UPPCS Mains 2004

Maratha Empire Expansion

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Arrange chronologically: 1. Bajirao 2. Balaji Bajirao 3. Balaji Vishwanath 4. Madhavrao

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The Peshwas were the hereditary Prime Ministers who became the de facto rulers of the Maratha Empire. Their lineage represents the peak of Maratha expansion and its subsequent challenge by foreign invaders.

Explanation 1. Balaji Vishwanath (1713–1720): The first of the hereditary Peshwas who consolidated Shahu's rule. 2. Bajirao I (1720–1740): Famous for his 'Lightning' cavalry and expanding the empire into North India. 3. Balaji Bajirao (1740–1761): Known as Nana Sahib; the empire reached its greatest extent but faced defeat at Panipat. 4. Madhavrao (1761–1772): The 9th Peshwa who famously revived the empire's power after the Panipat disaster.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Balaji Vishwanath was the father of Bajirao I, and Bajirao I was the father of Balaji Bajirao (Nana Sahib).
Logic 2: Madhavrao belongs to the post-Panipat generation, tasked with rebuilding the state's military and financial health.

Active Recall

Question

Who was the 'Great' Peshwa who never lost a battle?

Answer

Bajirao I is often remembered as the greatest Maratha general who never lost a single battle in his 20-year career.

Core Insight

The transition of the Peshwas from ministers to rulers shows the total decentralization of power away from the Chhatrapati.