Peshwa Period & Maratha Wars — Set 1

Correct Answer: B. Prime Minister and chief administrator

The Peshwa was the Prime Minister of the Maratha Empire, responsible for overall administration and policy. Over time, the Peshwas grew so powerful that they became the de facto rulers while the Chhatrapati remained the nominal head. The position was held by the Bhat family and became hereditary from the time of Balaji Vishwanath.

Correct Answer: B. Balaji Vishwanath

Balaji Vishwanath Bhat became Peshwa in 1713 and was the first to transform the office into a position of real political power. He freed Chhatrapati Shahu from Mughal captivity with diplomatic skill. He laid the foundation for Peshwa dominance that would continue for the next century.

Correct Answer: C. 1713

Balaji Vishwanath became Peshwa in 1713 under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. He established the Bhat family's claim to the Peshwaship and made it the most powerful office in the Maratha Confederacy. His political acumen and diplomacy earned him the title 'the second founder of the Maratha kingdom.'

Correct Answer: C. Baji Rao I

Baji Rao I, son of Balaji Vishwanath, is considered the greatest Peshwa and one of the finest cavalry generals India has ever produced. He never lost a battle throughout his military career, earning him the title 'greatest exponent of cavalry tactics.' He expanded Maratha territory from the Deccan to Delhi and beyond.

Correct Answer: B. Nizam of Hyderabad

The Battle of Palkhed in 1728 was a brilliant strategic victory by Peshwa Baji Rao I against the Nizam of Hyderabad (Nizam-ul-Mulk). Baji Rao cut the Nizam's supply lines and forced him to surrender without a major engagement. This victory established Maratha supremacy in the Deccan.

Correct Answer: C. 1728

The Battle of Palkhed was fought in February 1728 between Peshwa Baji Rao I and the Nizam of Hyderabad. It was a masterpiece of strategic maneuvering, with Baji Rao outflanking and cutting off the Nizam's army from its supplies. The resulting Treaty of Mungi-Shivagaon gave the Marathas significant concessions from the Nizam.

Correct Answer: B. Mughal forces

The Battle of Bhopal in 1737 was a decisive Maratha victory by Peshwa Baji Rao I against the Mughal forces. This battle demonstrated Maratha military power at the very doorstep of the Mughal capital Delhi. The Marathas advanced to Delhi following this victory, a remarkable achievement that showed the extent of their power.

Correct Answer: C. 1740

Peshwa Baji Rao I died on April 28, 1740, at Raverkhedi near Indore while on a military campaign, at the age of just 39. His death was a tremendous blow to the Maratha Empire as he was its most capable military leader. In his short career he had never lost a battle and expanded Maratha territory enormously.

Correct Answer: C. Balaji Baji Rao (Nanasaheb)

Balaji Baji Rao, also known as Nanasaheb, succeeded his father Baji Rao I as Peshwa in 1740. Under his leadership the Maratha Empire reached its greatest territorial extent. However, his reign also saw the catastrophic defeat at the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.

Correct Answer: B. Nanasaheb

Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao was popularly known as Nanasaheb. He was the son of Baji Rao I and became Peshwa in 1740 at a young age. His long reign saw Maratha expansion to its zenith before the defeat at Panipat.