Who was the father of Baji Rao I?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2: Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath.
Explanation:
- Bajirao I (also known as Bajirao Ballal)—one of the greatest generals of the Maratha Empire—was the eldest son of Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath.
- Family Background: Bajirao I was born into a Chitpavan Brahmin family. His father, Balaji Vishwanath, was the first Peshwa (Prime Minister) of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.
- Succession: Following the death of Balaji Vishwanath in 1720, Chhatrapati Shahu appointed Bajirao I as the next Peshwa at the young age of just 20.
- Achievements: Bajirao I is known as the 'Warrior Peshwa.' During his 20-year tenure, he fought approximately 41 battles and did not suffer a single defeat. He championed the concept of 'Hindu Pad Padshahi' and expanded the Maratha Empire into North India.
Other Historical Figures in the Options (Quick Revision):
- Raghunath Rao (Option 1): He was the son of Bajirao I and the brother of Balaji Bajirao. Later, it was largely due to him that conflict erupted between the Marathas and the British.
- Shahu Maharaj (Option 3): He was the Chhatrapati (King) of the Maratha Empire. It was he who appointed Balaji Vishwanath and Bajirao I as Peshwas.
Peshwa Madhavrao (Option 4): He was the grandson of Bajirao I (the son of Balaji Bajirao). He is credited with reviving Maratha power following the Third Battle of Panipat.
Important Questions for Upcoming Exams:
Question: In which famous battle did Bajirao I defeat the Nizam of Hyderabad?
Answer: The Battle of Palkhed (1728). Question: Which Peshwa propounded the doctrine of 'Hindu Pad Padshahi'?
Answer: Bajirao I.
Question: Mastani, the second wife of Bajirao I, was a princess from where?
Answer: Bundelkhand (daughter of Maharaja Chhatrasal).