Raghunathrao

Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774. He was instrumental in the downfall of the Peshwa clan.

Early life

Raghunathrao, also known as "Raghoba" and "Ragho Bharari," was the younger brother of Nanasaheb Peshwa. His father was Peshwa Bajirao I & mother was Kashibai. Raghunathrao was born in Mahuli near Satara on 1 August 1734. Much of his childhood was spent in Satara.

In his early years he fought with great success in the north. His first expedition during 1753–1755 was concluded by an advantageous treaty with Jat. In his second expedition he expanded the Maratha Empire to Attock (now in Pakistan) until 1760 . He is favorably remembered by Hindus for the fact that during that expedition he brought an end to Muslim rule at Hindu religious places such as Mathura, Vrindavan, Gaya, Kurukshetra. Raghunathrao imprisoned Mughal Emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur and made Alamgir II Emperor in his place.

When Ahmad Shah Durrani (of present day Afghanistan) approched Punjab in 1760 and defeated Dattaji Shinde, who was killed in battle, Raghunathrao was supposed to go to north to handle the situation. Raghunathrao asked for large amount and an army, which was denied by Sadashivrao Bhau who was Diwan of Peshwa, so he declined to go. Sadashivrao Bhau was thereupon made commander in chief of the Maratha Army, under whom the Battle of Panipat was fought.

After the maratha defeat at Third Battle of Panipat and his brother's death in 1761, Raghunathrao wanted the Peshwa throne for himself, but instead the throne was passed on to Madhavrao Peshwa, Son of Nanasaheb.

Regency

He was appointed as a regent to the young Peshwa, but tried to interfere with the administration. He soon fell out of favour with the Peshwa, and even tried to conspire against him by joining the Nizam of Hyderabad against the Peshwa. The alliance was defeated at Ghodegaon, and Raghunathrao was placed under house arrest. After Madhavrao I 's death in 1772, Raghunathrao was released from house arrest. He then became the regent of Madhavrao's younger brother Narayanrao. Together with his wife Anandibai, he had his nephew Narayanrao murdered. Anandibai herself was brave, a capable administrator, and a very sharp and intelligent person.

Legend has it that when the assassins attacked the young Peshwa, he ran to Raghoba crying "Kaakaa malaa waachwaa" (Uncle, save me). His cry fell on deaf ears and Raghoba stood by as his nephew was killed. After Narayanrao's murder, Raghoba became Peshwa, but he was shortly overthrown by Nana Phadnis and 11 other administrators in what is called "The Baarbhaai Conspiracy" (Conspiracy by the Twelve).

At Kasegaon near Pandharpur the first battle between the Baarbhai and Raghobadada took place in 1774. He then went to Khambhat with hope of getting help from the British, who did not help but transported him to Surat from their ship. At Surat a treaty was signed between Raghunathrao and the British East India Company. According to the treaty it was decided that Thane, Vasai and Sashti were to be handed over to the British, and in return the Company would assist Raghunathrao to become the Peshwa.

However, the Company was not yet ready for war, so that the treaty between the Baarbhai and the Company was signed at Purandar. After the treaty, the Company openly distanced itself from from Raghunathrao and asked him to live as their pensioner. But due to the fear of the Baarbhai, Raghunathrao was unhappy to leave Surat and in fact the Company did not insist on it, so he kept on living there.

In 1776, Raghunathrao unsuccessfully tried to get help from the Portuguese. After that he came to Mumbai. During that period Company gave him 15000 Rs. At the Battle of Talegaon, the East India Company was defeated. A treaty was signed at Vadgaon according to which Raghunathrao's claim on the position of Peshwa was rescinded.

Death and aftermath

Raghunathrao died in 1782. He had two sons Bajirao II and Chimajirao II. Bajirao II became Peshwa in 1800.