Bajirao Ballal Bhat (Bajirao I)

Bajirao I succeeded his father Balaji Vishwanath as Peshwa on April 17, 1720, at age 19, despite opposition from Maratha chieftains, inheriting a confederacy confined to Deccan provinces with Mughal-granted chauth rights. Born August 18, 1700, in Pune to a Chitpavan Brahmin family, he envisioned northward expansion to fulfill Shivaji's Hindavi Swarajya, declaring at Shahu's court: "Let us strike at the trunk of the withering tree and the branches will fall of themselves". Shifting capital to Pune enhanced control, enabling rapid mobilization.​

Military Campaigns Against Nizam and Mughals

Bajirao's debut major victory came at Battle of Palkhed (1728), using ganimi kava (guerrilla tactics) to outmaneuver Nizam-ul-Mulk's larger army, forcing submission and Deccan dominance. In Bundelkhand, he rescued Chhatrasal from Mughals, gaining jagir and marrying his daughter Mastani. Northern raids asserted chauth in Gujarat (defeating Dabhades at Dabhoi, 1731) and Malwa; the 1737 Battle of Delhi saw his forces raid the capital, compelling Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah to recognize Maratha rights.​

Battle of Bhopal (1737) crushed combined Mughal-Nizam-Awadh forces, securing Malwa permanently via treaty. Final campaign against Nasir Jung at Raverkhedi (1739) yielded Deccan concessions before his sudden fever death at 39, undefeated in 41 battles covering 100,000 km on horseback.​

Administration and Diplomacy

Bajirao institutionalized chauth (25% revenue) and sardeshmukhi (10% extra), funding expansion while forming Rajput alliances and appointing generals like Malhar Rao Holkar for regional control. His mobile cavalry emphasized speed over pitched battles, revolutionizing warfare. Personally devout yet tolerant, he married twice—Kashibai and Mastani—navigating interfaith tensions.​

Succession and Legacy

Bajirao nominated son Balaji Bajirao (Nanasaheb) as successor, ensuring Peshwa dominance post-Shahu. His campaigns established Maratha supremacy in Gujarat, Malwa, Bundelkhand, and Rajputana, hastening Mughal decline and paving for confederacy's peak. For Veergatha, Bajirao exemplifies Maratha generals like Shivaji, ideal for heroic biographies blending strategy and valor.​

Major Achievements of Bajirao I

Won 41 battles undefeated, expanding Marathas from Deccan to Delhi via northern campaigns.​

1. Decisive victory at Palkhed (1728) over Nizam, securing Deccan authority.​
2. Rescued Bundelkhand's Chhatrasal, gaining territories and alliances.​
3. Raided Delhi (1737) and won Bhopal (1737), extracting Malwa and chauth rights from Mughals.​
4. Instituted revenue systems (chauth, sardeshmukhi) for financial independence.​
5. Pioneered high-mobility cavalry tactics, covering vast distances swiftly.