Bajirao I, also known as Bajirao Ballal, was one of the most renowned and influential Peshwas (prime ministers) of the Maratha Empire. He served as the Peshwa from 1720 to 1740 and played a pivotal role in expanding Maratha power and establishing the Maratha Empire as a formidable force in India.

Early Life and Rise to Power: Bajirao I was born on August 18, 1700, in Pune, Maharashtra, into the influential Bhat family. He received military training and education from a young age and quickly displayed exceptional leadership qualities and strategic acumen. Bajirao was deeply influenced by his father, Balaji Vishwanath, who was the first Peshwa of the Maratha Empire.

Campaigns and Military Exploits: Bajirao I’s reign as the Peshwa was marked by several military expeditions and campaigns that expanded Maratha influence and established their dominance over various regions in India:

1. Malwa Campaign (1723): Bajirao I’s first major campaign was against the Mughal-aligned Nawab of Malwa. He successfully defeated the Nawab and extended Maratha control over Malwa, securing a significant territorial gain for the Marathas.
2. Bundelkhand Campaign (1729): Bajirao I led an expedition into Bundelkhand, a region in present-day Madhya Pradesh, to quell the rebellious local chieftains. He defeated the Bundela Rajput’s and brought the region under Maratha control.
3. Delhi Expedition (1737): Bajirao I embarked on a daring expedition to the heart of the Mughal Empire. He aimed to extract tribute and assert Maratha supremacy over the weakened Mughal Emperor, Muhammad Shah. Though he faced logistical challenges and political intrigues, Bajirao managed to extract a favorable treaty from the Mughals, solidifying Maratha’s influence in northern India.
4. Malabar Campaign (1738-1739): Bajirao I led an ambitious campaign in the southern region of Malabar to expand Maratha territories. He successfully captured several strongholds and established Maratha’s dominance in the region.

Administrative Reforms and Contributions: Bajirao I’s contributions extended beyond military conquests. He implemented significant administrative reforms and policies that strengthened the Maratha Empire:

1. Revenue Reforms: Bajirao introduced revenue reforms to streamline taxation and enhance revenue collection. He implemented a system known as the Chauth and Sardeshmukhi, which aimed to collect taxes from the territories under Maratha’s control.
2. Diplomatic Alliances: Bajirao I forged strategic alliances with regional powers and formed a confederacy known as the Maratha Confederacy. He maintained friendly relations with various Rajput princes, ensuring their support and cooperation in his military campaigns.
3. Military Reforms: Bajirao I revitalized the Maratha military and introduced tactical innovations. He emphasized mobility, speed, and surprise in warfare, which proved instrumental in the Maratha victories on the battlefield.

Legacy: Bajirao I’s reign as the Peshwa left a lasting impact on the Maratha Empire and Indian history:

1. Expansion of Maratha Power: Under Bajirao’s leadership, the Marathas expanded their territories across a vast expanse of central and northern India. His military campaigns established Maratha’s dominance and weakened the influence of the Mughal Empire.
2. Maratha Confederacy: Bajirao I’s ability to forge alliances and maintain the unity of the Maratha chiefs led to the formation of the Maratha Confederacy. This confederacy played a crucial role in the subsequent battles