Q. Who was the first hereditary Peshwa of the Maratha Empire?
Answer: Balaji Vishwanath
Notes: Balaji Vishwanath (1662–1720) became the first hereditary Peshwa in 1713. A Chitpavan Brahmin, he consolidated Maratha power under Shahu I, negotiated key treaties, unified Maratha navy, and laid the administrative foundation for future Maratha expansion. He was succeeded by his son Baji Rao I.