Baji Rao I (1700 – 1740): Baji Rao was a great leader and warrior. He was born in 1699 in Maharashtra. His father was the Maratha Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath. Though just 20 years old, Baji Rao was made the new Peshwa after his father died.
In this article, we have covered the complete biography of Baji Rao I, history, Death, and Facts about him in Detail.
Baji Rao I (1700 – 1740)
Baji Rao I Biography Overview
The following is the Baji Rao I life overview:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth | 18 August 1700 |
| Death | 28 April 1740 |
| Title | Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Maratha Empire |
| Achievements | – Successfully expanded Maratha’s influence through military campaigns. |
| – Instituted the system of chauth and sardeshmukhi to extract revenue. | |
| Military Campaigns | – Victorious in the Battle of Palkhed (1728) against the Nizam of Hyderabad. |
| – Efficiently used guerrilla tactics and mobility in warfare. | |
| Administration | Introduced administrative reforms to strengthen the Maratha Empire. |
| Legacy | Credited for consolidating and expanding the Maratha power during his tenure. |
| His military strategies influenced later generations of Maratha leaders. |
Baji Rao I (1700 – 1740)
Born in 1699, Baji Rao was a born leader – sharp as a tack and a genius at military strategy. He became Peshwa at just 20 years old and wasted no time taking the Marathas on an expansion spree.
With his cavalry attacking swiftly and disappearing before enemies could react, he brought guerilla warfare to India. Baji Rao moved so fast, that people said he must have covered territory on horseback in ways that would take ordinary men two lifetimes!
From the Deccan to Delhi, Mughals and Nizams alike fell to the young Peshwa’s tactics. He moved the Maratha capital to Poona and transformed his people from mere mercenaries into an empire stretching across central and northern India.
But it wasn’t all war and conquest. Baji Rao promoted education, built temples, and boosted commerce too. A true nation-builder! When he died in 1740, the Maratha Empire was at its peak, thanks to the visionary leadership of the courageous Baji Rao
Personal life of Baji Rao I
Baji Rao I was born in 1699 in Maharashtra to a prominent family of Chitpavan Brahmins. His father was Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath. Here are some details about his personal life.
- Married Kashibai in 1720. She bore him a son, Balaji Baji Rao, who would later become Peshwa.
- Had another wife, Mastani, who was the daughter of Maharaja Chhatrasal. She bore him a son called Shamsher Bahadur.
- Baji Rao’s marriage to Mastani was controversial as she was a Muslim. Many opposed it, but he persevered due to his love for her.
- Lived a relatively simple life as Peshwa. Did not acquire lavish possessions or live in luxury.
- Promoted classical music, arts, and literature. The famous musician Baiju Bawra was patronized by Baji Rao.
- Died in 1740 at Raverkhedi near Pune while on his way to Delhi. His memorial chhatri stands at Raverkhedi.
- Despite controversies, he is remembered as an outstanding military general and strategist who expanded the Maratha power. His leadership and valor made him legendary.
Becoming Peshwa
As Peshwa, Baji Rao moved the capital from Satara to Pune, giving him more control over the Maratha empire. He then expanded the Maratha rule by leading clever military campaigns defeating many rivals. He beat the Nizam of Hyderabad in several wars and made them accept Maratha control. Baji Rao also led northern expeditions reaching Delhi and Gujarat with his armies. Inside his empire, he brought good administration, helped regional languages thrive, and made tax reforms to strengthen the finances. He also made allies with groups like the Jats to increase Maratha’s influence.
Because of his strong leadership and military strategies, Baji Rao greatly expanded the Maratha Empire in India. He transformed them into the supreme power in 18th-century India. He is seen as one of India’s greatest rulers and military minds for building the roots of Maratha’s self-rule.
Death Baji Rao I
Baji Rao I passed away in April 1740 at a relatively young age of 40 years. His death was unexpected and premature, occurring when he was at the peak of his power as Peshwa.
- There are varying accounts about the cause of his death. Some historical records state he died suddenly of pneumonia or a similar illness during a hunting expedition in Khargone near present-day Indore.
- Other accounts suggest he had contracted cholera which was widespread in his camp. Another theory is that he died due to heat stroke during the intense summer months.
- His early and unexpected death was shocking for the Maratha empire. It came at a time when Baji Rao had expanded Maratha’s power across large parts of India.
- His death created a leadership void and instability. His 13-year-old son Balaji Baji Rao was appointed Peshwa after him but rivalries emerged during his minority.
- Baji Rao I’s death marked the beginning of factional infighting within the Marathas and a complex power struggle ensued in subsequent years.
- His early death cut short the career of a military genius. Historians argue that if he had lived longer, the Maratha empire would have expanded even more rapidly across India.
Military Conquests of Baji Rao I
Baji Rao I, was the best of the best amongst the Maratha Peshwas. There are some notable military conquests as mentioned below.
The Nizam of Hyderabad
The Nizam of Hyderabad was the hereditary ruler of the princely state of Hyderabad in south-central India. The Asaf Jahi dynasty ruled Hyderabad State from 1724 to 1948, starting with Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah I who had been a distinguished Mughal general.
- Hyderabad grew to become the largest and wealthiest princely state under the British Raj, known for its rich cultural legacy of architecture, jewelry, literature, and arts patronized by the Nizams.
- Though allied to the British, the Nizams were able to maintain internal sovereignty over their territory which was as large as Italy.
- The capital Hyderabad was famous for the opulent lifestyles, diamonds, and palaces of the Nizams, who were amongst the richest people in the world at their time.
- The last Nizam, Osman Ali Khan, had an estimated fortune of over $2 billion in the 1930s.
- Challenged by struggles against the Marathas, Mysore rulers and later the British, the Nizam dynasty persisted as the foremost princely power in British India until Hyderabad was forcibly annexed in 1948 after India’s independence.
The Malwa
Malwa is a historical region in west-central India covering parts of present-day Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
- It was ruled by various kingdoms and dynasties over the centuries, like the Paramaras, Malwa sultans, Mughals and Marathas.
- The main cities of Malwa were Ujjain, Mandu, Dhar, and Maheshwar.
- Malwa was famous for trade, textiles, opium production, and Hindu and Jain temples and monuments.
- Many rivers like Narmada, Chambal, and Shipra flow through Malwa making it agriculturally fertile.
- Wheat, opium, pulses, oilseeds, and cotton were major crops grown in the Malwa region.
- In the medieval era, Malwa was also an important cultural and literary center with its style of architecture seen in Mandu.
- After a Mughal decline, Malwa was contested by the Marathas and Rajputs before the British East India Company gained control in 1818.
The Portuguese
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish colonies in India when Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in 1498.
- They sought to control the lucrative spice trade in the Indian Ocean and establish Christian missions.
- Important Portuguese colonies included Goa, Daman, Diu, Bombay, Bassein and Mangalore. Goa became the capital of the Portuguese Viceroyalty of India.
- The Portuguese engaged in incessant warfare with local rulers trying to monopolize trade. They also fought naval battles against the Ottomans and other European powers.
- They promoted Catholicism and intermarriage with local people, giving rise to the Luso-Indian or Goan Catholic community.
- The Portuguese introduced chilies, potatoes, tobacco, and other American crops to India. They also brought the printing press and publishing.
- Portuguese power started declining after their defeat by the Marathas in 1739. Goa was finally captured by India in 1961 ending over 400 years of their rule.
- The Portuguese left a lasting cultural legacy in India, especially in architecture, cuisine, language, and Christianity along the western coastal regions.
Bundelkhand:Battle of Delhi (1737):
- Located in central India, Bundelkhand is known for its historical significance, including the Chandela dynasty’s Khajuraho temples.
- Rich in Hindu and Muslim traditions, Bundelkhand offers Bundeli cuisine, Charkula folk dance, and hand-painted Ragini paintings.
- Despite the ravages of time, the region stands proud with ghostly forts and a captivating blend of modern and medieval lifestyles.
Gujarat:
- Situated in western India, Gujarat boasts a long coastline, major ports, and a diverse culture influenced by Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism.
- Renowned for its delicious cuisine, ancient temples like Somnath, and historical sites such as Lothal from the Indus Valley civilization.
- Gujarat has produced influential figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Narendra Modi, and stands as one of India’s most industrialized states.
Siddis:
- The Siddis, believed to be descendants of Bantu peoples from Africa, inhabit parts of India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
- Mainly found in Karnataka, Gujarat, and Hyderabad, Siddis have a unique cultural heritage with skills in athletics, horse-riding, boating, and martial arts.
- Despite facing discrimination and economic challenges, Siddis have preserved their distinct culture, reflected in their music, dance, and cuisine blending African and local influences.
- Marathas, led by Peshwa Baji Rao I, confronted Mughal forces.
- Baji Rao’s night raid led to the defeat of Nizam-ul-Mulk, capturing Delhi and marking a decline in Mughal power.
Battle of Bhopal (1737):
- Marathas faced Nizam-ul-Mulk and Bhopal Nawab in Central India.
- Baji Rao’s strategic brilliance secured victory, establishing Maratha dominance in Central India.
Battle Tactics of Baji Rao I:
- Baji Rao’s campaigns emphasized speed, surprise, and guerrilla warfare.
- Master of night raids, artillery usage, and adaptability, he transformed the Marathas into the dominant power in 18th-century India.
Conclusion on Baji Rao I
Baji Rao was a brave and smart leader. He used clever battle tactics to expand the Maratha empire. His victories made Marathas very powerful in India. Baji Rao is remembered as a great warrior and ruler.
FAQs on Baji Rao I
What was Baji Rao’s early life and background?
Baji Rao was born on 18 August 1699 in Maharashtra. His father Balaji Vishwanath was Peshwa to Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Baji Rao was trained in administration and military skills from a young age.
How did he become Peshwa at such a young age?
When Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath died in 1720, Chhatrapati Shahu appointed the 20-year-old Baji Rao as the new Peshwa, impressed by his abilities.
What changes did Baji Rao make as Peshwa?
He shifted the Maratha capital from Satara to Pune in 1728, giving him greater control over the Empire. He transformed Marathas from mercenaries into an imperial power with an administrative structure.
What were Baji Rao’s major military campaigns and victories?
His victories include the Battles of Delhi, and Bhopal against Nizam forces, campaigns against the Sidis and Portuguese off the Konkan coast, and conquests of Malwa, Bundelkhand, and Gujarat. This expanded Maratha’s power across central and northern India.
How did he change Maratha’s military tactics?
Baji Rao pioneered guerrilla warfare techniques like lightning raids, night attacks, and swift cavalry movements to surprise enemies. This gave Marathas an edge over larger but rigid armies.
What challenges did Baji Rao face as Peshwa?
He constantly battled rivals like the Nizam and the Mughals to expand the Maratha empire. He also faced internal Maratha politics, rebellions, and succession disputes. Managing the diverse empire was a challenge.
Why did Baji Rao die at such a young age?
In April 1740, at the age of 40, he suddenly took ill and died at Khargone during a campaign. The exact cause is disputed – some records suggest cholera or heat stroke. His early death was unexpected.