Balaji Bajirao
Also called: Nana Saheb Peshwa, Nanasaheb Peshwa · Topic: The Marathas · NCERT: Class 8, Ch 3 "The Marathas"
Meaning
Balaji Bajirao, better known as Nanasaheb Peshwa, was the son of Bajirao I. He served as Peshwa from 1740 to 1761. Peshwa is a Persian word meaning 'prime minister'. In his time the Peshwa held more real power than the Chhatrapati. Together with his father, he led the Marathas' expansion across India. In his time they reached the far north-west and raided as far as Bengal.
Example
Under Nanasaheb, the Marathas briefly held Lahore, Attock and even Peshawar. Then in 1761 they suffered a terrible defeat by the Afghans at Panipat, and Nanasaheb died soon after. Peshwa Madhavrao I then helped the Marathas recover.
Don't confuse with
- Nana Saheb (1857): He was the adopted son of the last Peshwa, Bajirao II, and a leader of the 1857 revolt at Kanpur.
- Balaji Vishwanath: He was the first great Peshwa, the father of Bajirao I and the grandfather of Balaji Bajirao.
Related concepts
- Sambhaji
- Rajaram
- Tarabai
- Shahu
- Balaji Vishwanath
- Bajirao I
- Third battle of Panipat
- Madhavrao I
- Mahadji Shinde