Balaji Baji Rao

Balaji Baji Rao (1720–1761), also known by the title Nana Saheb, was the Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Maratha Empire from 1740 to 1761. He was the son and successor of the legendary Peshwa Baji Rao I and played a crucial role in expanding and administering the Maratha confederacy during its zenith. Though his reign saw the Marathas reach the height of their territorial power, it also ended with the catastrophic Third Battle of Panipat (1761), marking a turning point in Maratha history.

Early Life and Background

Balaji Baji Rao was born in December 1720 to Baji Rao I and Kashibai in Saswad, near Pune. He grew up in an environment deeply steeped in military and administrative tradition, as his father was one of the most dynamic leaders of the Maratha Empire. After Baji Rao’s death in 1740, the then twenty-year-old Balaji inherited the position of Peshwa under Chhatrapati Shahu I, the Maratha ruler at Satara.
Despite lacking his father’s military brilliance, Balaji possessed exceptional administrative acumen, diplomatic skill, and political foresight. His tenure was characterised by efforts to consolidate and expand Maratha influence across India through both warfare and statecraft.

Ascension as Peshwa

Balaji Baji Rao officially became Peshwa in 1740, following his father’s death. His appointment was approved by Shahu I, who had immense faith in the young Peshwa’s loyalty and ability. In his early years, Balaji relied heavily on his father’s experienced generals and ministers, gradually asserting his authority over the growing Maratha Empire.
Under his leadership, the Peshwa’s office at Pune became the de facto centre of power within the empire, overshadowing the nominal Chhatrapati at Satara. The Maratha polity evolved into a confederacy, with semi-autonomous chiefs such as the Holkars of Indore, Scindias of Gwalior, Gaekwads of Baroda, and Bhonsles of Nagpur acknowledging Peshwa supremacy.

Administration and Governance

Balaji Baji Rao focused on establishing a stable administrative system and strengthening the empire’s economic base. His governance style was pragmatic and organised, laying the foundation for modern bureaucratic structures in the Deccan.
Key administrative features included:

• Centralisation of power in Pune, which became the empire’s political capital.
• Expansion of the revenue system, improving land assessments and tax collection.
• Encouragement of trade and urban development, turning Pune into a vibrant political and cultural hub.
• Promotion of education, arts, and architecture, including the construction of several temples and public works.

He was assisted by capable officials such as Balaji Janardan Bhanu (Nana Phadnavis), who played a key role in administration.

Expansion of the Maratha Empire

During Balaji Baji Rao’s rule, the Maratha Empire reached its greatest territorial extent, stretching from the southern tip of India to the borders of the Punjab.
Major campaigns and achievements included:

• North India Expeditions: The Marathas asserted their influence in northern India, collecting chauth (tribute) from large parts of the Mughal territory, including Delhi, Punjab, and Bengal.
• War with the Nizam: He successfully managed relations and conflicts with the Nizam of Hyderabad, ensuring Maratha dominance in the Deccan.
• Relations with Bengal: Maratha incursions into Bengal led to the signing of a treaty with Alivardi Khan, securing regular tribute payments.
• Annexation of Konkan and Gujarat: Maratha forces under his command consolidated power in the western coastal regions.

The empire’s boundaries under Balaji stretched from Attock in the northwest to Tanjore in the south, making the Marathas the most powerful political force in India at mid-century.

Relations with the Mughals

Balaji Baji Rao played a significant role in Mughal politics after the decline of imperial authority in Delhi. The Marathas became the protectors of the Mughal emperor, Shah Alam II, and gained formal recognition for their authority in northern India.
In 1752, a treaty was concluded between the Marathas and the Mughals, under which the Marathas agreed to protect the emperor in return for rights to collect revenue from several northern provinces. This marked the high point of Maratha political influence in the subcontinent.

The Rise of the Maratha Confederacy

Under Balaji Baji Rao, the Maratha state transformed from a centralised monarchy into a confederacy of powerful regional chieftains, each governing their territories autonomously but acknowledging the supremacy of the Peshwa.
Prominent Maratha houses included:

• Holkars (Indore) under Malhar Rao Holkar.
• Scindias (Gwalior) under Ranoji Scindia.
• Gaekwads (Baroda) under Damaji Gaekwad.
• Bhonsles (Nagpur) under Raghuji Bhonsle.

While this system allowed territorial expansion, it also sowed the seeds of internal division that would weaken the empire after Balaji’s death.

The Third Battle of Panipat (1761)

The defining and tragic event of Balaji Baji Rao’s reign was the Third Battle of Panipat, fought on 14 January 1761 between the Maratha forces and the Afghan army of Ahmad Shah Durrani (Abdali).

Causes:

• The Marathas sought to extend their influence in north India and protect the Mughal throne.
• They intervened in the power struggle between the Afghans and the Rohillas in the northern plains.
• Ahmad Shah Durrani invaded India to counter Maratha expansion and restore Afghan influence.

Course of the Battle:

The Marathas, led by Sadashivrao Bhau (Balaji’s cousin) and accompanied by Vishwasrao (Balaji’s eldest son), faced logistical challenges and a lack of coordination with local allies. Despite their bravery, the Marathas suffered a devastating defeat.

Consequences:

• The Marathas lost nearly 70,000 soldiers, including many nobles and commanders.
• Vishwasrao, Balaji’s heir, was killed in battle.
• The defeat marked a severe blow to Maratha prestige and power in northern India.
• The confederacy fell into disarray, and Balaji Baji Rao was left heartbroken by the loss.

Death

Grief-stricken after hearing of the disaster at Panipat and the death of his son, Balaji Baji Rao died on 23 June 1761 at Pune. He was succeeded by his second son, Madhav Rao I, who later restored some of the lost glory of the Maratha Empire.

Character and Legacy

Balaji Baji Rao was known for his refined intellect, administrative skill, and diplomatic foresight. Unlike his father, he was not a warrior by nature but a strategist and statesman who excelled in governance. His reign represents both the zenith and the turning point of the Maratha Empire.
Achievements:

• Extended the Maratha Empire to its largest territorial extent.
• Strengthened the administrative and financial structure of the Peshwa regime.
• Promoted peace and prosperity within core Maratha territories.
• Supported art, architecture, and literature, contributing to Pune’s cultural growth.

Limitations:

• Overextension of the empire strained resources and administration.
• Failure to unify the confederacy’s factions under central authority.
• Strategic miscalculations leading to the Panipat catastrophe.