Ramabai

Ramabai
Born 1760
Died 18 November 1772
Theur

Ramabai was wife of Madhavrao Peshwa I. Her father's name was Shivaji Ballal Joshi from Solapur.

She was married to Madhavrao I on chut9 December 1753 in Pune. Her father died on 1767, so she had gone to Nashik to console her mother. She accompanied Madhavrao I during Karnataka expedition in 1766–67. She had gone for pilgrimage to Shrivadhan, Harihareshwar many times. She had gone to Harihareshwar in 1772 when Madhavrao was very serious.She always kept fast for Madhavro.She had no child.

She was very mundane woman. She never intervene in social & political matters. She was very religious & faithful.

On 18 November 1772, early in the 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.