Saturday, 12 December 2015

8 DEC 1721-23 JUN 1761 3rd PESHWA BALAJI BAJIRAO 

Parvati aka Parvata aai

Every Puneite has been here at least once. The true blue, hold it close to their hearts. Health enthusiasts flock here every morning and evening, devotees queue up for one glimpse of their God and artists derive inspiration from it. That’s Parvati for you.


Due to its geographically strategic position (2100ftabove sea level), proximity to a water source -Katraj lake and its location - on the old trade route connecting Dive Ghat – Kalyan-Nala Sopara, Parvati was the obvious choice of Shrimanta Nana Saheb Peshwa (son of Bajirao Peshwa - the First) for his abode. In fact, one evidence of Pune being an ancient city (8th century) is found here at the north-east end of Parvati. Do visit this cave; you will have to take small walk to locate this structure.


Legend has it that Peshwa Nana Saheb aka Balaji Bajirao’s mother - Rani Kashibai was suffering from a severe foot ailment. She went to a temple in the south of Pune which was famous for its miraculous healing power. Kashibai prayed for her recovery and vowed she would build a larger temple there if she got cured. Her wish was fulfilled and her son built a temple on the hill in the year 1749 A.D. This is the famous Parvati Temple.

 

At the tender age of 10, on 25th June 1740 Nana Saheb was sworn in as Peshwa by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s grandson). Within 10 years of his reign, he attained control over Maval, Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and during the next decade over even Karnataka and Telangana. Nana Saheb Peshwa used to venerate Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, who had given all the administrative responsibilities to the Prime Ministers - Peshwas. One of many legends says that after the passage of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Nana Saheb took his Khadav (foot wear) along with him to Parvati and wanted to spend rest of his life with his memories (in ancient Hindu culture, disciples show the highest level of respect by worshipping the Khadav/Paduka of their Gurus). 

Nana Saheb lost his cousin, Sadashivrao Bhau (the son of Chimaji Appa), and his eldest son, Vishwasrao, at the disastrous Third Battle of Panipat. He could not recover from the shock, and died soon after the debacle in 1761.




The residence of the Peshwas is built like a Land Fort (Bhuikot Killa) with very tall walls (Buruj) for defense. Do take a walk towards the western end of the hillock from where one can see part of this Buruj. A considerable part of the Peshwa residence is converted into a museum which displays artifacts, coins, paintings, kitchen items, musical instruments, entertainment artifacts, old furniture, masonry items, fighting gear and armor from the Maratha era. The Peshwa family and many Sardar families have donated these items to the museum. We were told that the wooden pillars and intricately carved windows (Meghdambari) are from the fort of Burhanpur (Indore district). 


The main temple Devdeveshwar (Shiva-Parvati) is built as per the ‘Panchaytan’ style (idols of the deities of Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, Ganapati and Surya are worshipped separately but in the same premises). Later additions by other Peshwas are the Vitthal, Vishnu and Karthikeyan temples, which are equally beautiful. One needs special permission from the Parvati Trust to photograph the idols of the Gods (it is mainly to protect the rare idols from theft). If permitted, we would make the pictures available to our readers soon. As usual nothing could stop us from photographing this magnificent Nandi!

The Devali style (5 domes - one main dome with four smaller replicas, one on each corner) evolved during the Peshwa regime. The mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture is reflected through minarets, floral arches and lotus motifs. The enamel work is also of Muslim influence and was used in jewelry and Meghdambari carvings. Though this temple was built for the private use of the Peshwa family, it appears that religious and educational gatherings were held here regularly. Arrangements for the visitors were made in the temple premises; visitors would camp in the ‘Ovari/Gacchi’ (big niches along the walls).

  
 We spent considerable time with the people who look after the administration and maintenance of the Parvati premises, they are a nice lot. Sure, maintaining such premises has its own challenges! Next time you visit Parvati, I suggest you go as a student, and a lot of history will come alive for you.

My personal favorite is a 250 year old, massive Chafa (Champa) tree outside the Peshwa residence. We tried photographing it from every camera angle in an attempt to capture its beauty. Its size intimidates one in a good way. To me, it symbolizes a reflection of our past glory!

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Balaji Baji Rao

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the Nana sahab of Bithur, see Nana Sahib.
Balaji Baji Rao
Painting at Prince of Wales museum.jpg
Flag of the Maratha Empire.svg Peshwa of Maratha Empire
In office
1740–1761
MonarchChhattrapati Shahu
Rajaram II
Preceded byBajirao I
Succeeded byMadhavrao I
Personal details
Born8 December 1720
Died23 June 1761
ReligionHinduism

Maratha Empire in orange (Political Map of South Asia around 1758 AD).
Balaji Baji Rao (8 December 1720 – 23 June 1761), also known as Nana Saheb Peshwa was son of Bajirao[1] and Kashibai. Chattrapati Shahu, at time of his death, appointed Balaji Baji Rao Peshwa of Maratha Empire. He contributed to development of Pune, India. Under his reign, borders of Maratha Empire crossed Peshawar (presently in Pakistan) by 1760 AD . However, he is also held responsible for defeat of Marathas at the Battle of Panipat (1761).

Early life[edit]

After death of Baji Rao, Chattrapati Shahu appointed Baji Rao's 19 years old son, Balaji Baji Rao, as Peshwa. Balaji Baji Rao was called by the name of "Nana" ,thus later "Nanasaheb". After becoming peshwa, Balaji Baji Rao had to deal with discontent from neighbors and maratha chieftains such as Tulaji, son of Kanhoji Angre and Raghoji Bhosale. Raghoji's resentment stemmed from his desire to become Peshwa. He was husband of sister of Shahu's wife. Hyderabad Nizam and his successors were also not ready to fulfil their treaty obligations made to Baji Rao. In Karnataka, muslims began to challenge Maratha sovereignty; Rajput rulers were also dissatisfied with Marathas. Gaikwad of Vadodadra in Gujrat was also unhappy with Peshwa. There were internal disputes between Maratha generals, Scindia and Holkar. The financial condition of the Marathas was also deplorable.

Financial problems[edit]

The state of royal treasury was not good due to expeditions of his late father Peshwa Baji Rao. Baji Rao himself left a loan of 14 lakhs rupees. Nana Saheb found the solution of it in Karnataka. He appointed his officer Murarirao Ghorpade to take money from Trichnapalli and Arkat. Then he took a loan from Mahadji Purandare and returned the money of Babuji Nayak. To improve the financial situation, Peshwa asked for right to taxation from all provinces taken from Portuguese from Chattrapati Shahu and he was granted that right which included Basin and south of Narmada River region except Gujarat.

Problem of the Angre brothers[edit]

Struggle for succession started in Angre family in 1739 AD, after death of Sambhaji Angre. Peshwa favoured Manaji Angre, who was against Tulaji Angre. To establish the sovereignty of Manaji, Peshwa took naval help from British and ended the reign of Tulaji. Manaji remained faithful towards Peshwa. For this favour, Manaji had to give up full portion of Bankot to the British and navy power of Marathas was also diminished.

Taking of Malwa[edit]

In 1738 AD, according to treaty of Durai, Sarai Nizam, had given the provinces of Malwa to Baji Rao. But Mughal emperor did not confirm it till. So Balaji entered in Malwa with a strong army and confiscated all land between the Narmada and Mandala. Being afraid of this, Mughal emperor conceded the province of Malwa to Peshwa in 1741 A.D. In return, the Peshwa promised to give 500 soldiers permanently to the emperor and send 4,000 soldiers, when needed. This was the start of direct involvement of Marathas in Mughals politics that later proved destructive.

Life as Peshwa[edit]


Territory under Maratha control in 1760 (yellow), without its vassals.
After the death of Peshwa Baji Rao I, Chhatrapati Shahu now appointed the deceased’s eldest son Balaji Bajirao as Peshwa on 4 July 1740.
Balaji Bajirao Peshwa had received good training in war and diplomacy under his father but he was not endowed with his father’s dash and military genius. He was a man of sweet and conciliatory temper.

Conquests under Nanasaheb Peshwa[edit]

Malwa[edit]

On his appointment, he planned an expedition to Northern India in order to secure the formal cession of Malwa which had been promised to his father by Nizam-ul-Mulk.
Accompanied by his uncle Chimaji Appa he left for Malwa, but Chimaji had to return from the way on account of ill-health and died at Poona on 27 December 1740. Chimnaji was a notable soldier and an administrator of repute. Not a man of great personal ambition, he loyally served his brother and gave him the credit for his achievements. His son Sadashivrao Bhau, popularly known as Bhau Saheb, was destined to rise to fame and to a tragic end.
The Peshwa after due mourning for his deceased uncle resumed his journey and reached Dholpur, where he held a conference with Jai Singh of Jaipur in the last week of May 1741. It resulted in an agreement to the effect
1.That the Peshwa and Jai Singh should act in complete friendship and help each other; 2.That the Marathas should be strictly loyal to the Mughal emperors; and 3.That the governorship of Malwa should be secured for the Peshwa within six months.
After this diplomatic success Balaji Bajirao returned to Poona on 17 July. Jai Singh now persuaded the emperor to issue a ‘farman’ appointing the crown prince Ahmad as Subedar of Malwa and Peshwa Balaji Rao, as his deputy. Balaji Rao thus became the master of Malwa in name as well as in fact. The province had been in Maratha possession since November 1738.
The formal grant of 14 July 1741 legalized the Maratha conquest of Malwa. The terms of the grant of Malwa were:
1.The Marathas should not encroach on any other imperial territory; 2.The Peshwa should station at Delhi 500 Maratha horse for imperial service; 3.That at the time of necessity 4,000 more Maratha troops should be provided at the expense of the emperor; 4.That the Peshwa should respect the jagirs in Malwa granted by the emperor to individuals and religious institutions before 1741 and that he should not enhance the taxes on the riots.

Karnataka[edit]

Karnataka was a great attraction for Balaji Baji Rao. The reason was that Shahu had given the work of Karnataka to Maratha Sardar Raghuji Bhonsle who was rival of Balaji. Raghuji attacked on Karnataka in 1739 A.D. and got glorious successes. He defeated Nawab Dostali in Karnataka and killed him and imprisoned his son-in-law, Chanda Saheb, and brought him Satara. By this the prestige of Raghuji Bhonsle increased much. Balaji Baji Rao becomes eager to establish his sovereignty in Karnataka.
In 1743 A.D., Nizam-ul-Mulk attacked on Karnataka and cancelled all the successor of the Raghuji Bhonsle. At this, in 1715 A.D., Peshwa sent Sadashivrao Bhau for Karnataka expedition. Sadashiv Bhau was the cousin of Balaji Baji Rao and was a brave warrior and general. He made the whole west Karnataka under Chhatrapati. Thus, Nana Saheb followed separate policy from his father. He wanted to control Karnataka like north.

Orissa, Bengal & Bihar[edit]

Rahgoji Bhonsle of Nagpur was a strong Sardar. In 1742 A.D., he increased his influence in Orissa and Bengal. His representative Bhaskar Pant plundered many places in Bengal and defeated Nawab Alivardi Khan. Raghuji and Balaji Baji Rao were already rivals. When Bhaskar Pant started plundering in Bengal, Alivardi Khan requested Peshwa for help. Meanwhile, Mughal emperor also wrote Peshwa that he would prevent the activities of Raghuji in Bengal.
So Peshwa went towards Bengal with a strong army and he defeated Raghuji at many places. Raghuji kept the whole matter in front of Shahu. Sahuji talked with Peshwa and Raghuji made them friends and divided their fields. So Peshwa had to be away from Bengal.
After that, Bhaskar Pant was killed by which Raghuji became angry and he made many successful expeditions on Bengal, Bihar and Orissa between 1747 and 1751 A.D. In the end, Alivardi Khand and Raghuji had to make treaty. According to treaty, the area of Orissa was given to Marathas and Raghuji was to pay 12 lakh rupees and Chauth of Bengal and Bihar. By this treaty, the sovereignty of Marathas over Bengal, Bihar and Orissa increased.

The Battle of Panipat[edit]

Main article: Third Battle of Panipat
The Third Battle of Panipat took place on 14 January 1761 at Panipat (Haryana State, India), about 60 miles (95.5 km) north of Delhi. The battle pitted the French-supplied artillery of the Marathas against the heavy cavalry of the Afghans led by Ahmad Shah Durrani, an ethnic Pashtun, also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali. The battle is considered one of the largest battles fought in the 18th century. Marathas were defeated with heavy casualties on both sides.

Contribution to Pune city[edit]

During his 20-year reign (1740–1761), Balaji Bajirao completely transformed Pune from a nagar (settlement) into a vast city. He established many new neighbourhoods (called peths) like Nana Peth, etc. and developed few like Shaniwar Peth, Ravivar Peth, Somwar Peth, Budhwar Peth. He built the famous Parvati temple atop a hillock that overlooks the city and built the first permanent bridge across the river Mutha. (That bridge was made of wood, so the new concrete bridge that stands at the same location today is also called Lakdi Pool or 'the wooden bridge'. He also established a reservoir at the nearby town of Katraj to provide clean running water to the city. The 250-year-old system is still functioning.
His career saw some of the best and worst moments of the Maratha empire. Maratha power in India reached its peak under his reign. Balaji Bajirao, his uncle (Kaka) Chimaji Appa (younger Brother of Bajirao-I), his cousin Sadashivrao Bhau (Chimaji Appa's son), and his younger brother Raghunathrao were successful in establishing and consolidating Maratha dominance in India. By 1760 AD the borders of Maratha Empire had crossed Peshawar (presently in Pakistan. However, he is partly responsible for the defeat of the Marathas at the Battle of Panipat (1761).

Death[edit]


The samadhi of Peshwa Nana Saheb
Nanasaheb died at Parvati, Pune, on 23 June 1761.

See also[edit]




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        Balaji Baji Rao
        Bajirao I's son
        Balaji Baji Rao, also known as Nana Saheb Peshwa was son of Bajirao and Kashibai. Chattrapati Shahu, at time of his death, appointed Balaji Baji Rao Peshwa of Maratha Empire. He contributed to development of Pune, India. Wikipedia
        Born: December 8, 1721, Pune
        Died: June 23, 1761, Pune
        Parents: Bajirao I
        Children: Madhavrao I, Narayan Rao, Vishwasrao
        Siblings: Raghunathrao
        Nephews: Baji Rao II
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