Indian History and World History (Part-23)

Bajirao II (1796–1818) was the last Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Maratha Empire, not a king in the dynastic sense, but a powerful administrative and military leader from the Bhat family (a Brahmin lineage).

Key Facts about Bajirao II:

• Belonged to the Maratha Empire, serving as Peshwa under the nominal rule of the Chhatrapati.

• Son of Raghunath Rao (Raghoba).

• Became Peshwa in 1796 after the death of Madhavrao II.

• His reign saw the decline of Maratha power and increasing British influence.

• Defeated in the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817–1818).

• Surrendered to the British and was pensioned off to Bithoor (near Kanpur).

• After his defeat, the Peshwa title was abolished by the British, marking the end of the Maratha Empire.

Corrected Information:

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of the Maratha Empire and ruled independently.

• After Shivaji's death in 1680, the capital remained Raigad for a while.

• Later, under Peshwa rule (especially during Bajirao I), the capital of the Maratha Empire shifted from Raigad to Pune.

Correct Answer: Pune

Pune became the effective capital of the Maratha Empire under the Peshwas, starting prominently during the reign of Peshwa Bajirao I.

It took place on 14 January 1761. The heavy mounted artillery of Afghans proved much better on the battlefield than the light artillery of Marathas.

The result of the battle was the end of Maratha power.

Combatants:

• Maratha Empire

  • Led by Sadashivrao Bhau (cousin of Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao)

  • Supported by Vishwasrao (Peshwa's son)

VS

• Durrani Empire (Afghans)

  • Led by Ahmad Shah Abdali (Ahmad Shah Durrani)

  • Supported by Rohilla Afghans (Najib-ud-Daula) and Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh)

Key Facts:

• One of the largest and bloodiest battles of the 18th century.

• Marked a major defeat for the Marathas.

• Vishwasrao and many top Maratha leaders were killed.

• Though Ahmad Shah Abdali won, he could not consolidate power in India and returned to Afghanistan.

• The defeat weakened the Marathas, but they regained power within a decade under Madhavrao I.

Under the Peshwai (leadership) of Bajirao I, the capital of the Maratha Empire shifted from Satara to Pune.

Bajirao chose Pune for his seat because he found the climate and geography of Pune most suitable for the Peshwai.

This sect attached the least importance to the position/status of a person in society.

Varkari Sect – Devotional Movement in Maharashtra

• "Varkari" means "pilgrim" – one who regularly undertakes pilgrimage (mainly to Pandharpur).

• It is a Bhakti (devotional) movement focused on Lord Vitthal (Vithoba), a form of Lord Krishna.

• Originated around the 13th century in Maharashtra.

Key Features of the Varkari Sect

• Main Deity: Vitthal (Vithoba) of Pandharpur

• Core Practice: Annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur during Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi.

• Founder Saints:

  • Sant Dnyaneshwar

  • Sant Namdev

  • Later saints: Sant Eknath, Sant Tukaram, Sant Chokhamela, and Sant Muktabai

• Stressed equality, morality, and devotion over rituals and caste.

• Encouraged simple living, vegetarianism, and devotion through bhajans (devotional songs) and abhangs (hymns).

• No idol worship rituals or priestly intermediaries—emphasis on personal devotion.