Bajirao I

Bajirao I (also known as Visaji Bajirao Ballal^[1][2]) was the 7th and most powerful Peshwa (prime minister) of the Maratha Empire. Born on August 18, 1700, he is regarded as one of the most energetic leaders in Maratha history, second only to Shivaji. Bajirao became Peshwa when he was just twenty years old and was known for his quick decisions and love for military adventures.^[3]

Shrimant Peshwa Bajirao I
Portrait of Bajirao I
7th Peshwa of the Maratha Empire
In office 17 April 1720 – 28 April 1740
Monarch	Shahu I
Preceded by	Balaji Vishwanath
Succeeded by	Balaji Baji Rao
Personal details
Born	Visaji Bhat (1700-08-18)18 August 1700 Dubere, Sinnar, Maratha Kingdom
Died	28 April 1740(1740-04-28) (aged 39) Rawerkhedi, Maratha Empire
Spouse(s)	Kashibai ​ (m. 1720)​ Mastani ​ (m. 1728)​
Children	5, including Balaji Baji Rao, Shamsher Bahadur and Raghunath Rao
Mother	Radhabai Barve
Father	Balaji Vishwanath
Relatives	Chimaji Appa (brother) Bhiubai Joshi (sister) Anubai Ghorpade (sister) Sadashivrao Bhau (nephew)
Signature
Service/branch	Maratha Army
Rank	Peshwa
Unit	Peshwa's Cavalry
Battles/wars	See list Wars of Bajirao Battle of Delhi (1719) Bajirao 1st Carnatic expedition(1725-26) Bajirao 2nd Carnatic expedition(1726-27) Battle of Palkhed(1728) Battle of Bundelkhand(1729) Rebellion of Damaji thorat Maratha conquest of Malwa(1730) Bajirao's malwa expedition Luso–Maratha War (1729–1732) Battle of Dabhoi(1731) Bajirao's Janjira Campaign(1733-36) Bajirao's invasion of Delhi Battle of Talkatora Maratha Invasion of Firozabad Seige of attri Maratha Invasion of Itmadpur Battle of Bhopal(1737) Maratha invasion of Deccan (1739) Seige of Bundi

Early Life

Born into a Brahmin family, he was one of the two sons of Radhabai and Balaji Vishwanath. His younger brother, Chimnaji Appa, also became a skilled and respected general in the Maratha armies and remained loyal to Bajirao throughout his life. Balaji Vishwanath, their father, was a strict disciplinarian and instilled strong values and a sense of adventure in both his sons. Bajirao often accompanied his father on military campaigns and witnessed his victories over the enemies of Shahu Maharaj, which had a lasting impact on him.^[4]

Military Campaigns

Throughout his career, Bajirao fought against many leaders and groups. Some of his notable opponents included:

• Nizam-ul-Mulk^[5]

• His rival faction in Gujarat (Trimbakrao's Maratha faction)^[5]

• The Siddis of Janjira^[5]

• The Portuguese^[5] and the

• Mughal Empire^[5]

Bajirao I played a key role in turning the Maratha Kingdom into a powerful empire. During his leadership, he expanded Maratha control from just 3% to about 30% of the Indian subcontinent.^[6]

Death

Baji Rao I died on the banks of the Narmada River. His death was caused by his body being worn out from the many wars and battles he had fought throughout his life.^[7]