Peshwa Baji Rao II
Also called: Baji Rao II · Topic: The Marathas · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 2 "Rebels and the Raj"
Meaning
Baji Rao II was the last Peshwa, or chief minister, of the Marathas. In his time the Marathas were split by quarrels among their chiefs, and the British took advantage. He lost the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–18). This ended the Peshwa's rule and the Maratha struggle against the British, which had lasted from 1775 to 1818.
Example
After his defeat in 1818, the British gave Baji Rao II a pension and sent him to live at Bithur, near Kanpur. His adopted son, Nana Sahib, later led the Revolt of 1857 at Kanpur.
Don't confuse with
- Bajirao I: the early 18th-century Peshwa who spread Maratha power across India. Baji Rao II was the last Peshwa, and he lost that power to the British.