Madhavrao I - Citizendia

Shrimant Thorle Madhavrao Peshwa (or Peshwa Madhavrao I), (15 February 1745 - 18 November 1772), was a Peshwa ruler of the Maratha Empire. Events 590 - Khosrau II is crowned as king of Persia 1637 - Ferdinand III becomes Holy Roman Emperor Year 1745 ( MDCCXLV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Events 326 - The old St Peter's Basilica is consecrated 1302 - Pope Boniface VIII issues the Papal bull Year 1772 ( MDCCLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a The Peshwa ( Marathi:पेशवा plural Peshwe, Marathi:पेशवे were Brahmin Prime Ministers to the Maratha The Maratha Empire ( Marathi: मराठा साम्राज्य Marāṭhā Sāmrājya; also transliterated Mahratta

1 Early life and ascendancy to Peshwa
2 Early days of reign
3 Disputes between uncle and nephew
4 Madhavrao’s nature:
5 The Peshwas attempt to conquer the Hyder:
6 Madhavrao extends bond of friendship with an old enemy:
7 The Britishers meet the Peshwas:
8 Raghunathrao faces house arrest:
9 Attack on Madhavrao:
10 Madhavrao’s health deteriorates:
11 References:
12 Further reading

Early life and ascendancy to Peshwa

Madhavrao was the second son of Gopikabai and Peshwa Balaji Bajirao (also known as Nanasaheb Peshwa). Gopikabai ( December 20, 1724 in Supa, near Pune, India – August 11, 1778 in Nashik) was the daughter The Peshwa ( Marathi:पेशवा plural Peshwe, Marathi:पेशवे were Brahmin Prime Ministers to the Maratha Nanasaheb Peshwa, also known as Balaji Bajirao, (born 1720 or 1721 - Died 1761 was the son of Bajirao from his marriage with Kashibai and one of the Peshwas At the time of his birth, the Maratha kingdom was stretched across a sizeable portion of Western, Central and Northern India. On 9th December 1753, Madhavrao married Ramabai.

Nanasaheb had expanded the Maratha dynasty to a great extent and had tried to establish better governance in the kingdom. However, during the Third battle of Panipat in 1761, he was responsible for certain decisions which were partially responsible for the terrible defeat of the Marathas against Ahmad Shah Abdali. The Third Battle of Panipat took place on January 14, 1761 at Panipat (Haryana State India) situated at about 80 miles (130 km north The Marāthās ( Marathi: mr मराठा also Mahrattas) form an Indo Aryan group of Hindu Warriors hailing mostly from the present-day Ahmad Shāh Durrānī (c1723-1773 ( also known as Ahmad Shāh Abdālī ( احمد شاه ابدالي) and born as Ahmad Khān Abdālī, The Marathas suffered heavy losses including Nanasaheb's eldest son Vishwasrao and cousin Sadashivrao Bhau. The Marāthās ( Marathi: mr मराठा also Mahrattas) form an Indo Aryan group of Hindu Warriors hailing mostly from the present-day Vishwasrao (March 2nd 1742 - January 14th 1761 was an Indian noble of the Maratha Empire. Sadashivrao Bhau (July 5 1730 - January 20 1761 was a nephew of Peshwa Baji Rao I and served as the commander of the Maratha army Unable to bear the sufferings, he died of depression at Parvati in Pune. Pune (ˈpuːneɪ Marathi: पुणे Hindi: पूना formerly Poona, is the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra

After the death of Nanasaheb, on 20 July, 1761, the sixteen year old Madhavrao was made the next Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. The Peshwa ( Marathi:पेशवा plural Peshwe, Marathi:पेशवे were Brahmin Prime Ministers to the Maratha Nanasaheb's brother Raghunathrao was to assist him in the administrative affairs. Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774

Early days of reign

At the ascendancy of Madhavrao, the Maratha empire was in complete shambles as their defeat at Panipat had accumulated big debts to their wealth. The Marāthās ( Marathi: mr मराठा also Mahrattas) form an Indo Aryan group of Hindu Warriors hailing mostly from the present-day WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Panipat ( Hindi: पानीपत is an ancient and historic city in Panipat District, At Shaniwarwada, the prime residence of the Peshwa, religious rituals and ceremonies were frequently being conducted. Shaniwarwada ( Marathi: शनिवारवाडा is a Palace Fort in the city of Pune in western Maharashtra, India The Peshwa ( Marathi:पेशवा plural Peshwe, Marathi:पेशवे were Brahmin Prime Ministers to the Maratha The discipline required for the smooth running of administrative affairs was almost non-existent. The security at the treasury was poor. When these weaknesses were brought to Madhavrao’s notice and he introduced changes by personally looking into the administration, accounts and the treasury. He also reduced the religious practices being followed at Shaniwarwada. Shaniwarwada ( Marathi: शनिवारवाडा is a Palace Fort in the city of Pune in western Maharashtra, India

In February 1762, the Peshwas set out to conquer Karnataka. The Peshwa ( Marathi:पेशवा plural Peshwe, Marathi:पेशवे were Brahmin Prime Ministers to the Maratha Karnataka (ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ pronounced) is a state in the southern part of India This was one of the earliest wars against the Nizam when conflict arose between Madhavrao and his uncle Raghunathrao. Nizam ( Urdu: نظام‌) a shortened version of Nizam-ul-Mulk ( Urdu: نظام‌الملک) meaning Administrator of the Realm, was Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 Due to difference of opinion between the two, Raghunathrao decided to abandon the troop midway and return to Pune, while Madhavrao continued. Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 Pune (ˈpuːneɪ Marathi: पुणे Hindi: पूना formerly Poona, is the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra Eventually, a treaty was signed with the Nizam and he returned. Nizam ( Urdu: نظام‌) a shortened version of Nizam-ul-Mulk ( Urdu: نظام‌الملک) meaning Administrator of the Realm, was Both Madhavrao and Raghunathrao had their preferences even over the Sardars (Generals). Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 Madhavrao usually preferred the company of Gopalrao Patwardhan, Tryambakrao Mama Pethe, Nana Phadnavis and Ramshastri; while Raghunathrao was dearer to Sakharambapu, Gulabrao and Gangoba Tatya. Nana Fadnavis (also Nana Phadanvis, February 12, 1742 - March 13, 1800) (originally Balaji Janardhan Bhanu was a minister of Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774

Disputes between uncle and nephew

The discord between Madhavrao and Raghunathrao was increasing and on 22nd August 1762, Raghunathrao fled to Vadgaon where he started grooming his own army. Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Vadgaon is a Census town in Pune district in the Indian state of Maharashtra Raghunathrao’s men started looting the nearby villages for warfare, and this act angered Madhavrao. Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 He decided to rage a war against his uncle Ragunathrao on 7th November 1762. However, Madhavrao was badly defeated in this war and on 12th November 1762 surrendered himself to Raghunathrao near Alegaon. Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 After the surrender, Raghunathrao decided to control all the major decisions under the assistance of Sakharam Bapu. Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 He also decided to befriend the Nizam, but this proved to be a wrong masterplan as the Nizam slowly started infiltrating the zones of Maratha kingdom. Nizam ( Urdu: نظام‌) a shortened version of Nizam-ul-Mulk ( Urdu: نظام‌الملک) meaning Administrator of the Realm, was Nizam ( Urdu: نظام‌) a shortened version of Nizam-ul-Mulk ( Urdu: نظام‌الملک) meaning Administrator of the Realm, was As time slipped by, Madhavrao pointed out the gravity of the situation to his uncle. Eventually on 7th March 1763 the Peshwas, once again under Madhavrao’s leadership, decided to attack Aurangabad to crush the Nizam. The Peshwa ( Marathi:पेशवा plural Peshwe, Marathi:पेशवे were Brahmin Prime Ministers to the Maratha Nizam ( Urdu: نظام‌) a shortened version of Nizam-ul-Mulk ( Urdu: نظام‌الملک) meaning Administrator of the Realm, was After months of chasing, the Peshwas faced the Nizam’s army on 10th August 1763 at Rakshasbhuvan near Aurangabad. The Peshwa ( Marathi:पेशवा plural Peshwe, Marathi:पेशवे were Brahmin Prime Ministers to the Maratha Nizam ( Urdu: نظام‌) a shortened version of Nizam-ul-Mulk ( Urdu: نظام‌الملک) meaning Administrator of the Realm, was The Nizam’s army suffered huge losses in this war, but the Nizam himself fled away. Nizam ( Urdu: نظام‌) a shortened version of Nizam-ul-Mulk ( Urdu: نظام‌الملک) meaning Administrator of the Realm, was Nizam ( Urdu: نظام‌) a shortened version of Nizam-ul-Mulk ( Urdu: نظام‌الملک) meaning Administrator of the Realm, was On returning, the Peshwas received a grand welcome back in Pune for their victory over the Nizam. The Peshwa ( Marathi:पेशवा plural Peshwe, Marathi:पेशवे were Brahmin Prime Ministers to the Maratha Pune (ˈpuːneɪ Marathi: पुणे Hindi: पूना formerly Poona, is the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra Nizam ( Urdu: نظام‌) a shortened version of Nizam-ul-Mulk ( Urdu: نظام‌الملک) meaning Administrator of the Realm, was

Madhavrao’s nature:

During this time, an interesting incident occurred. Madhavrao was busy managing the treasury of the kingdom and supervising the calculation of the expenses encountered during the war. One day he noticed a large crowd anxiously waiting at the entrance of Shaniwarwada. Shaniwarwada ( Marathi: शनिवारवाडा is a Palace Fort in the city of Pune in western Maharashtra, India Upon summoning the guards, he discovered that they were the aggrievated citizens of Pune who had lost their families, house, land and wealth in the war. Pune (ˈpuːneɪ Marathi: पुणे Hindi: पूना formerly Poona, is the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra They had been visiting his residence for the past few days with hopes of expressing their unbearable losses. However, the guards had not allowed them to meet the Peshwa by excusing that his health had deteriorated. When he heard this, Madhavrao became furious with the guards; he immediately left all his tasks aside and stepped out of Shaniwarwada. Shaniwarwada ( Marathi: शनिवारवाडा is a Palace Fort in the city of Pune in western Maharashtra, India He personally met with the poverished families and patiently listened to each one of them. He made a note of every family’s loss and personally saw to it that these losses were compensated from the empire’s revenue. This speaks volumes about why the citizens always looked up to him with tremendous faith and respect. Though there were rifts between him and his uncle Raghunathrao, Madhavrao always displayed concern for him on personal grounds. Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 In later times, even though his mother Gopikabai decided to live separately in Gangapur near Nashik, the two always shared frequent written communication. Gopikabai ( December 20, 1724 in Supa, near Pune, India – August 11, 1778 in Nashik) was the daughter http//wwwmapsofindiacom/maps/maharashtra/roads/nashik_roadjpg Nashik (नाशिक He had great respect, love and regard for his mother, which is visible in the letters exchanged between the two. Madhavrao was one of the most able administrators; he bought radical revolutions in the Maratha Empire in terms of efficiency and honesty. Corrupt and lethargic officials were flogged in the courtyard; this brought about the much required discipline in the administration. The judicial system was impartial and faithfully managed by Ram Shastri, who was considered as the supreme pillar of justice. The usage of revenues was maximized for the welfare of the citizens. Artillery and weapons were constantly upgraded and the strength of the empire was maintained at high standards. Madhavrao was feared by his own servants, but he was approachable to the common man.

The Peshwas attempt to conquer the Hyder:

In January 1764, for the second time, Madhavrao decided to gather up his defences and conquer the Hyder Ali. Hyder Ali or Haidar 'Ali (c 1722 - 1782 was the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in southern India. This time his massive army comprised of efficient generals like Gopalrao Patwardhan, Murarrao Ghorpade, Vinchurkar and Naro Shankar. Raghunathrao declined his offer to join him and instead chose to visit Nashik. Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 http//wwwmapsofindiacom/maps/maharashtra/roads/nashik_roadjpg Nashik (नाशिक This was a particularly long conquest which went for almost a year in and around the districts of Karnataka. Karnataka (ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ pronounced) is a state in the southern part of India However, the Hyder Ali was a cunning nemesis; he somehow managed to escape the clutches of the Peshwas. Hyder Ali or Haidar 'Ali (c 1722 - 1782 was the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in southern India. The Peshwa ( Marathi:पेशवा plural Peshwe, Marathi:पेशवे were Brahmin Prime Ministers to the Maratha Eventually, Madhavrao decided to call Raghunathrao for his assistance, but Raghunathrao only signed a treaty with the Hyder Ali, much to Madhavrao’s disappointment. Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 Hyder Ali or Haidar 'Ali (c 1722 - 1782 was the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in southern India. Raghunathrao intentionally made this move, since he was now fearfully aware of Madhavrao’s burgeoning power. Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 Additionally, his loyal assistant Sakharam bapu also warned him against the consequences of conquering the Hyder Ali. Hyder Ali or Haidar 'Ali (c 1722 - 1782 was the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in southern India. The Peshwa’s failure to impose authority over Hyder Ali triggered a major setback on Madhavrao’s health. Hyder Ali or Haidar 'Ali (c 1722 - 1782 was the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in southern India.

Madhavrao extends bond of friendship with an old enemy:

The Peshwas were expanding their territory in the northern regions of India. The Peshwa ( Marathi:पेशवा plural Peshwe, Marathi:पेशवे were Brahmin Prime Ministers to the Maratha Raghunathrao, the Holkars and Shindes together marched towards Delhi with the intension of expanding the Maratha Empire in these territories. Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 The Holkar were a prominent Dhangar family who ruled as Rajas and later Maharajas of Indaur (better known as Indore) in Central India In the meanwhile, Madhavrao made a bold decision of bonding with his old nemesis, the Nizam. Nizam ( Urdu: نظام‌) a shortened version of Nizam-ul-Mulk ( Urdu: نظام‌الملک) meaning Administrator of the Realm, was The Nizam also genuinely expressed his desire to extend the relationship, and thus the two met at Kurumkhed on 5th February 1766. Nizam ( Urdu: نظام‌) a shortened version of Nizam-ul-Mulk ( Urdu: نظام‌الملک) meaning Administrator of the Realm, was The next few days saw some cultural exchanges and open expressions of concern. The levels of mutual understanding alleviated, and this relationship started growing stronger.

The Britishers meet the Peshwas:

On 3rd December, 1767, the British officer Mastin arrived in Pune. Pune (ˈpuːneɪ Marathi: पुणे Hindi: पूना formerly Poona, is the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra The colonial rulers wanted to setup their armies in the regions of Vasai and Sashthi, but Madhavrao had anticipated their intentions. } Vasai-Virar is a city in Maharashtra state in western India. Mastin’s repeated requests to acquire these regions in return for conquering the Hyder Ali fell on deaf ears, the Peshwa never agreed to them. Hyder Ali or Haidar 'Ali (c 1722 - 1782 was the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in southern India.

Raghunathrao faces house arrest:

Though Raghunathrao had marched to the North for expanding the empire, he failed to do so. Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 Instead, he came back to Anandvalli and was again tempted to form an alliance with his generals and fight against Madhavrao. This time, however; Madhavrao was extremely agitated with his uncle’s repeated attempt. On 10th June 1768 he waged a war against Raghunathrao, captured him and put him in house arrest at Shaniwarwada. Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 Shaniwarwada ( Marathi: शनिवारवाडा is a Palace Fort in the city of Pune in western Maharashtra, India Raghunathrao’s assistant Sakharam Bapu was also put in house arrest. Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 The relationship between Madhavao and Raghunathrao had deteriorated to great extents. Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774

Attack on Madhavrao:

The incident occurred on the evening of 7th September, 1769. Madhavrao was returning from the Parvati temple at Pune with his comrades, when one of his generals Ramsingh suddenly attacked him with a sword. Pune (ˈpuːneɪ Marathi: पुणे Hindi: पूना formerly Poona, is the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra Fortunately, Madhavrao was warned just in the nick of time and he suffered a blow from the sword on his shoulder, as he tried to dodge Ramsingh. Madhavrao believed that this was Raguhnathrao’s attempt to murder him, but he imprisoned General Ramsingh.

Madhavrao’s health deteriorates:

In June 1770, the Peshwas set out to conquer the Hyder Ali for the third time. The Peshwa ( Marathi:पेशवा plural Peshwe, Marathi:पेशवे were Brahmin Prime Ministers to the Maratha Hyder Ali or Haidar 'Ali (c 1722 - 1782 was the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore in southern India. However, Madhavrao was infected with Tuberculosis which started deteriorating his health. Tuberculosis (abbreviated as TB for tubercle bacillus or T u' b' erculosis Bacillus --> is a common He had to return back from Miraj, as the effects of the disease had started becoming prominent. He was even recommended an English doctor for the treatment of the terrible disease, and he would follow the advice given by the doctor. However, there were no signs of improvement and slowly it started developing further. The disease had affected his intestine, and often Madhavrao would cry out to his comrades for a dagger to rip his bowels apart. Such was the intensity of pain which Madhavrao had to undergo in his last days, since there was no cure for Tuberculosis in those times. Tuberculosis (abbreviated as TB for tubercle bacillus or T u' b' erculosis Bacillus --> is a common Tuberculosis was also termed as “Raj-Yakshma”, or the prince of diseases. Tuberculosis (abbreviated as TB for tubercle bacillus or T u' b' erculosis Bacillus --> is a common Madhavrao decided to spend his last days in his favourite temple of Chintamani (Lord Ganesh) at Theur, near Pune. Pune (ˈpuːneɪ Marathi: पुणे Hindi: पूना formerly Poona, is the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra

On 6th October 1772, Raghunathrao tried to escape from the house arrest at Shaniwarwada, but he was caught again. Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774 Shaniwarwada ( Marathi: शनिवारवाडा is a Palace Fort in the city of Pune in western Maharashtra, India Madhavrao had become excessively weak, and he could no longer bear such incidents. He had constructed a garden, a wooden hall and a fountain outside this favourite temple.

18th November 1772, early morning approximately at eight: Madhavrao breathed his last at the temple premises of Chintamani, Theur. Thousands of citizens visited the site and paid their last respects to the great leader. His wife Ramabai was also mentally prepared for his death; she performed Sati during his cremation on the same date. Madhavrao was cremated on the banks of the river which was about half a mile from the temple. A small memorial carved out of stone rests today at this place as a reminder of this great leader and his loving wife.

"And the plains of Panipat were not more fatal to the Maratha Empire than the early end of this excellent prince…"

-Grant Duff. WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Panipat ( Hindi: पानीपत is an ancient and historic city in Panipat District,

References:

Ranjit Desai, “Swami”. (26th Edition March 2007, published by Mehta Publishers, Marathi Literature).
Govind Sakharam Sardesai, "A New History of Marathas”. The Marāthās ( Marathi: mr मराठा also Mahrattas) form an Indo Aryan group of Hindu Warriors hailing mostly from the present-day
Grant Duff, “History of Marathas”. The Marāthās ( Marathi: mr मराठा also Mahrattas) form an Indo Aryan group of Hindu Warriors hailing mostly from the present-day

Contents