Bajirao I – The Unbeaten Maratha General

He was one of the most influential Maratha leaders acting as a Prime Minister under Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Satara. Appointed as Peshwa at just 20, his military brilliance, swift cavalry campaigns, and political foresight made him legendary—undefeated in over 40 battles.

Rise to Power

After the death of his father Balaji Vishwanath in 1720, Bajirao was chosen by Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj as Peshwa, despite resistance from senior nobles.

• He built his leadership team by choosing dynamic leaders like Malhar Rao Holkar, Ranoji Scindia, and Udaji Pawar, bypassing the traditional aristocracy..
• This marked the beginning of a new, aggressive Maratha expansion strategy..

Military Brilliance & Expansion

The Nizam & Southern Dominance

• Chitradurg & Srirangapatnam Campaigns (1725–26): Strengthened Maratha presence in the south.
• Palkhed (1728): Bajirao outmaneuvered the Nizam using rapid cavalry and no artillery—a strategy hailed by British General Montgomery as a "Masterpiece of Strategic Mobility."
• Victory at Dabhoi (1731): Defeated internal rebel Senapati Trimbak Rao Dabhade, ending major internal dissent.

Northern Conquests

• Malwa Secured (1729): Chimaji Appa’s victory at Amjhera brought Malwa under Maratha control.
• Bundelkhand (1729–30): Bajirao rescued Maharaja Chhatrasal from a Mughal attack. In gratitude, Chhatrasal granted him territory as a token of appreciation.

Empire Building & Diplomacy

Bajirao’s influence was respected even among rivals. A Rajput emissary remarked that no one in the Maratha court matched his honesty, military genius, and leadership.

• Janjira Campaign (1733): In alliance with Sekhoji Angre, Bajirao nearly subdued the Siddi stronghold.
• Relations with Jaipur & Udaipur: He was warmly received by allies, and respected even by adversaries like Muhammad Khan Bangash.

Towards Delhi (1737)

When the Mughal court denied his rightful claims to Malwa and Bundelkhand, Bajirao launched a bold campaign toward Delhi:

• Reached the capital through unfrequented routes and created panic, forcing Emperor Muhammad Shah to negotiate.
• Declined to destroy Delhi to preserve political diplomacy—yet made his point with strategic looting and messaging.

Battle of Bhopal & Political Victories

• In 1738, Bajirao outwitted the Nizam once again, surrounding him at Bhopal and forcing a treaty that ceded Malwa officially to the Marathas.
• These victories marked the formal recognition of Maratha supremacy north of the Narmada.

Nadir Shah’s Invasion & Coastal Campaigns

While Bajirao was dealing with internal politics, Persian ruler Nadir Shah invaded and sacked Delhi in 1739, exposing Mughal vulnerability.

• Simultaneously, Chimaji Appa captured Vasai Fort, ending Portuguese dominance on the western coast.
• Bajirao moved north to Burhanpur to block Nadir Shah's advance, though the Shah eventually retreated with immense loot.

Love, Loss & Final Days

Bajirao's final years were turbulent. Religious opposition to his marriage led to Mastani’s confinement to Pune. Distressed and separated from her, he fell ill during a campaign in Khargon and passed away in 1740 at Raverkhedi, in the presence of his first wife, Kashibai.

• Died in 1740 at Raverkhedi, near the Narmada river.
• Mastani died soon after, under unclear circumstances. Their son Shamsher Bahadur later fought at Panipat.

References & Further Reading