Who Are Descendants Of Peshwa Baji Rao I?

Descendants of Peshwa Baji Rao I: Legacy and Lineage

Peshwa Baji Rao I (1700–1740) was one of the greatest warriors and strategists in Indian history. As the Prime Minister of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, he expanded the Maratha influence across India and challenged the Mughal dominance. His military genius led to significant victories, making him a legend in Indian history.

Despite his early death at the age of 39, Baji Rao’s legacy continued through his descendants, who played important roles in Indian history. His family continued to lead the Peshwa administration, while his son from Mastani established a new lineage in Banda, Uttar Pradesh. This article explores the descendants of Baji Rao I and their contributions over time.

1. Baji Rao I’s Family and Children

Baji Rao I was married to two women:

  1. Kashibai – His first wife, from a respectable Chitpavan Brahmin family.
  2. Mastani – His second wife, of mixed Rajput-Muslim lineage, whose relationship with Baji Rao remains one of the most debated topics in Maratha history.

From these two marriages, Baji Rao I had several children who carried forward his lineage in different ways.

2. Descendants from Kashibai

Baji Rao I and Kashibai had three sons:

2.1. Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb) – The Next Peshwa

Balaji Baji Rao, also known as Nana Saheb, succeeded his father as the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire after Baji Rao’s death in 1740. Under his leadership, the Maratha Empire reached its peak, expanding across most of India. However, his tenure ended in tragedy when the Marathas faced a major defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) against Ahmad Shah Abdali.

Nana Saheb’s sons were:

  1. Madhav Rao I – Became Peshwa in 1761 and successfully restored the Maratha Empire’s strength after Panipat. However, he died young in 1772.
  2. Narayan Rao – Became Peshwa after Madhav Rao but was assassinated in 1773.
  3. Raghunath Rao (Raghoba) – He tried to claim the Peshwa throne but faced opposition from the Maratha nobility. His lineage continued after him.

2.2. Raghunath Rao (Raghoba) – The Controversial Peshwa

Raghunath Rao (Raghoba) was the younger son of Baji Rao I and Kashibai. He played an important role in Maratha politics but was unpopular among the ruling Maratha factions. He sought British help to regain power, which led to the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775–1782).

Raghunath Rao’s descendants lived in Pune and other parts of Maharashtra.

3. Descendants from Mastani – The Banda Nawabs

Baji Rao I and Mastani had a son named Shamsher Bahadur I, who was given the Jagir of Banda (Uttar Pradesh) by the Marathas. Despite being born to Mastani, he was raised as a Maratha and was loyal to the Maratha Empire.

3.1. Shamsher Bahadur I – A Loyal Maratha General

Shamsher Bahadur I fought alongside the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761). He was severely wounded and died shortly after the battle. His loyalty to the Maratha cause ensured that his family remained influential.

His son, Ali Bahadur I, continued to rule Banda and Kalpi in present-day Uttar Pradesh.

3.2. Ali Bahadur I and the Banda Nawabs

Ali Bahadur I was given charge of Banda and Kalpi by the Marathas. Over time, his descendants were known as the Nawabs of Banda.

  • Ali Bahadur II was an important figure in the Revolt of 1857 against the British. He fought alongside Nana Saheb and other rebels but was eventually defeated.
  • After 1857, the British confiscated their estates, and the family lost its power. However, some of their descendants continue to live in Banda and nearby regions.

4. Present-Day Descendants of Baji Rao I

The descendants of Peshwa Baji Rao I still exist today, though their influence has diminished over time. They are spread across different parts of India.

4.1. Descendants in Maharashtra

Many families in Pune, Satara, and Nagpur claim descent from Baji Rao I, particularly through Nana Saheb, Madhav Rao, and Raghunath Rao. Some of these families still hold historical records and artifacts related to the Peshwa era.

4.2. Descendants in Banda (Uttar Pradesh)

The Nawabs of Banda, who descend from Shamsher Bahadur I, still live in Banda and surrounding areas. Some of them have held political and administrative positions in modern India.

4.3. Other Families Claiming Lineage

Apart from Maharashtra and Banda, several families in Gwalior, Indore, and Rajasthan claim distant lineage from Baji Rao I, mostly through marital ties and extended family connections.

5. The Legacy of Baji Rao I

Even though the direct political influence of Baji Rao I’s descendants has diminished, his legacy remains alive in several ways:

  1. Historical Influence – The Peshwa era shaped modern Maharashtra’s history.
  2. Cultural Impact – Many books, movies, and television shows, such as Bajirao Mastani, have revived interest in his life and family.
  3. Architectural Heritage – Several Peshwa-era structures in Pune, such as Shaniwar Wada, still stand as reminders of his reign.

His descendants may not hold power today, but their legacy continues in Indian history and culture.

Conclusion

Peshwa Baji Rao I was one of the most influential leaders of the Maratha Empire, and his descendants played important roles in Indian history. While his sons from Kashibai continued the Peshwa lineage, his son from Mastani created a new legacy in Banda. Over time, their political influence declined, but their contribution to history remains significant.

Today, the descendants of Baji Rao I live in different parts of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and other states, carrying forward the legacy of their great ancestor. His story continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the power, courage, and determination of one of India’s greatest warriors.

Comments are closed.