Answer: Bahiroji Pingale
Notes: Bahiroji Pingale, the younger son of Moropant Trimbak Pingle—the first Peshwa of Chhatrapati Shivaji—was captured by Kanhoji Angre during Kanhoji’s bold 1711 attack on Satara. This incident set the stage for a major shift in Maratha politics. Shahu I, then Maratha ruler, entrusted Balaji Vishwanath with carrying out negotiations for Bahiroji’s release. Balaji’s effective diplomacy not only secured Bahiroji’s freedom but also earned him the position of Peshwa, thus altering the Maratha power structure in a significant way.
