UPSC » UPSC CSE Study Materials » Medieval India » Maratha Power Under Peshwas

Maratha Power Under Peshwas

“Rise of Maratha power under Peshwas" was initiated in the mediaeval Indian history. The three "Peshwas" created "Marathas", the most daunting power in India.

The “Rise of Maratha power under Peshwas” happened and arose with the emergence of several factors. Tara Bai was known as a narrow-minded and extremely selfish person whereas “Chhatrapati Shahu” was mentioned as an enormously “ease-loving” person. Shivaji’s creation of “Asht-Pradhan” became extremely inefficient in the administration. Solutions regarding these issues have been accumulated by “Peshwas of Shahu”. “Peshwa Baji Rao” proved tremendously ambitious and created Marathas as the powerful power in India. The “Rise of Maratha power under Peshwas” came into existence under the administration of Peshwas and they grabbed India with their successful commanding power. 

Rise of Maratha power under Peshwas: Overview

“Rise of Maratha power under Peshwas” occurred and was created under the three Peshwas named “Balaji Vishwanath”, “Balaji Baji Rao” and “Baji Rao”. The three Peshwas have made the Marathas reach the “Zenith” of their power. Shahu, the Chhatrapati of Maharashtra was never a good commander and administrator but his loyalty in choosing his subordinates was great. The three Peshwas were selected by the Chhatrapati and accomplished everything that could not be accomplished by Shahu. 

“Rise of Maratha power under Peshwas” almost occurs after a struggle and determination that has been made by three descendants of Balaji. The rise of Peshwas could not have been possible if Tara Bai and Asht Pradhan were unsuccessful in giving the peace to Maharashtra and checking the Maratha chief’s ambition in giving the chance to the Peshwas to rise. In these ways, the Peshwas have given them the supremacy of expanding power in the North and the prevalence of the “Rise of Maratha power under Peshwas”.

Peshwa Baji Rao: Facts

  • Peshwa Baji Rao was the son of Vishwanath w3ho died in 1720 and had selected his own son to be one of the Peshwa. Peshwa Baji Rao is regarded to be the most essential figure after Shivaji in the creation of the Maratha Empire, a ruling strength in India’s 18th century
  • Peshwa Baji Rao was initially liable for the “Rise of Maratha power under Peshwas” and ranked as the greatest Peshwa among the others. This man had to experience certain difficulties with the surrounding external and internal enemies. Peshwa Baji Rao was born as Visaji (Bajirao Ballal) and was the 7th Prime Minister of the empire of Maratha
  • Peshwa Baji Rao acquired his victory by defeating Mughals at multiple battles such as “Battle of Bhopal” and “Battle of Delhi”. The accomplishments of Baji Rao are implementing the supremacy of Maratha in South India and political leadership in North India

Administration of Peshwas: Concept

The Peshwa was mentioned as one of Shivaji’s Asht Pradhan who rose to notability as the prestige and power of the king deteriorated. The administration of Peshwa became recognizable when they virtually controlled the whole fact, an uprising against the king’s powers. Peshwa was also identified as the state’s religious head. “Central Secretariat”, “Provinces”, “Village administration”, “Urban administration” and “sources of revenue” are some of the administrative factors that come under the “administration of Peshwa”.

  • Central Secretariat: The Maratha administration centre was the secretariat of Peshwa and dealt with expenditure and revenues of every district and the accounts that were provided by district officials and the village. 
  • Provinces: Provinces under Peshwa’s administration were of a considerable size whereas the greatest provinces were under governors. In the provinces, balances and accounts are checked to avoid any sort of misappropriation. 
  • Village administration: It is regarded as the primary unit of administration and was tremendously self-supportive. This village administration was under the “Administration of Peshwa”.

Conclusion

The three Peshwas were the most important persons in Maratha who settled the position and ruled India with their dominant power. The Peshwas were the descendants or subordinates who were chosen by the kings. The peshwas played a significant role in assisting in the “Rise of Maratha power under the Peshwas”. After obtaining the power, the Peshwa looked into multiple departments for the welfare of the public. They gradually became good commanders and diplomats which gave the Marathas expanding and thoughtful power and impact on the North.

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

How did Peshwas apply the dominant force for the power of Maratha?

 In the mediaeval Indian history, the Prime Minister was known as Peshwa whose main job role and responsibility was...Read full

Who was considered the most powerful Peshwa in the empire of Maratha?

Baji Rao was considered the greatest Peshwa and the most supreme statesman and general India created in the 18th Cen...Read full

What were the two types of taxes accumulated by Marathas?

Sardeshmukhi and Chauth were mentioned as the two tax types that had been gathered by the empire of Maratha during t...Read full

Who implemented the hereditary rule of Peshwa?

 Sahu, the Chhatrapati of Maratha, designated Balaji Vishwanath in 1713 as Peshwa. The designation of Baji Rao, Bal...Read full