0Bajirao I (1720–1740)
Bajirao I, also known as Bajirao Ballal, was one of the most dynamic and successful Peshwas of the Maratha Empire. Appointed as Peshwa (Prime Minister) by Shahu Maharaj in 1720 at the young age of 20, Bajirao played a crucial role in transforming the Maratha state into an empire of pan-Indian significance. His tenure marked the zenith of Maratha military power and expansion.
Early Life and Appointment
•Born: August 18, 1700, at Sinnar near Nashik.
•Father: Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa of Shahu.
•Bajirao received military training from an early age and accompanied his father on several expeditions.
•After Balaji Vishwanath’s death, Shahu Maharaj appointed Bajirao as Peshwa in 1720, recognizing his talent, energy, and loyalty.
Political and Military Achievements
Bajirao I is regarded as one of the greatest cavalry generals in Indian history. His campaigns extended the Maratha influence beyond the Deccan and laid the foundation for the Maratha Empire’s dominance in northern and central India.
1. Consolidation of Power in Deccan
•Bajirao suppressed internal revolts and strengthened Maratha authority in the Deccan.
•He reorganized administration and maintained unity among Maratha sardars like the Holkars, Scindias, and Gaekwads.
•He also curbed the influence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, who had ambitions to dominate the Deccan.
2. Conflict with Nizam-ul-Mulk
•The Battle of Palkhed (1728) was Bajirao’s first major military success.
•Using swift cavalry movements and superior strategy, Bajirao trapped Nizam-ul-Mulk without engaging in direct battle and forced him to sign a treaty.
•British historian Grant Duff described this as a “masterpiece of strategic mobility.”
•This victory established Maratha dominance in the Deccan and enhanced Bajirao’s reputation.
3. Expansion towards North India
•Bajirao’s vision was to establish “Hindavi Swarajya” over the entire subcontinent.
•He launched campaigns in Malwa, Bundelkhand, Gujarat, and the Ganga–Yamuna Doab, collecting chauth and sardeshmukhi from these regions.
•His northern expedition helped the Marathas emerge as the supreme power after the decline of the Mughals.
4. Alliance with Bundelkhand
•Bajirao assisted Chhatrasal of Bundelkhand, a Bundela ruler, against the Mughal governor Muhammad Khan Bangash.
•The joint forces defeated Bangash in 1729, and in gratitude, Chhatrasal gifted Bajirao a part of his territory and his daughter Mastani.
•This alliance strengthened Maratha influence in central India.
5. Campaigns in Malwa and Gujarat
•Bajirao sent his lieutenants—Malhar Rao Holkar, Ranoji Scindia, and Pilaji Gaekwad—to conquer and administer territories in Malwa and Gujarat.
•These areas later evolved into the powerful Maratha confederacies that played a major role in 18th-century Indian politics.
6. Northern Campaign and Delhi
•In 1737, Bajirao launched a bold expedition to Delhi, defeating the Mughal forces at Bhopal and near Delhi.
•His lightning march to the Mughal capital demonstrated the weakness of the Mughal Empire.
•The Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah was forced to recognize Maratha rights in Malwa.
•This campaign symbolized the shift of power from the Mughals to the Marathas.
Administrative and Strategic Vision
•Bajirao introduced rapid mobility warfare, using light cavalry and surprise attacks.
•He preferred speed and strategy over large armies.
•He strengthened the Maratha confederacy system by giving semi-autonomous powers to regional chiefs.
•Bajirao also maintained diplomatic relations with Rajputs, Jats, and other regional powers to counter the Mughals.
Personal Life
•Bajirao was married to Kashibai, but his relationship with Mastani, daughter of Chhatrasal, became legendary.
•This relationship faced strong opposition from orthodox Brahmins and family members due to Mastani’s mixed heritage.
•Despite social pressures, Bajirao remained devoted to her, which highlights his emotional and human side.
Death and Legacy
•Bajirao died on April 28, 1740, at Raverkhedi near the Narmada River during a campaign.
•His death was a great loss to the Maratha Empire.
•Within a short span of 20 years, he transformed the Marathas from a regional power into a formidable national force.
•His famous quote—“Remember that night is our friend, for we are stronger in the dark than in the light of day”—shows his tactical brilliance.
Conclusion
Bajirao I remains one of the most remarkable figures in Indian history—a symbol of courage, vision, and strategy. His swift cavalry campaigns and political foresight expanded the Maratha power to its greatest extent before the advent of the British. Under him, the dream of a united Maratha Empire truly began to take shape, making him an iconic leader in the evolution of modern India’s political landscape.
