign was marked
by political instability and external pressures.
Achievements: Attempted to
regain control and stability but faced growing British influence. His tenure
ended with the signing of the Treaty of Bassein in 1802, which led to the
decline of Maratha power.
3. Key Features of the Peshwa Era
Centralized Administration:
The Peshwas effectively centralized the administration of the Maratha Empire,
streamlining governance and military operations.
Expansion and Military
Campaigns: The Marathas, under the Peshwas, expanded their territory across
India, challenging Mughal authority and asserting dominance.
Administrative Reforms:
Significant reforms in revenue collection, administration, and military
organization were implemented to strengthen the empire.
Decline: The era witnessed
the gradual decline of Maratha power due to internal conflicts, factionalism,
and increasing British influence. The Third Battle of Panipat (1761) was a
major blow to the Maratha Empire, leading to its weakening.
4. Legacy
Impact on Indian History:
The Peshwa era marked a significant period in Indian history, characterized by
the rise and fall of the Maratha Empire, and had lasting effects on the
political landscape of India.
Influence on British Colonial
Policy: The decline of Maratha power facilitated the expansion of British
control over India, leading to the eventual establishment of British dominance.
The Peshwa era represents a crucial period in the history of
the Maratha Empire, showcasing both its rise to power and subsequent decline
amidst internal and external challenges.
