Maratha Peshwa in Chronological Order

This questions was asked in the UP PSC Prelims 2024 – General Studies Paper I.

Question 1: Consider the following Peshwas and arrange them in ascending chronological order:
1. Raghunath Rao (Raghoba)
2. Balaji Baji Rao
3. Narayan Rao
4. Balaji Vishwanath
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) 4, 2, 3, 1
(b) 3, 4, 1, 2
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4
(d) 1, 3, 2, 4

प्रश्न 1: निम्नलिखित पेशवाओं पर विचार कीजिए तथा इन्हें आरोही कालक्रमानुसार व्यवस्थित कीजिए:
1. रघुनाथ राव (राघोबा)
2. बालाजी बाजी राव
3. नारायण राव
4. बालाजी विश्वनाथ
नीचे दिए गए कूट में से सही उत्तर चुनिए:
(a) 4, 2, 3, 1
(b) 3, 4, 1, 2
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4
(d) 1, 3, 2, 4

Answer with Explanation

Answer: (a) 4, 2, 3, 1

Topic: History of India › Modern Indian History › Marathas

Explanation:
List of Maratha Peshwa in chronological order with brief description of their contributions.

SN	Name	Period	Description
1	Balaji Vishwanath	1713-1720	He was the 6th Peshwa. He was appointed Peshwa by the Maratha ruler Chattrapati Shahuji I (January 1707 – December 1749). The first important task was to unite the different Maratha factions and families and bring them together under the control of the Maratha king and Peshwa. He guided and helped the Maratha ruler, Shahuji I to consolidate the Maratha empire. His role in strengthening, consolidating and expanding the Maratha kingdom is of such a significance that he is called the ‘Second Founder of the Maratha empire’. Assisted the Syed Brothers in deposing the Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar in 1719.
2	Baji Rao I	1720-1740	He was son of Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath. He was the 7th Peshwa. He was appointed Peshwa by the Maratha ruler Chattrapati Shahuji I (January 1707 – December 1749). He was just 20 years old when appointed Peshwa. With his planning and vigour the Maratha boundary expanded to Gujarat, Malwa, Bundelkhand and Rajputana. He established Maratha supremacy in the region. In 1737, he attacked Delhi under Mughals. His march towards Delhi made a point that Marathas are equally reachable towards the Mughal capital and are an established power, no less than the Mughals. He was one of the greatest Maratha Peshwas. He fought in over 41 battles and is one of the few to have never lost a single battle. Maratha emerged as a national power from a regional power. He was inspired by the concept of an independent Hindu Padshahi (Hindu kingship) and aimed to establish it in the whole of India. He died at the age of 40 in April 1740, of sudden fever in camp enroute to Delhi.
3	Balaji Baji Rao / Nana Saheb I	1740-1761	He was the son of Peshwa Baji Rao I. He is also known as Nana Saheb I. He was the 8th Peshwa. He was appointed Peshwa by the Maratha ruler Chattrapati Shahuji I (January 1707 – December 1749). Like his father, he too was young when appointed Peshwa. He was just 19 years old when he was appointed as Peshwa. Managed to extend the Maratha territories into most of North-West, East and Central India. Captured Attock on the banks of the Indus River and Peshawar in 1758 in the Battle of Attock, 1758. In January 1761 the Third Battle of Panipat was fought during his tenure against Ahmad Shah Abdali. The battle was lost by Marathas. he Maratha forces suffered heavy losses, including the death of Vishwas Rao, the eldest son of Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao. Sadashivrao Bhau, cousin of Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao, also died in the battle. He fell into depression owing to the defeat and loss in the Third Battle of Panipat and died in June 1761. Contributed to the development of the city of Pune which was the seat of the Peshwas.
4	Madhav Rao I	1761-1772	He was the second son of Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao. He was the 9th Peshwa. He was 16 year old when appointed Peshwa. Therefore, Raghunathrao, his paternal uncle, was made as regent under whom Madhav Rao I started his Peshwaship. During his tenure, Maratha power recovered from the losses suffered during the Third Battle of Panipat, a phenomenon known as Maratha Resurrection. He died of tuberculosis in 1772.
5	Narayan Rao	1772-1773	He was the son of Peshwa Madhav Rao. He was the 10th Peshwa. Assassinated by Ragunath Rao, younger son of Peshwa Bajirao I, and uncle of Peshwa Narayan Rao.
6	Raghunath Rao	1773-1774	He was the younger son of Peshwa Bajirao I. He is also known as Ragho Ballal or Raghoba Dada. He was the 11th Peshwa.
7	Madhav Rao II	1774-1795	He was son of Narayan Rao. He was the 12th Peshwa. He was appointed Peshwa as an infant with a council of Maratha Generals and ministers as regents.

Source(s):
“Comprehensive Modern Indian History“ by Brijesh Singh and published by S. Chand.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Written By: Brijesh Singh

Brijesh Singh has been providing guidance to various aspirants for the last two decades across diverse forums and institutes. He has also authored four books for UPSC and State Civil Services aspirants. Among his authored works is the widely acclaimed "Comprehensive Modern Indian History" published by S. Chand. The book is highly recommended for aspirants and is readily available in online stores like Amazon, Flipkart, and various local bookstores. Brijesh holds diverse academic interests and is a postgraduate in History, Computers, and Management Certificate from IIM Indore. Apart from being UGC NET qualified, he has keen interest in writing articles and blogs.

See all articles by Brijesh Singh

Maratha Peshwa in Chronological Order

Answer with Explanation

Written By: Brijesh Singh

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