Madhavrao Peshwa

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Madhavrao Peshwa (born 1745 - died 1772) was the second son of Nanasaheb Peshwa. He ruled Pune, India from (1761 - 1772). He became ill (possibly due to tuberculosis) in 1771 and died in 1772 at an early age of 27. He was succeeded by his younger brother Narayanrao Peshwa.

[edit] Background

The Maratha Empire after the Battle of Panipat in 1761 was completely devastated. Nanasaheb Peshwa was unable to bear the shock of this defeat and death of his brother and elder son Vishwasrao who died on Parvati hill near Pune. The entire empire was in shambles with entire generation of Maratha warriors wiped out. Madhavrao was elected peshwa at this crucial junction in the history of time. His uncle Raghunathrao was selected as a regent for the new Peshwa. Mahadji Shinde was very close to him. He re-established Maratha pride and fear among its neighbour kingdoms. He established maratha supremacy over Nizam of Hydrabad. He was the most capable Peshwa after Bajirao I and like him marathas never lost a battle during his reign.

Preceded by Balaji Baji Rao

Peshwa 1761-1772

Succeeded by Narayan Rao