List Of The Peshwas

The Peshwas of the Maratha Empire: A Legacy of Power and Strategy

Introduction

The Peshwas were originally the Prime Ministers of the Maratha Empire, but over time, they became the de facto rulers. While Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj initially appointed Peshwas for the administration, the office gained immense power during Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s reign and later dominated Maratha politics.

This article provides a detailed, corrected list of Peshwas, reflecting their appointments and roles in shaping Maratha history.

Peshwas Appointed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

1. Moropant Trimbak Pingle (1674–1683)

  • First Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, appointed by Shivaji Maharaj.
  • Played a crucial role in revenue administration and military planning.
  • Helped in the organization of the Maratha bureaucracy and forts.

2. Nilopant Moreshwar Pingale (1683–1689)

  • Second Peshwa, appointed after Moropant’s tenure.
  • Assisted in governance and continued Shivaji’s administrative policies.

Peshwas Appointed by Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj

3. Ramchandra Pant Amatya (1689–1708)

  • Appointed by Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj after Chhatrapati Sambhaji’s death.
  • Managed Maratha affairs from Ginjee during the Mughal invasion.
  • Ensured continuation of Maratha resistance against Aurangzeb.
  • Later served under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, guiding him during his early reign.

Peshwas Appointed by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj

4. Parshuram Trimbak (1708–1711)

  • Served briefly under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj during the succession struggle against Tarabai.

5. Bahiroji Pingale (1711–1713)

  • Replaced Parshuram Trimbak but was soon removed due to internal conflicts.

6. Balaji Vishwanath (1713–1720)

  • First Peshwa from the Bhat family, marking the start of hereditary rule.
  • Secured Maratha rights in the Treaty of Delhi (1719) with the Mughals.
  • Strengthened Shahu Maharaj’s position as Chhatrapati by negotiating with powerful factions.

Peshwas During the Hereditary Bhat Family Rule

7. Baji Rao I (1720–1740)

  • Greatest military strategist among the Peshwas.
  • Expanded Maratha influence in North India, challenging the Mughals.
  • Victories:
    • Battle of Palkhed (1728) – Defeated the Nizam of Hyderabad.
    • Battle of Delhi (1737) – Raided Mughal Delhi.
    • Battle of Bhopal (1738) – Secured control over Malwa and Bundelkhand.

8. Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb) (1740–1761)

  • Expanded the Maratha Empire to its peak, covering two-thirds of India.
  • Faced the tragic Third Battle of Panipat (1761) against Ahmad Shah Abdali.

9. Madhav Rao I (1761–1772)

  • Rebuilt the Maratha Empire after Panipat.
  • Defeated Hyder Ali of Mysore and the Nizam of Hyderabad.
  • Restored Maratha influence in Delhi.

10. Narayan Rao (1772–1773)

  • Youngest Peshwa, assassinated in 1773 in a palace conspiracy.

11. Raghunath Rao (1773–1774) (Unofficial Peshwa)

  • Tried to seize power but was not recognized by the Maratha Confederacy.

12. Madhav Rao II (1774–1796)

  • Puppet ruler; actual power was with Nana Phadnavis and other Maratha chiefs.
  • Struggled against internal conflicts and the British.

13. Baji Rao II (1796–1818)

  • Last Peshwa, defeated by the British in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818).
  • Exiled to Bithoor near Kanpur.

End of Peshwa Rule (1818)

With the defeat of Baji Rao II, the British abolished the Peshwa title, marking the end of the Maratha Empire’s central rule. Though Maratha chieftains like Scindias, Holkars, and Gaekwads ruled their respective regions, the empire was no longer unified.

Conclusion

The Peshwas transformed the Maratha Empire from a regional power into a pan-Indian force. Their legacy of military strategy, diplomacy, and governance continues to be studied in Indian history.

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