Balaji Baji Rao: The Seventh Peshwa and His Legacy

 Balaji Baji Rao, commonly known as Nana Saheb, was the seventh Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, succeeding his father Baji Rao I in 1740. He ruled for two decades until his death in 1761. While his reign saw the Maratha Empire reach its territorial peak, it was also marked by significant military and political challenges, culminating in the disastrous defeat at the Third Battle of Panipat. Below are the main points that highlight his life, achievements, and struggles.

Early Life and Family Background

• Born on December 8, 1720, to Kashibai and Baji Rao I.
• He had two brothers, Raghunath Rao and Janardhan Rao, and a half-brother, Shamsher Bahadur.
• At the young age of 19, after his father’s death, he became the Peshwa.

Ascension as Peshwa

• Appointed as Peshwa on July 4, 1740, by Chhatrapati Shahu.
• Faced immediate opposition from powerful Maratha leaders, including Raghoji I Bhonsle, Tarabai Bhonsle, and Umabai Dabhade.
• Despite opposition, Balaji secured his position and began to administer the empire.

Military and Political Challenges

• Balaji lacked the military prowess of his father, Baji Rao I. His tenure was marked by territorial expansion but also by internal rebellions and external threats.

Maratha-Mughal Relations

• Initially maintained peaceful relations with the Mughals, even assisting them between 1748 and 1752 in quelling rebellions.
• Tensions with the Rajputs arose after the death of Jai Singh II of Jaipur, leading to the Maratha-Rajput conflict.

Internal Rebellions

• Tarabai Bhonsle led a revolt against Balaji in 1750, imprisoning her son Rajaram Bhonsle II. This rebellion was also supported by Umabai Dabhade.
• Balaji crushed the rebellion by 1751, forcing Tarabai to release Rajaram and end the revolt.

Conflict with the Nizam of Hyderabad

• Faced mixed success in his campaigns against Salabat Jung, the Nizam of Hyderabad.
• Managed to force the Nizam to cede parts of Berar to the Marathas in 1752 after renewed attacks.

Expansion of Maratha Power

• Under Balaji Baji Rao, the Maratha Empire expanded to its greatest extent, reaching Lahore and Peshawar in the north by 1758.
• Despite these successes, the declining Mughal power and the rise of the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani posed significant threats to the empire.

Third Battle of Panipat and its Aftermath

• Ahmad Shah Durrani, with the support of the Rohillas and Nawab of Oudh, launched a campaign against the Marathas, leading to the Third Battle of Panipat on January 14, 1761.
• This battle resulted in a catastrophic defeat for the Marathas, with many prominent generals, including Vishwasrao, Balaji’s son, losing their lives.
• The defeat at Panipat severely weakened the Maratha Empire and marked the beginning of its decline.

Personal Life and Legacy

• Married to Gopikabai, with whom he had three sons: Vishwasrao, Madhavrao, and Narayan Rao.
• Died on June 23, 1761, shortly after the defeat at Panipat, deeply affected by the loss of his son.
• His memorial is located on the Mutha riverbed near Pune.

Balaji Baji Rao's Contributions

Despite his military failures, Balaji Baji Rao made notable contributions to the cultural and architectural development of Pune:

• Played a significant role in transforming Pune into a bustling city.
• Was a patron of Marathi literature and often hosted literary gatherings at his court.
• Had a deep interest in architecture and personally supervised the construction of several important buildings.
• Supported education, establishing schools and libraries to promote learning in the empire.

Legacy and Criticism

• Known for his administrative abilities, Balaji Baji Rao managed to hold the Maratha Empire together despite internal and external pressures.
• Lacked the military acumen of his father, which proved to be a critical shortfall.
• His inability to anticipate the threat posed by Ahmad Shah Durrani and to prevent the defeat at Panipat marked the most significant failure of his reign.
• His reign, while marked by territorial expansion, also saw the beginning of the empire's decline.

Key Facts

• Cultural Patron: Known for his love of poetry and support of Marathi literature.
• Fondness for animals, particularly horses, and personally oversaw their care.
• A skilled musician, Balaji enjoyed playing traditional Indian instruments like the tabla and sitar.
• Architectural Enthusiast: Oversaw the construction of important buildings in Pune.

Conclusion

Balaji Baji Rao’s tenure as Peshwa was marked by both great achievements and significant challenges. Under his leadership, the Maratha Empire reached its territorial peak, but the internal dissent and military failures—most notably the crushing defeat at Panipat—overshadowed many of his accomplishments. While his administrative skills and cultural contributions are commendable, his lack of military foresight ultimately led to the decline of the Maratha Empire. His legacy remains a subject of both admiration and critique, symbolizing the complex dynamics of power, expansion, and decline in Maratha history.