Introduction to the Third Battle of Panipat (1761)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

The Book

Title: Solstice at Panipat
Author: Dr. Uday Kulkarni (doctor by profession, historian by passion)
Date of Battle: January 14, 1761

What "Solstice" Means Here

The title doesn't refer to the astronomical event - it's a metaphor for two great powers colliding where neither emerged as a clear winner. Although Ahmad Shah Abdali technically won the battle, the destruction was so severe that he never returned to India again.

Why Panipat Matters

Location: Panipat, Haryana (north of Delhi)

Strategic Importance:

• Delhi was always the capital, no matter who ruled
• Invaders from Afghanistan, Iran, or Central Asia would approach from the Northwest
• Panipat was the first line of defense - the ideal place to stop invaders before they reached Delhi
• This is why THREE major battles happened at the same location

The Three Battles of Panipat

The Players

Ahmad Shah Abdali

Who: King of Afghanistan
Motivation: Afghanistan had almost no agriculture or prosperity - needed wealth from elsewhere
Strategy: Raid India, loot as much as possible, return to Afghanistan to build his empire

Previous Invasions:

• Had come to India twice before this battle
• Nobody stopped him those times
• He never intended to rule India - just wanted the loot
• India was the wealthiest nation at the time, and the Mughal Empire had become very weak

The Marathas

Territory at this time:

• North boundary: Narmada River
• South boundary: Krishna River
• West boundary: Arabian Sea coast

Character: Calm by nature but athletic and hardy (kaatak)

Historical Background: How We Got Here

The Suffering Under Foreign Rule

The Marathi people had suffered under:

• Bahamani Sultans
• Mughal Empire

This went on for generations.

Shivaji's Revolution

Shivaji Raje gave the Marathi people freedom from this oppression.

His Impact:

• Transformed the average Marathi person from a passive subject into an active fighter
• Created ideology that spread to the common people
• People understood they needed independence and their own rule
• "Before they were passive actors, now they're live players"

His Innovations (Ahead of His Time):

1. Governance & Society: Created prosperity and functioning governance in his territories
2. Military Strategy: Invented the Ganimikawa tactic
   • Surgical strikes on your own terms
   • Hit hard, then withdraw
   • Don't make it a prolonged battle

Legacy: We never saw another personality like Shivaji again - he was truly one of a kind, the founder of the Maratha Empire without parallel.

Aurangzeb: The Last Great Mughal

Aurangzeb was the last effective Mughal emperor - after him, they were just namesake rulers with no real authority.

His Obsession with the Marathas

The Numbers:

• Spent the last 26 years of his life (until his death) trying to subdue the Marathas
• Invested enormous resources and time in the Deccan
• Result: Complete failure - Marathas kept rising back up

Despite all his efforts and spending those final decades in military campaigns, he couldn't crush the Maratha spirit that Shivaji had ignited.

The Catastrophes

Two Major Blows to the Maratha Kingdom

The text mentions that two major events struck at the very root (foundation) of the Maratha empire, psychologically and structurally devastating them.

The Aftermath:

• These two catastrophes forced the Marathas to fight in adverse conditions for 25-26 years
• [Note: The specific events weren't detailed in this session - likely covered in the next reading]

The Rajput Context

The Udaipur vs Jaipur Divide

After the Second Battle of Panipat, Rajput kingdoms had to make a choice:

Udaipur Rajputs:

• ⌠Never made peace with Mughals
• Always fought against them
• Maintained resistance

Jaipur Rajputs:

• ✓ Made peace with Mughals
• Created a symbiotic relationship
• Handled their own internal affairs
• Provided taxes and military support when needed
• Mughals left them alone otherwise

Why They Made Peace: The Rajputs realized that if they kept resisting, they would be completely vanquished. Better to maintain autonomy over internal matters while acknowledging Mughal supremacy.

Why This Battle Matters

The Third Battle of Panipat represents the collision of these two rising powers:

• Marathas: The emerging Hindu empire from the Deccan, carrying Shivaji's legacy
• Ahmad Shah Abdali: The Afghan raider-king, looking for one more massive score

Both had everything to gain, everything to lose. The author promises to describe the battle in tremendous detail - claiming he can tell you exactly what was happening on the battlefield with clarity that's almost impossible for such old events.

Key Themes

1. Panipat as the Gateway - Whoever controlled this battlefield controlled access to Delhi and the wealth of North India
2. The Maratha Rise - From oppressed subjects under foreign rule to a military superpower in less than a century
3. The Mughal Decline - From Aurangzeb's massive empire to puppet rulers who couldn't defend their own capital
4. The Afghan Raids - Abdali's repeated invasions showing how weak the center had become
5. Shivaji's Legacy - How one man's vision transformed an entire people

[Session ended - planning to continue with Chapter 1 details next time]

The stage is set. The puppet master (Sutradhar) is ready to tell this epic tale of empires, ambitions, and the battlefield that decided the fate of India.

The Creation of the Peshwa Position: Balaji Vishwanath's Rise (1713-1714)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

Shahu's Weakness & The Crisis

The Problem:

• Shahu was released into Maratha sovereignty with no skills
• No military training, no administrative ability, no statecraft knowledge
• Dependent personality type—never allowed to develop competence
• By early 1710s, things were falling apart around him

The Events Showing Decline:

• Chandrasen Jadav (military commander) left Shahu's service
• Went to Tara Rani initially, then to Nizam of Hyderabad
• Shahu's Peshwa (Prime Minister) was imprisoned by Kanhoji Angre
• Kanhoji had defeated Shahu's forces and held the PM prisoner
• Everything pointing to Shahu's quick decline and failure

The Factional Battle:

• Not open warfare but political skirmishing between Shahu and Tara Rani
• Personality conflicts, rivalry, bickering
• Minor confrontations but no all-out war
• Kanhoji Angre worked for Tara Rani, imprisoned Shahu's PM

The Situation:

• Shahu had no fighting skills like his grandfather or father
• Didn't know how to go on campaigns or lead battles
• Lacked basic management and administration skills
• His rule was going downhill rapidly

Enter Balaji Vishwanath

His Background:

• Originally from Pokhara (coast area)
• Worked in revenue department under Siddhi of Janjira
• Entered Maratha employment around 1699 or earlier
• Had been in service even before Shahu was released (under Tara Rani)
• Worked alongside Dhanaji Jatho

His Rise:

• When Shahu was anointed as Chhatrapati (sovereign) at Satara, Dhanaji Jatho died
• Dhanaji's son became commander-in-chief under Shahu
• Balaji Vishwanath remained in court but in administrative role
• Had already created good impression on Shahu by this point

His Position Before:

• Not yet Peshwa/Prime Minister
• Significant personality in court but supporting role
• Had gained Shahu's trust through competence and ability
• But hadn't yet risen to supreme position

The Kanhoji Angre Problem

Who He Was:

• Powerful commander, originally in Tara Rani's service
• Based in Kokan (coastal region)
• Had defeated Shahu's forces in battle
• Imprisoned Shahu's Peshwa (Prime Minister) in Kolhapur
• Creating major problem for Shahu's authority

His Background:

• Father was Tukoji Angre, served under Shivaji (founder)
• Had inherited position and loyalty to Shivaji's legacy
• But was working for Tara Rani, rival to Shahu
• May have broken with Tara Rani after imprisoning Shahu's PM

Why He Mattered:

• Controlled significant coastal forces and forts
• Was powerful enough to defeat Shahu militarily
• His loyalty could swing power balance either way
• His support would legitimize Shahu's rule

The Strategic Masterstroke

Shahu's Insight:

• Realized he needed someone who was both statesman AND warrior
• Most Peshwas before were just warriors/administrators
• But Shahu needed something rare: diplomat who could fight

The Key Decision:

• Selected Balaji Vishwanath (a Brahmin) as Peshwa
• Revolutionary: Breaking tradition of warrior-class Peshwas
• Shivaji had a Peshwa, but position was minor
• Shahu's Peshwa would be almost "acting CEO" due to his incompetence

Why a Brahmin?

• Brahmins typically did diplomacy and administration
• Marathas typically did fighting (warrior class, Kshatriya)
• Balaji had rare combination: diplomatic smarts + fighting ability
• Path-breaking decision—first time such appointment

The Negotiation:

• Shahu assigned Balaji task: "Turn Kanhoji Angre to our side"
• Balaji immediately countered: "I can't do that as regular courtier"
• "Give me important position—make me Peshwa"
• Shahu agreed—November 17, 1713: Balaji Vishwanath became first Peshwa

The Famous Letter: Balaji's Diplomatic Masterpiece

The Setup:

• Balaji took 10,000 troops to Kokan (where Kanhoji was based)
• Rather than fight immediately, he wrote a letter
• Letter shows both statesmanship and threat

The Message:

1. Appeal to Loyalty: "Your father Tukoji served Shivaji, our founder. This is beneath you."

2. The Choice (Diplomatic):

   • Option 1: Go back to Tara Rani, release our PM, serve her
   • Option 2: Join Shahu, release PM, get employment with us

3. The Ultimatum (Threat):

   • Option 3: Prepare for battle with me
   • I will take all your forts and defeat you
   • Once battle starts, if you lose and try to make amends, too late
   • "Concede now or never"

The Brilliance:

• Not aggressive—offers way out with dignity
• Appeals to family honor (father's service to Shivaji)
• Gives him choices rather than demands
• Combines diplomacy with clear military threat
• Shows he understood Kanhoji personally

The Tone:

• Professional, respectful, but firm
• Not arrogant but confident
• Gives face-saving exit for Kanhoji
• Balaji's brains on full display

The Resolution

The Meeting (February 18, 1714):

• Balaji and Kanhoji met at Lohagad fort
• Made a deal without fighting
• Truce established between them
• Kanhoji agreed to join Shahu's side

The Approval:

• Shahu had to give his formal approval ("stamp of approval")
• Shahu's role as sovereign still ceremonial but real
• Shows Balaji understood chain of command

The Outcome:

• Kanhoji Angre brought his forces to Shahu
• Shahu's position stabilized immediately
• Balaji proved his worth as Peshwa
• Established pattern of diplomatic-military leadership

The Significance of This Moment

Why This Was Pivotal:

1. The Peshwa Institution Born

First time Peshwa position held real power because sovereign was incompetent. Created template for hereditary Peshwa rule that lasted decades.

2. Brahmin-Warrior Combination

Balaji showed Brahmin could fight and lead, not just advise. Broke caste-occupation rigidity. Created space for administrative class to hold military power.

3. Diplomatic-Military Balance

Balaji's letter shows winning without unnecessary war. Uses threat as tool, not first resort. Sets tone for future Maratha expansion: smart + strong.

4. Shahu's Judgment

Despite incompetence in other areas, Shahu showed genius in recognizing what he needed and picking the right person. Trusted Balaji with immense responsibility immediately.

5. Institutional Legitimacy

Rather than seizing power, Balaji was appointed by Shahu. This gave him legitimacy that would sustain his family for generations. Not a usurper but chosen administrator.

The Rare Combination

What Balaji Had:

• Revenue/administrative background (Brahmin training)
• Military fighting ability (rare for Brahmins)
• Diplomatic skill (shown in letter)
• Strategic thinking (offered choices rather than ultimatums alone)
• Loyalty to Shahu (despite being more capable)

Why This Mattered:

• Most military leaders: just fight, no diplomacy
• Most administrators: no combat ability
• Balaji: both competent at war AND politics
• This made him invaluable to weak sovereign

Timeline

Critical Insights

1. Competence as Legitimacy

Shahu chose Balaji not for birth but for competence. In moment of crisis, legitimacy comes from ability to deliver, not title alone.

2. The Power of One Good Decision

Single appointment of right person (Balaji) turned Shahu's declining position into stable rule. One decision created trajectory for next 50 years.

3. Diplomacy Over Force

Balaji's letter prevented unnecessary war. Force was backup, not first option. Saved lives, resources, soldiers. Shows strategic wisdom.

4. Institutional vs. Personal Power

Balaji didn't take power—was given it. This made succession possible later. Personal power dies with person; institutional power can transfer.

5. The Rare Combination Needed

Cannot solve complex problems with just brains or just strength. Need rare individuals with both. That's why Balaji was invaluable.

The Letter's Genius Breakdown

Components of Effective Leadership in Letter:

Character of Balaji Vishwanath

Strengths Shown:

• Political acumen (understood Kanhoji's pride)
• Military confidence (10,000 troops backup)
• Diplomatic skill (letter tone and content)
• Organizational ability (coordinated campaign)
• Loyalty (worked for weak Shahu despite being able to take power)

Why He Didn't Become King:

• Despite power, chose to remain subordinate to Shahu
• Understood institutional legitimacy matters
• Established precedent: Peshwa serves sovereign
• This restraint gave his family legitimacy that personal rule wouldn't have

The Shahu-Balaji Dynamic

Why It Worked:

• Shahu recognized his limits and hired solution
• Balaji respected Shahu's sovereign position despite inferiority
• Perfect balance: weak sovereign, strong PM
• Mutual benefit: Shahu kept legitimacy, Balaji got power

Why It Couldn't Happen Today:

• Today's Balaji would just take power
• Shahu would demand PM title too
• Institutional legitimacy gone
• Personal ambition replaces duty to office

Where We Left Off: Balaji Vishwanath has successfully stabilized Shahu's rule by bringing Kanhoji Angre to his side. The Peshwa institution is born. Balaji proved that brains + muscle + diplomacy can solve impossible situations. He's set the stage for Maratha expansion. From here, Maratha power will grow exponentially—but it'll depend entirely on having competent Peshwas. The institution he created will matter more than any individual.

Shahu was hopeless. No skills, no training, no ability. Tara Rani was fighting him, Kanhoji was imprisoning his ministers, everything was falling apart. But Shahu had one moment of genius: he recognized exactly what he needed and picked exactly the right person. Not a warrior, because he had plenty of those. A statesman-warrior. A man with brains and muscle. A man who could see that Kanhoji Angre was trapped between honor to a founder and employment by a rival, and could offer him a way out that saved face. Balaji wrote a letter instead of drawing a sword. And it worked. In that single letter, you see the entire future of Maratha power: smart force. Not brute force, not cunning alone—both together. That's what made them different. That's what made them dangerous.

The Syed Brothers' Coup & Bajirao Vishwanath's Triumph (1719)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

The Day After: Searching for the Emperor

The Morning After the Palace Intrusion

What Happened:

• Emperor Farooq Shiar kicked Syed brothers out of his court
• "Screw you guys" - rejecting their demands
• Fled to the women's quarters (zenana)
• Syed brothers searching for him
• No one sure what's going to happen
• Takes one more day
• New day arrives

The Massacre in Delhi Streets

1,000 Marathas Killed

The Violence:

"1,000 Maratha folks were killed in the streets of Delhi."

The Timing:

"Before it was known that the emperor has been arrested by Syed brothers."

Context:

• Maratha forces in Delhi
• Caught in the violence
• Before news spread about coup
• Chaos in the streets

The Nizam Stays Neutral

The Powerful Courtier's Decision

Who Is Nizam:

"Nizam is basically an emperor appointed official in certain areas, like Hyderabad."

His Title:

• Nizam = title (not a personal name)
• Emperor-appointed official
• Like a Subedar but more powerful
• "Hyderabad Nizam" - very well known

His Background:

• Allied with Aurangzeb originally
• Later became more and more independent
• Had his own kingdom
• During Aurangzeb rule = too powerful to defy
• After Aurangzeb = slowly independent

His Status:

• Powerful courtier
• Influential
• Well-positioned
• Could have intervened

His Choice:

"The Nizam stayed neutral."

What This Means:

• Won't help Farooq Shiar
• Won't oppose Syed brothers
• Staying out of it
• Self-preservation

Finding the Emperor: The Women's Quarter

The Search

The Setting:

"In the women's quarter, all these queens - because the emperor typically had several so-called wives and also they had a lot of unofficial concubines."

The Protection:

• Women wouldn't release the target
• Not Farooq Shiar they were protecting
• They were protecting Bidar Ali (or Bidar Dil)
• Another princeling Syed brothers wanted

Understanding the Royal Family Danger

Why The Women Were Protective

The Problem:

"There were several of these princelings running around."

The Fear #1: Brother Killing Brother

"If one came into power, he may view his brothers as a threat."

The Fear #2: The Syed Brothers' Intentions

"They thought that Syed brothers wanted to establish their own rule. They may slaughter these people because unless they slaughter them, they can't come to power."

The Calculation:

• To truly take power = must eliminate royal family
• All princelings = potential claimants
• Syed brothers = threat to all of them
• Women trying to protect the princes

The Numbers:

"There were several princelings because Aurangzeb may have had several wives and several concubines and there can be several great grandsons and grandsons and stuff like that. There's a lot of them."

The Compromise Emperor: Rafi-ul-Darajat

When They Couldn't Get Their First Choice

The Problem:

• Women wouldn't release Bidar Ali/Bidar Dil
• Syed brothers needed someone quickly
• Had to have someone from royal family

The Solution:

"Rafi-ul-Darajat - this is the princeling who they got hold of. They simply brought him out and put him on the throne."

Why:

"They wanted to have somebody representing the royal family because it has to be from the family."

• Legitimacy requires royal blood
• Can't just take power themselves
• Need figurehead emperor
• This prince will do

Dealing with the Ex-Emperor

Finding Farooq Shiar

What Happened:

"Then they somehow found him in the women's quarter. They brought him out. And they blinded him right there."

Then:

"And then they put him in the prison."

The Poem:

• While blinded and imprisoned
• Farooq Shiar wrote a poem about his situation
• Describing his fate

The Escape Attempt: Bribing the Guards

Planning to Flee to Jodhpur

The Plan:

"He tried to give a bribe to his guards to let him go to his father-in-law in Jodhpur - some Rajput guy."

The Family Connection:

• His wife = princess from Jodhpur
• Her father = the Jodhpur ruler
• Wife's father = father-in-law
• Wanted refuge with her family

Jodhpur:

• In Rajasthan
• City kingdom
• Vassal king but autonomous
• Rajput stronghold

The Marriage:

"So he was married to a princess from Jodhpur."

Why This Made Sense:

• Rajput family = military power
• Could protect him
• Gather support from Rajputs
• Potential base for comeback

The Final Solution: Assassination

When The Syed Brothers Heard

The News:

"This news went up to Syed brothers."

The Decision:

"Now they decided to finish him off."

Why:

"So far they blinded him and imprisoned him. But if he were to escape, then he becomes a liability because he can come back to throne."

The Danger:

"Because he is a king - even though he was kicked out. But if he gathers some protection and some support from the Rajput side, then it will be difficult."

The Killers for Rent

Bhadotri Marekari

What It Means:

• Killers for rent
• Professional assassins
• Hired guns

What They Did:

"In a few days, they got [it done]."

The Puppet Show Analogy

The New Emperor's Real Status

The Comparison:

"Remember that there are people who have these dolls that they operate by remote."

Modern Term:

• Puppet show
• Marionettes
• Controlled by strings

The Reality:

"The new emperor who was like - he had no power base at all."

What This Meant:

"Through him, Syed brothers got all the rewards met."

• Complete puppet
• No independent power
• Syed brothers pull the strings
• Emperor just signs what they want

The Maratha Rewards: Everything They Wanted

What Bajirao Vishwanath Got

Reward #1: Release the Hostages

"One of the important ones was to relieve Yesubhai and Madan Singh."

Who They Were:

• Madan Singh = not directly Sambhaji's legal son
• "His concubine son, kind of"
• "Half son, you can say"
• Yesubhai = another hostage

The Release:

"Yesubhai and some other people, they were let go. So [Bajirao] was able to leave with them."

Reward #2: The Chautai Rights

The Tax Rights:

"They also got the Chautai rights for that land, which was huge."

What This Meant:

• Right to collect Chauth (one-fourth tax)
• Enormous revenue
• Major financial win
• Economic power

Reward #3: Three Imperial Orders (Sanads)

The Documents:

"They got three orders signed off by the new emperor."

The First Order: Six Provinces in Deccan

Tax Collection Rights

What It Granted:

"One of them granted the Marathas the right of collecting taxes of six provinces in Dakhan."

The Fourth Order: Sardeshmukhi

One-Tenth Tax

What It Granted:

"According to the second order that was signed, Marathas got the right to collect one-tenth of the tax."

Sardeshmukhi:

• Additional 10% tax
• On top of Chauth (25%)
• Combined = 35% of revenue!
• Massive income stream

The Third Order: THE BIG ONE

Recognition of Maratha Kingdom

What It Granted:

"According to the third order that was signed, the emperor accepted the Maratha kingdom."

Why This Was HUGE:

"Which had never happened before. Aurangzeb said they were always illegitimate, just some rebels."

The Significance:

• First time official recognition
• No longer rebels
• Legitimate kingdom
• Imperial sanction

The Reaction:

"Marathas really were delighted. And this is a big, huge accomplishment of Balaji Vishwanath."

The Opposition in Court

The Hardliners Were Furious

Who Opposed:

"The emperor's court had a lot of powerful [nobles]. They were opposed to these orders."

Why:

• Maybe their current land/Jagir/Subeda
• More importantly: hardliners in the court
• "Hate to see the Marathas gaining any advantage"

The History:

"That's why Farooq Shiar was rejecting these demands. And it was a sign of weakness. Because he was with the hardliners."

The Ambush: Stealing the Orders

The Smart Strategy

What Happened:

"When they got the signed orders from the emperor in the Lal Red Fort, then one of the Peshwa officials basically gave the copies to Bajirao Vishwanath and told him to go to wherever they were staying in Delhi."

The Split:

• Copies = given to Bajirao Vishwanath
• Originals = taken by the Peshwa official
• Official left by different route

Why:

"Maybe they were afraid that these orders will be confiscated by the Mughal officers from Bajirao Vishwanath. And they won't end up following it or something."

The Attack on the Wrong Guy

What The Hardliners Did

The Ambush:

"When Bajirao Vishwanath was going to his [camp], they attacked and they got hold of those orders."

Their Goal:

• Take away the evidence
• "Marathas got to have those orders" = can't execute
• "At least in minimum they can delay this or make it non-existent"

The Violence:

"And in that he was killed."

But:

• He only had copies
• The originals were with Bhanu (the other official)
• Safe with different person, different route

The Result:

"So there are some rumors about these orders, officially signed letter. So there's a lot of details around this. It wasn't a clear or cleanly executed order initially. So there was lots of opposition beyond just Farooq Sihan."

The Final Authority

What Made It Legitimate

The Result:

"So now officially Marathas were in charge of their kingdom because the emperor in Delhi had agreed everything that they wanted."

Why It Mattered:

"Nobody could take any exception because this was signed off by the Delhi emperor. So what more do you want?"

The Legitimacy:

"It was then accepted all over India because Mughal was the preeminent power no matter whether they were paper tiger or not. Once they accepted then it became authentic that this is Maratha kingdom of Shahu and nobody could say 'where is your legitimacy?'"

The Power of Recognition:

"Because the Mughals had accepted it. The Mughal emperor said yes. And that means that's that."

Shahu's Reaction

The King's Joy

The Response:

"Shahu must have been very happy. He got everything he wanted and more."

His Confidence:

"So his confidence in Balaji Vishwanath really was at the very peak."

The Honor:

"Shahu was so elated and happy that he honored Balaji Vishwanath as a very important servant of Maratha kingdom. And he was further honored."

The Young Witness: Bajirao's Education

What The 20-Year-Old Learned

Who Was There:

"And all along, his son Bajirao is with him while this is happening. He was a 20-year-old kid at the time. And so he's come to Delhi. He's witnessed all of this happen."

What He Saw:

"So now Bajirao saw everything in Delhi. He understood everything about Mughal emperor and what situation prevailed."

The Crucial Insight: The Mughal Paper Tiger

What Bajirao Realized

The Understanding:

"And he understood that this Mughal emperor is just - I mean, the whole thing is coming down."

The Crucial Insight:

"So that was a crucial insight for him to be able to get that glimpse."

The Reality:

"He realized that Mughal emperor is only effective in Delhi alone. Beyond that, nobody gives him a damn. And so things are changing."

The Shivaji Parallel

Two Generations, Same Lesson

Shivaji's Experience:

"Remember, Shivaji also, when he came to Agra, he saw the whole - I mean, it was a different Agra. It was totally controlled by Mr. Aurangzeb. But he saw with his own eyes."

Bajirao's Experience:

"And the same thing happened to Bajirao Peshwa."

The Difference:

"But of course, they were at different times in the empire."

• Shivaji saw Aurangzeb's strong empire
• Bajirao saw the collapsing empire
• Both got firsthand view
• Both learned from seeing

Why This Mattered for History

The Future Peshwa's Formation

The Importance:

"It is important because then Bajirao Peshwa becomes whole and soul of Maratha empire later on. And what he saw in Delhi was extremely important."

The Impact:

"It influenced all of his decisions and battles after that."

The Realization:

"But he understood that Mughal empire is gone. And that there's a power vacuum forming. And they only ruled the city of Delhi. That's it."

The Contrast:

"At the time Aurangzeb had the kind of terror and the kind of rule that he had is gone. And it wasn't like that anymore. It was a paper tiger."

Key Players

Timeline

What The Marathas Got

The Complete Victory

Critical Insights

1. The Chaos Creates Opportunity

The Situation:

• Mughal court in chaos
• Coup happening
• Emperor being hunted
• Violence in streets
• 1,000 Marathas killed

The Result:

• Perfect time to get demands met
• Syed brothers need allies
• Will sign anything
• Puppet emperor = rubber stamp

The Lesson:

• Crisis = opportunity
• When empire weak = extract maximum
• Balaji Vishwanath timed it perfectly

2. The Puppet Emperor Strategy

Why Syed Brothers Needed One:

• Can't rule directly (not royal blood)
• Need legitimacy
• Must have figurehead
• Find compliant princeling

Why Rafi-ul-Darajat:

• No power base
• Will do what they say
• From royal family (legitimacy)
• Controllable

The Marionette Metaphor:

"People who have these dolls that they operate by remote."

• Perfect description
• Emperor = puppet
• Syed brothers = puppeteers
• Signs whatever they want

3. The Women's Protection Network

Why They Wouldn't Release Bidar Ali:

• Protecting princelings
• Fear of mass slaughter
• Syed brothers might kill all royal family
• Taking over = eliminating rivals
• Multiple wives/concubines = many princes to protect

The Calculation:

• If Syed brothers win = might kill all princes
• Can't trust their intentions
• Better to hide and protect
• Survival of royal line

4. The Blinding Strategy

Why Blind Instead of Kill:

• Blinded emperor = can't rule (Islamic law)
• Disqualified from throne
• But still alive (mercy?)
• Prison insurance

Why Kill Later:

• Escape attempt = too dangerous
• Rajput connection = potential army
• Could gather support
• Come back with force
• Must eliminate completely

5. The Rajput Escape Plan

Why Jodhpur:

• Wife's family
• Rajput military power
• Autonomous kingdom
• Could provide protection
• Base for comeback

The Danger:

• Rajputs = warrior caste
• Could raise army
• March on Delhi
• Restore Farooq Shiar
• Syed brothers' nightmare

Why Kill Him:

• Can't risk it
• Too dangerous alive
• Must eliminate option
• Final solution

6. The Smart Document Strategy

The Split:

• Copies to Bajirao Vishwanath
• Originals to Bhanu
• Different routes
• Insurance policy

Why This Worked:

• Ambushers went for wrong target
• Got copies, killed official
• But originals safe
• Mission accomplished

The Planning:

• Anticipated ambush
• Prepared backup plan
• Protected the prize
• Professional execution

7. The Hardliner Opposition

Who Opposed:

• Conservative nobles
• Anti-Maratha faction
• Lost land to grants
• Saw it as weakness

What They Did:

• Ambushed Bajirao's group
• Killed official
• Tried to steal orders
• Prevent implementation

Why It Failed:

• Got wrong documents
• Originals escaped
• Can't stop it now
• Emperor signed it

8. The Legitimacy Revolution

What Changed:

"Aurangzeb said they were always illegitimate, just some rebels."

Now:

• Imperial recognition
• Legitimate kingdom
• No longer rebels
• Official status

Why This Mattered:

• Can't be dismissed as bandits
• Must be respected as kingdom
• Legal standing
• Treaties have weight
• Ambassadors recognized

The Power:

"Nobody could say 'where is your legitimacy?' Because the Mughals had accepted it."

9. Bajirao's Education

What The 20-Year-Old Learned:

Lesson #1: Mughal Empire Is Finished

• Saw chaos firsthand
• Coups and murders
• No real power
• "Only effective in Delhi alone"

Lesson #2: Power Vacuum Exists

• Empire collapsing
• No one in charge
• Up for grabs
• Opportunity

Lesson #3: How Court Politics Works

• Saw negotiations
• Saw bribes and deals
• Saw violence
• Saw puppet emperors

Lesson #4: Timing Is Everything

• Strike when enemy weak
• Exploit chaos
• Maximum extraction
• Don't miss opportunity

The Impact:

"It influenced all of his decisions and battles after that."

His Future:

• Becomes greatest Peshwa
• Expands empire massively
• Never loses battle
• All based on this insight
• "Whole thing is coming down"

10. The Shivaji Parallel

Both Saw Firsthand:

• Shivaji at Agra (strong empire)
• Bajirao at Delhi (weak empire)
• Both got reality check
• Both learned from experience

The Difference:

• Shivaji saw: Must rebel carefully (strong enemy)
• Bajirao saw: Must expand aggressively (weak enemy)

The Common Thread:

• Don't rely on rumors
• See for yourself
• Firsthand intelligence
• Shape strategy from reality

11. The Paper Tiger Realization

What Bajirao Understood:

"Mughal empire is gone. And that there's a power vacuum forming."

The Contrast:

• Aurangzeb's terror and rule = gone
• Now = "paper tiger"
• Looks impressive
• No real power

The Strategy This Enables:

• Aggressive expansion (Bajirao's future)
• Direct challenges
• Not afraid of emperor
• Take what you want

12. The Neutrality Calculation

Nizam's Choice:

• Powerful enough to intervene
• Chose to stay neutral
• Self-preservation
• Let others fight it out

Why This Mattered:

• Could have saved Farooq Shiar
• Didn't want to risk it
• Better to wait and see
• Pick winning side later

The Pattern:

• Smart players stay neutral in uncertain coups
• Let chaos resolve itself
• Then ally with winner
• Minimize risk

The Three Orders in Detail

Order #1: Six Provinces Tax Rights

What:

• Collection rights in 6 Deccan provinces
• Massive territory
• Huge revenue

Impact:

• Financial independence
• Don't need Mughal payments
• Direct taxation
• Economic power base

Order #2: Sardeshmukhi (10%)

What:

• Additional 10% tax
• On top of Chauth (25%)
• Total = 35% of all revenue!

Impact:

• Enormous wealth
• Fund armies
• Expand operations
• Self-sufficient

Order #3: Kingdom Recognition

What:

• Official acceptance of Maratha Kingdom
• No longer rebels
• Legitimate sovereign state

Impact:

• Legal standing
• International recognition
• Treaties have weight
• Can't be dismissed
• GAME CHANGER

Where We Left Off

The Situation:

• Farooq Shiar dead (blinded, imprisoned, then killed)
• Puppet emperor installed (Rafi-ul-Darajat)
• Marathas got everything they wanted:
  • 6 provinces tax rights
  • Sardeshmukhi (10%)
  • Chauth (25%)
  • Kingdom recognition (HUGE!)
• Hostages released (Yesubhai, Madan Singh)
• Hardliners tried to steal orders (failed)
• Originals safe with Bhanu
• Official killed in ambush (but had copies)
• Shahu delighted
• Balaji Vishwanath honored
• Bajirao (20 years old) learned crucial lesson:
  • Mughal empire = paper tiger
  • Power vacuum forming
  • "Whole thing is coming down"

The Future:

• Bajirao will become greatest Peshwa
• Use this insight to expand massively
• Never lose a battle
• All from what he saw in Delhi at age 20
• Understanding: Empire is finished

A 20-year-old boy walked into Delhi and saw an empire collapse in real time. He saw an emperor blinded and murdered. He saw puppets installed. He saw his father extract everything they wanted from chaos. And he learned the most important lesson of his life: "The Mughal emperor is only effective in Delhi alone. Beyond that, nobody gives him a damn. The whole thing is coming down." That boy - Bajirao - would become the greatest Peshwa in Maratha history. And everything he did, every battle he won, every territory he conquered, came from understanding what he saw in those bloody streets of Delhi in 1719: there's a power vacuum, and it's up for grabs.

Balaji Vishwanath's Legacy & The Chautai System (1719-1720)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

The Fragmented Maratha Kingdom

The Initial Situation:

• Marathas were no longer truly unified
• Kolhapur branch refused to give up its small kingdom
• Prevented from becoming a dominant power
• No real future for the Kolhapur line

The Result:

• Central authority now in Pune under Shahu
• Kolhapur relegated to second rank
• Focus shifted entirely to Shahu's empire

The Chautai System: Ancient Tax-Based Incentive

What It Was:

• System existed before Shivaji
• Chautai = one-fourth (1/4) of tax revenue from conquered territory
• Paid by the losing side to the winning side

How It Worked:

• Loser pays victor the right to collect 1/4 of taxes
• Loser still owns the land but loses tax revenue
• Winner keeps remaining 3/4 of tax revenue
• Revenue used for military maintenance

Shahu's Radical Change: The Incentive Revolution

The Traditional System (Shivaji Era):

"Land belonged to the king"

• King paid soldiers fixed salaries
• King retained all revenues
• No personal tax base for commanders

The New System (Shahu Era):

• Commanders keep their assigned territories
• 3/4 of tax revenue stays with commander
• 1/4 goes to the king/Peshwa
• Each commander responsible for their own army

Why the Change:

• Central power not strong enough
• Kings needed recognition like previous monarchs had
• Incentivized rapid expansion

Sardeshmukhi: The Companion System

The Timeline:

• Chautai: Ongoing system (1/4 tax)
• Sardeshmukhi: Emerged around 1650
• Development period: 1650-1730

The Amounts:

• Chautai = 1/4 of tax revenue
• Sardeshmukhi = 1/10 of tax revenue

The Result:

• Justice Ranade credits these systems with the manifold growth of Maratha Empire
• Commanders had massive incentive to expand territories
• Made empire grow "by leaps and bounds"

The Growth Incentive: Why It Worked

Commander Economics:

• When new areas conquered, commander receives 3/4 of revenue
• Must send 1/4 to Peshwa
• Profit motive was enormous
• Had to maintain their own army from this revenue

The Genius:

• Commanders themselves had to maintain army readiness
• No salary from king to rely on
• Had to make profit to survive
• Incentivized aggressive expansion and efficient governance

Comparison:

• Shivaji's time: King paid salaries, commanders got nothing
• Shahu's time: Commanders got 3/4 of revenue, plus responsibility
• Result: Empire expanded dramatically

The Kolhapur & Tanjavur Problem

Why These Kingdoms Stagnated:

• Tanjavur: Controlled by Vyankoji (Shivaji's brother)
• Kolhapur: Controlled by Rajaram's successors
• Critical difference: Did NOT use Chautai/Sardeshmukhi system
• Kept all revenues for themselves (like Shivaji model)

The Consequence:

• Kolhapur stayed small and limited
• Tanjavur similarly couldn't expand
• Proof: System itself drove expansion, not just military might
• Without incentives, even capable kingdoms stagnated

The Dark Side: Looting and Loss of People's Trust

The Problem with Profit Motive:

"The commanders were only interested in making the most money"

• Commanders maximized profit by looting local populations
• Instead of being protectors, became extractors
• People lost confidence in their rulers

The Mechanism:

• King said: "Go collect taxes, any which way you can"
• "Maintain your own army"
• "No help from me, no salary, no benefits"
• "Keep everything above the 1/4 I take"

The Reality:

• No rain during monsoon? = Locals starve
• Commanders still needed to fund armies
• Only solution: extract whatever possible from the people
• Lost "mandate of heaven" from the population

Balaji Vishwanath's Dilemma

His Timeline:

• Left Delhi (Delhi mission accomplished)
• Returned to Pune
• Died within 1-2 years of return

What He Did:

• Allocated portions of Chautai/Sardeshmukhi revenues
• Some went to Shahu
• Some to local commanders in the 6 provinces
• Set boundaries to prevent quarrels

Why It Mattered:

• System matured under his watch
• Left everything to Shahu to manage
• His death marked end of his active period
• Policies became embedded during Shahu's reign

The Blame Game: Who's Really Responsible?

The Accusation:

"Balaji Vishwanath is faulted for this policy"

The Defense:

• Balaji died within 1 year of returning from Delhi
• Shahu lived 30 more years and was the sovereign
• Shahu had the authority to change the policies
• Shahu chose not to make corrections

The Verdict: According to the historian: Shahu is ultimately responsible, not Balaji

The Dynastic Solution: Bajirao I Appointed

The Year: 1720

• After Balaji Vishwanath's death
• Shahu appointed Bajirao I as Peshwa
• First of the hereditary Peshwas

The Shift:

• Not officially called "dynastic"
• But became hereditary in practice
• After Shahu died (1749), Peshwas had no check on their power
• Effectively became de facto rulers

The Rise of Peshwa Power

Timeline of Power Consolidation:

• 1720: Bajirao I becomes Peshwa (Shahu still alive)
• 1740: Bajirao I dies (Shahu still alive)
• 1749: Shahu dies (no successor to check Peshwa)
• After 1749: Peshwa becomes absolute power

The Power Vacuum:

• Shahu had no son to inherit
• No check on Peshwa authority remained
• Peshwas became "wholesome" (completely in control)
• King position became ceremonial

The Root of Future Disaster

This System's Legacy:

"This is an extremely profound sentence. You can later appreciate why the Marathas lost the Panipat battle."

The Problem:

• 150,000+ died at Panipat
• Root cause: commanders driven by profit, not duty
• No unified vision
• Each commander looking out for themselves
• Politics and personal gain over strategy

The Cycle:

• Balaji created incentive system
• System worked for rapid expansion
• But destroyed social bonds and loyalty
• Commanders became autonomous profit-seekers
• When unified front needed = couldn't deliver it

Key Players

Critical Timeline

Geographic Context

• Pune: Maratha center (Shahu's base)
• Kolhapur: Southern branch, refused to expand
• Tanjavur: Southern branch, stagnated
• Six Provinces: Main areas with Chautai rights

Major Themes

1. Systems Drive Behavior

The Chautai system was perfectly designed to incentivize expansion. It worked. But it also incentivized looting and created commanders who were profit-focused rather than duty-focused.

2. The Expansion-vs-Governance Trade-off

Shivaji balanced expansion with good governance. His successors prioritized expansion. By the time Panipat came, the empire was vast but fragile—held together by profit motives, not loyalty.

3. Power Without Check

When Shahu died without an heir, the Peshwa became absolute. No balance of power. No constitutional check. Just one man making all decisions for an empire that was barely unified to begin with.

4. The Profit Motive's Dark Side

Commanders getting 3/4 of revenue meant they had to maximize extraction. When monsoons failed, they still needed army funds. Result: they looted the very people they were supposed to protect.

5. The Panipat Foreshadowing

"All that, the root cause was this particular system where individual commanders didn't get any salary, but were allowed to keep some tax base for their own army... They were driven by profit."

The seeds of Panipat disaster were planted here. Individual commanders, each running their own profit centers, couldn't unify when the existential threat came.

Key Quotes

"You cannot make enemies out of our natural allies." — Bajirao I's principle (referenced later)

"The problem that happened because of the system that Bajeev Vishwanath put in place is that the whole attention of the Maratha commanders was to maximize their profit."

"This is an extremely profound sentence. You can later on appreciate why the Marathas lost the Panipat battle."

Where We Left Off: The foundation is set. Balaji's system created expansion but destroyed cohesion. Shahu allowed it to continue unchecked. When Shahu died, the Peshwa became supreme. By then, the empire was vast but hollow—a collection of profit-seeking commanders, not a unified force. The seeds of Panipat were already sown.

Balaji Vishwanath returned from Delhi with a brilliant system: commanders get 3/4 of revenue, keep the territory, but must maintain their own army. Perfect incentive for expansion. Perfect system for rapid empire growth. But terrible system for building loyalty or unified purpose. Instead of servants of a king, commanders became entrepreneurs maximizing profit. When Panipat came 41 years later, this fragmented profit-motive structure would collapse entirely. 150,000 would die. The empire would fall. And it all started with a system designed to make commanders rich.

Bajirao I: Strategic Genius & The Peshwa's Rise (1720-1740)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

The Beginning: A Young Peshwa's Promise

The Year: 1720

• Shahu appoints Bajirao I as Peshwa
• Bajirao was chosen for his talent and muscle
• Had a "great mix of both talent and muscle"
• Valorous and extremely bright
• Would lead Marathas for 20 years until his death at 40

The Tree Analogy: Strategic Genius

Bajirao's Famous Quote (1723):

"If you want to bring the branches of a tree to the ground, then you should not go after each and every branch and try to cut it and bring it down to the ground. Just start hitting the trunk of the tree and then everything, every branch will come down."

Applied to Maratha Strategy:

• The Trunk: The Mughal Empire
• The Branches: Small hostile regimes spawned by Mughals

The Strategy:

• Don't waste time on every small kingdom
• Go after the master power (Mughals)
• Defeat the Mughals = everything else falls
• Strategic thinking over tactical opportunism

Why This Mattered:

• Shahu chose him over experienced commanders
• Because he had strategic vision
• "That turned out to be correct decision"

The Grand Vision

Bajirao's Promise to Shahu:

"Believe in me and I will make sure that Maratha flag was called Jari Patka will reach Attaq"

Attaq:

• Border town where Afghanistan began
• Far northwestern reaches of India
• Now in Pakistan

The Ambition:

• Maratha Empire would expand all the way to the Indus border
• Everything in between would be under Maratha control
• Unprecedented territorial vision

The Expansion Under Bajirao:

• Maratha Empire grew to Marwa (north of Narmada)
• Extended through Bundelkhand (north of Marwa)
• Reached parts of Rajasthan
• Went "all the way to the north"

Why Bajirao Was Different

The Contrast with Previous Leaders:

"Shinde and Holkar were good fighters. But they had no brains."

Their Mistakes:

• Only looked at tactical advantages
• Harassed Rajasthan princes constantly
• Only wanted tributes and money
• Made enemies out of natural allies
• Lost the Rajputs and other Hindu kingdoms

Bajirao's Difference:

• Not just a fighter - had brains
• Great warrior AND great statesman
• Strategic thinker
• Understood that you must maintain allies

The Principle:

"You cannot make enemies out of our natural allies."

Building the War Machine

His Support System:

His Brother: Chimaji Appa

• Tremendous support
• Key military asset

Young Warriors He Cultivated:

1. Ramaji Shinde
2. Malhar Rao Holkar
3. Pilaji Jadhav Rao
4. Tukoji Pawar

How He Created Them:

• Spotted their potential early
• Were just simple soldiers
• He mentored them into greatness
• Gave them bigger and bigger roles
• Made their careers through recognition

Why They Followed Him:

• Extremely popular with his troops
• He was with them "through thick and thin"
• They loved him
• Nearly same age as them
• Led by example

Bajirao the Warrior: Myth & Reality

His Legendary Status:

• Had no time for formalities
• Would "eat lunch or dinner on the horseback"
• Never sat down for meals if in a hurry
• Marching toward goals while eating
• Could cover a four-day journey in two days

His Presence:

• Extremely popular with his horses (cavalry)
• Really respected by troops
• Shared their hardships
• Young, energetic, capable

His Preference:

• Loved being "in the field with his troops"
• Rather would prefer doing battles
• Established hegemony through campaign
• Not an administrator type

Shahu's Strategic Delegation

Why Shahu Gave Him Everything:

• Shahu was not a warrior king
• Not trained in warfare (unlike forefathers)
• Didn't want to participate in battles
• Refused to go on campaigns
• Lived predictable life in Satara

Shahu's Conditions:

• Got up at 7:30 AM
• Had lunch at 12 PM
• Had dinner at 8 PM
• Held court as needed
• Never left Satara boundary

The Delegation:

• Shahu gave Bajirao complete responsibility for expansion
• Authority to make military decisions
• Freedom to campaign extensively
• Only on "extremely important" decisions would Bajirao check in

The Risk & The Trust:

• Bajirao could have taken over
• Had the power to do it
• But was devoted to Shivaji family
• Trusted implicitly by Shahu

The Fall of the Eight Ministers System

Shivaji's Original Model:

• Ashta Pradhan Mantar (Council of Eight Ministers)
• All equal, reporting to king
• Peshwa was one of eight (prime minister)
• Held checks on each other

What Changed Under Bajirao:

• The council system completely collapsed
• All authority concentrated in one place
• All in the Peshwa
• No council of ministers

Why It Happened:

• Shahu basically said: "You do everything"
• "I'm not going on battlefield"
• "I'm not doing administration"
• "You are whole soul"
• Complete delegation to one person

The Structure That Emerged:

• Peshwa appointed his own advisors
• Not called "ministers" but functioned as such
• They reported to Peshwa, not the king
• Peshwa was their sole boss
• Shahu became ceremonial figurehead

The Fundamental Difference: Shivaji vs. Bajirao

Shivaji's Greatness:

"His forte was actually in giving good governance to the citizens"

• Conquered new areas
• But prioritized citizen welfare
• Wanted people to prosper
• Provided good governance
• That was his ultimate goal

Bajirao's Greatness:

• Forte was conquering new areas
• Expanded kingdom "tenfold almost"
• Reached unprecedented territorial heights
• But didn't prioritize administration or governance
• Delegated that to his subordinates

The Trade-off:

• Shivaji: Balanced expansion with governance
• Bajirao: Expansion for expansion's sake
• Shivaji: Conquered then digested slowly
• Bajirao: Conquered then moved on to next conquest

The Warning:

"Shivaji was balanced. But that practice started getting less important... It was more just expanding for expansion's sake."

Why the Empire Grew So Rapidly

Three Reasons for Explosive Growth:

1. Bajirao's Military Skill

• Himself a warrior of "great repute"
• Tactical and strategic brilliance
• Could execute wars perfectly

2. Created Four Major Commanders

• Gave freedom to his war chiefs
• Let them handle assigned areas
• Made them into capable leaders
• Essentially regional governors

3. Perfect Incentive Structure

• Commanders collected their own revenues
• Kept 3/4 for themselves
• Had to maintain armies
• Profit motive drove aggressive expansion

The Authority Question

How Did It Work Practically?

Shahu's Authority:

• Made major decisions
• Approved war declarations
• Handled retaliations and major moves

Bajirao's Authority:

• Handled day-to-day military decisions
• Couldn't bother Shahu on minor issues
• Made field decisions on his own
• Only consulted on truly major decisions

The Mechanism:

• Bajirao understood what Shahu wanted
• Knew the direction and philosophy
• Made decisions aligned with those principles
• Only escalated when necessary

Shivaji's Legacy & Its Fading

Shivaji's Example: Justice

• Lived in Lal Mahal initially
• A village head raped a girl
• Brought to Shivaji for justice
• Shivaji's response: Cut off right leg and left hand

The Message:

"This is not to be tolerated in my kingdom" "You will be severely punished"

• Making example for entire realm
• Setting standard for justice
• Ensuring people felt protected
• Administration was his forte

Under Bajirao:

• Less focus on such governance
• More focus on conquest
• Delegated administrative justice
• Concentrated on military expansion

Key Players

Timeline

Geographic Expansion

From Shivaji's Time to Bajirao's Time:

• Started: Core Maratha territory (south-central)
• Marwa: North of Narmada (first time Marathas here)
• Bundelkhand: North of Marwa, closer to Delhi
• Rajasthan: Parts of northwest
• Near Attaq: Border of Afghanistan (vision, not fully achieved)

Major Themes

1. Strategy Over Tactics

Shinde and Holkar were great fighters but lacked strategic vision. They harassed everyone and made enemies. Bajirao understood that strategy meant knowing which enemy to target. The Trunk, not the branches.

2. Leadership Through Empowerment

Bajirao didn't just command—he created. He spotted talent in young soldiers and mentored them into legendary commanders. He built an organization that could execute his vision.

3. The Delegation Model

Shahu was smart enough to recognize his limitations. Instead of pretending to be a warrior king, he delegated to someone better. This freed Bajirao to focus on expansion while Shahu handled the ceremonial/political aspects.

4. The Governance-Expansion Trade-off

Shivaji balanced both. Bajirao chose expansion. This worked brilliantly for 20 years but created an empire that was vast but shallow—huge territory, but fragmented loyalty and local discontent.

5. The Concentration of Power

By putting everything in Bajirao, Shahu created a single point of failure. If Bajirao had died earlier, or if his successor was weaker, the whole structure would have collapsed. The safety of the eight-minister system was gone.

Critical Insights

The Mentoring Model

Bajirao didn't just hire commanders—he created them. He saw potential in ordinary soldiers and developed them into legendary figures. This is a masterclass in leadership and organizational building. He built capacity, not just bought it.

The Alignment Without Micromanagement

Shahu and Bajirao had perfect alignment. Shahu trusted Bajirao to make decisions aligned with his vision without needing constant approval. This is rare and powerful. It requires both absolute trust and perfect understanding of values.

The Youth Advantage

Bajirao was young, energetic, could eat on horseback, travel four days in two. This gave him personal charisma and the ability to lead by example. Not just giving orders from a tent—he was in the field with his troops.

The Cost of Success

Rapid expansion meant rapid governance decay. The more territory conquered, the less attention could be paid to each region. Shivaji's model was slower but more stable. Bajirao's was faster but more fragile.

Key Quotes

"If you want to bring the branches of a tree to the ground... Just start hitting the trunk of the tree and then everything, every branch will come down."

"You cannot make enemies out of our natural allies."

"Shinde and Holkar were good fighters. But they had no brains."

"Shivaji's greatness is that he gave good governance to the citizens... His ultimate goal was that his people would prosper and not feel difficulties."

"Bajirao's forte was to conquer new areas... But he didn't pay as much attention to administration, to governance."

Where We Left Off: Bajirao I has created the most expansive Maratha Empire yet. Through strategic thinking, excellent military leadership, and perfect delegation from Shahu, he's expanded the empire dramatically. But he's done so at the cost of governance and local stability. The empire is vast but held together by profit motives and military might, not loyalty and good administration. The seeds of future instability are being planted even as the empire reaches its apex.

In just 20 years, from age 20 to 40, Bajirao I transformed the Maratha Empire from a regional power into a continental one. Not through conquest alone, but through strategy: recognize that you fight the trunk, not the branches. Identify the real enemy (Mughals), make everyone else realize they're secondary. Build commanders through mentorship, not just hiring. Earn loyalty through presence, not just authority. But he did it all at the expense of good governance. Rapid expansion, slow administration. The empire was becoming vast but hollow. And nobody knew it yet.

The Battle of Palkhed: Bajirao's Masterclass in Strategy (March 1728)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

The Setup: Two Powers Collide

The Situation (1727-1728):

• Nizam of Hyderabad claiming superiority over Marathas
• Nizam has cannon division (major military advantage)
• Nizam in Pune with his army, harassing villages
• Marathas cannot fight him because of cannons
• Nizam is an autonomous power despite nominal Mughal service

The Problem for Bajirao:

• As long as Nizam has cannons = Marathas vulnerable
• Cannot engage in direct battle
• Cannon division prevents cavalry tactics
• Speed and agility = Bajirao's advantage, nullified by cannons

Nizam of Hyderabad: The Background

Who He Was:

• Originally Subedar (governor) for Mughals in south
• Declared autonomy from Mughal Emperor
• Moved to Hyderabad and established own kingdom
• Now semi-independent, semi-Mughal representative

Why He's a Problem:

• Claiming that Kolhapur branch is true Shivaji heir
• Saying Shahu is "fake"
• Trying to undermine Shahu's legitimacy
• Supporting Shahu's rivals for political advantage

His Military Strength:

• Cannon division (trained regiment)
• Large army
• Fortified positions
• Resources of semi-autonomous kingdom

Bajirao's Dilemma & Strategy

The Cannon Problem:

"As long as Mr. Nizam had the cannon division with him, Bajirao couldn't dare to come any close to Nizam. He could really chew him out."

Bajirao's Insight:

• Must find a way to separate Nizam from his cannons
• Cannons are heavy, require elephants/horses to move
• Cannot move quickly
• Bajirao moves lightning fast

The Strategy:

1. Force Nizam to abandon the cannon division
2. Make cannons seem like a liability
3. Pursue Nizam so aggressively he must leave them behind
4. Then fight cannon-free battle

The Aggressive Response: Raiding Nizam Territory

Bajirao's Tactic:

"His technique was if you are in my area, then I will go to your area"

The Execution:

• Went into Nizam territory
• Started raiding villages
• Defeated one of Nizam's commanders in battle
• Created chaos in Nizam-held areas

Geographic Moves:

• Went south and east toward Jalna
• Hit areas like Sindakhe (Nizam territory)
• Moved northwest toward Gujarat border
• Destroyed settlements, fought skirmishes

The Advantage:

• Could move "lightning moves" with cavalry only
• No heavy cannons to slow him down
• Kept appearing where not expected
• Made Nizam increasingly worried

The Psychological Pressure

Nizam's Growing Worry:

• Shahu and Bajirao's brother Chimaji on high ground at Purandar
• Shahu protected from cannon attack
• But villages around Pune vulnerable
• Now Bajirao creating havoc in Nizam's own territory

The Bind:

• If he stays in Pune: loses control of his areas
• If he pursues Bajirao: leaves Pune exposed
• Cannons are liability (too slow)
• Can't fight cavalry with cannons alone

The Rumor That Changed Everything

Creating Doubt:

• Bajirao spreads rumor that he's going to attack Burhanpur
• Burhanpur was old Mughal gateway to Deccan
• Relatively wealthy and lightly defended
• Prestigious Mughal station

Why This Broke Nizam:

• If Marathas raid Burhanpur = Mughal prestige at stake
• Mughals would demand response
• Nizam, as Mughal representative, would be blamed
• Must engage Bajirao in battle

The Genius:

• Not really going to Burhanpur (just rumor)
• Forces Nizam into open field battle
• Makes him abandon cannons if he wants to move fast

The Fatal Decision: Cannons Left Behind

Nizam's Dilemma:

"He had a dilemma. If he were to carry his cannon regiment... these guys were expert in cannon fighting. They cannot move quickly. These cannons are heavy."

The Choice:

• Cannon regiment can travel with horses/elephants
• But too slow for pursuit
• Bajirao moves "lightning speed"
• If he carries cannons, Bajirao escapes
• If he leaves cannons, no fire advantage

Nizam's Decision:

• Left cannon division in Pune
• Took smaller force with him
• Could move faster
• Pursued Bajirao with cavalry/infantry only

The Battle of Palkhed: Setting the Trap

The Location:

• Town called Palkhed near Rangabad area
• Strategic positioning for Bajirao

Bajirao's Trap:

• Surrounded Nizam in critical directions
• Blocked major roads
• River nearby = water source controlled
• Cut off supplies and water

The Encirclement:

"Surrounded meaning it's not like every direction Bajirao was around him, but in critical directions Bajirao's forces were there"

• Not completely surrounded
• But major escape routes blocked
• Cannot get to water stream
• Food and water cut off

The Desperation:

• Without water = death sentence in battle conditions
• Horses cannot drink = animals dying
• Men getting desperate
• Survival measured in hours/days

The Negotiation: Water for Hostages

The Crisis:

• Nizam's army trapped
• No water access
• Soldiers starting to suffer
• Commanders realize they're trapped

The Mercy Petition:

• Nizam's commanders approached Bajirao
• Begged for their leader's life
• Desperate situation

Bajirao's Terms:

"If you want to get the water source, then keep some hostages with me. I will allow you to access the water source."

The Hostage Exchange:

• Approximately 300 people taken as hostages
• Nizam allowed access to river water
• Army got access to vital resource
• But at terrible price

The Treaty of Palkhed: The Terms

What Nizam Had to Accept:

1. Kolhapur Boundaries:

• Kolhapur branch cannot cross Krishna river north
• Cannot expand toward northern territories
• Permanently sidelined
• Maratha unity confirmed under Shahu

2. Territorial Concession:

• Southern provinces previously held by Mughals directly
• Were granted to Marathas
• Nizam acknowledged these were Maratha territories now
• Expansion of Maratha-controlled areas

3. Sanada Confirmation:

• Imperial order from Delhi (Sanada) confirming six provinces
• Chautai and Sardeshmukhi rights
• Nizam now officially accepts this
• No longer disputes Maratha territorial rights

The Significance: More Than a Battle

Why It Mattered:

• Settled the Kolhapur question definitively
• Removed Nizam's claims about succession
• Confirmed Maratha Chautai/Sardeshmukhi rights
• Nizam accepted Mughal imperial orders
• No longer challenges Maratha authority

The Diplomatic Win:

"Because Nizam he even though he had his autonomous Kingdom in Hyderabad, he still was kind of a representative of the Mughal Empire"

• Nizam was semi-independent BUT still Mughal representative
• His acceptance legitimized Maratha position
• Mughal Emperor's orders now binding
• Maratha position strengthened in Mughal politics

The Strategic Outcome:

• Bajirao forced opponent to abandon best advantage (cannons)
• Achieved victory without heavy artillery
• Did it through strategy and psychology
• Not through brute force but brilliant maneuvering

Key Players

Timeline

Geographic Context

Key Locations:

• Pune: Shahu's base, Nizam camped here with cannons
• Purandar: High ground where Chimaji and Shahu stationed
• Palkhed/Rangabad Area: Where trap was set
• Jalna/Sindakhe: Nizam territory raided by Bajirao
• Burhanpur: Mughal garrison, rumored target
• Krishna River: Southern boundary for Kolhapur
• Hyderabad: Nizam's actual capital

Major Themes

1. Strategy Over Strength

Nizam had stronger military hardware (cannons). Bajirao won through superior strategy. He forced the opponent into a position where his greatest advantage became irrelevant. Classic strategic thinking.

2. Psychology in Warfare

The rumor about Burhanpur wasn't a direct military tactic—it was psychological. It forced Nizam into a decision. Bajirao understood that battles are won in the mind before they're fought with weapons.

3. The Cavalry Advantage

Bajirao's entire strategy relied on speed. He couldn't match Nizam's cannons, so he created conditions where speed mattered more than firepower. He changed the game instead of playing the same game.

4. Resource Denial as Weapon

Water isn't typically thought of as a weapon, but Bajirao understood it was. He didn't kill Nizam's army directly—he cut off water and let desperation break their will to fight. Elegant and economical.

5. Legitimacy Through Victory

The victory wasn't just military. It forced Nizam to accept political terms. The Sanada (imperial order) rights were confirmed. Shahu's legitimacy was established. Kolhapur was definitively sidelined. Politics and military strategy intertwined.

Critical Insights

The Cannon Handicap Becomes an Advantage

Nizam thought his cannons were an advantage. Bajirao understood they were actually a liability in the situation. He designed the campaign to make the cannons irrelevant. Classic judo move—use the opponent's strength against them.

The Rumor Strategy

Most military history focuses on direct tactics. But Bajirao's rumor about Burhanpur was pure strategy. It wasn't meant to be true. It was meant to force a decision. This shows how sophisticated military thinking was, beyond just battles.

The Water Siege

Modern military thinks in terms of attrition warfare, supply lines, logistics. Bajirao was doing this in 1728. He understood that an army marches on supplies and water. Control those, and the army collapses without a shot fired. The hostage exchange was elegant—he gets guarantees while maintaining control.

The Political Calculation

The battle wasn't really about defeating Nizam. It was about confirming Shahu's legitimacy, settling the Kolhapur question, and getting Nizam (as Mughal representative) to accept imperial orders. The military victory enabled the political victory.

Why Bajirao Succeeded Where Others Failed

Shinde and Holkar were good tacticians but lacked strategy. They would have fought Nizam head-on and gotten slaughtered by cannons. Bajirao understood the entire situation—psychological, geographic, political. He designed a campaign that forced Nizam into a losing position before any direct battle.

Key Quotes

"His technique was if you are in my area, then I will go to your area"

"As long as Mr. Nizam had the cannon division with him, Bajirao couldn't dare to come any close to Nizam."

"If you want to get the water source, then keep some hostages with me. I will allow you to access the water source."

"Because Nizam he even though he had his autonomous Kingdom in Hyderabad, he still was kind of a representative of the Mughal Empire"

Montgomery's Assessment

British historian Montgomery apparently wrote about this campaign as a model of strategic warfare. Even centuries later, military strategists recognize Bajirao's brilliance here.

Where We Left Off: Palkhed is a complete victory for Bajirao. More than that, it settles major political questions. Shahu's legitimacy is confirmed. Maratha rights to six provinces are validated by Nizam's acceptance. Kolhapur is permanently relegated to minor status. Bajirao's strategy proved that superior military hardware (cannons) can be neutralized by superior thinking. And most importantly, Marathas have now beaten not just a local rival, but a quasi-Mughal power. They're no longer just south Indian kingdom anymore. They're a major continental force.

Nizam arrived in Pune with cannons, confident in his superiority. Bajirao didn't have the heavy artillery to match them. So he didn't try. Instead, he made the cannons a liability. He created situations where speed mattered more than firepower. He denied water to an army surrounded in critical directions. He forced the leader into a desperate choice: abandon his best advantage or abandon his army. When Nizam chose to pursue with cavalry only, he'd already lost. The rumor about Burhanpur wasn't even true—it was just the psychological pressure needed to make him move into the trap. And when it was over, Nizam didn't just lose a battle. He accepted treaties that confirmed Shahu's legitimacy, validated Maratha territorial rights, and permanently sidelined his own potential rival (Kolhapur). Bajirao won everything without even using his strongest asset: his cavalry's speed. He won by thinking better. That's why Montgomery wrote about it as a masterclass.

Bajirao's Northern Campaigns: Marwa & Bundelkhand (1728-1729)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

Moving North: A New Frontier

The Change in Strategy:

• After Palkhed victory, Bajirao turned north
• First time Marathas conquered Marwa
• Marwa = province north of current Marathi territory
• Not traditional Maratha homeland

Why This Matters:

• Marwa has no mountains, flat plains
• Forces different tactics than Sahyadri region
• Marathas had to adapt warfare style
• Must now fight open field battles

The Warrior's Dilemma: Speed vs. Geography

The Problem:

• South of Marwa: Mountains, hills (Sahyadri)
• Shivaji era tactics: Guerrilla warfare, surprise attacks, mountain forts
• North of Marwa/Bundelkhand: Flat plains
• Can't use terrain advantage anymore

Bajirao's Solution:

"He would only engage in open warfare when he does a surprise attack on the enemy"

• Adapted hybrid strategy
• Combined Shivaji's surgical strike mentality
• With open field capability
• Hybrid = psychological surprise + tactical positioning

The Confidence:

• Maratha armies now "much more powerful than at time of Shivaji"
• Could handle open warfare
• But still careful about when and how

The Marwa Campaign: New Territory

The Geographic Situation:

• Marwa: North of current Marathi territory
• Not the Deccan (Khan)
• First major Maratha incursion
• Mughal-controlled territory

The Execution:

• Bajirao and his brother went different routes
• Attacked Mughal garrison areas
• Defeated Mughal forces
• Giridhar Bahadur was the Mughal Subedar

The Strategic Value:

• Marwa itself valuable territory
• But more importantly = gateway to Bundelkhand
• Bundelkhand = northern part of Marwa, even closer to Delhi

Bundelkhand: The Opportunity Emerges

What Happened:

• While campaigning in Marwa
• Got opportunity to enter Bundelkhand
• Bundelkhand is north of Marwa
• Even further toward Delhi

The Geography:

• Bundelkhand = province by itself
• Northern outpost of Marwa region
• After Bundelkhand = closer to Delhi
• Increasingly important territory

Why It Mattered:

• Moves Maratha presence closer to Mughal heartland
• Extends control to northwest
• Challenges Mughal authority directly
• New frontier opened

Chhatrasal's Desperate Appeal

Who He Was:

• Independent king of Bundelkhand
• Aged warrior
• Experienced but aging
• His army no match for Mughal commander

His Crisis:

• Faced Mohammed Bangush (Mughal commander)
• Bangush's army superior
• Chhatrasal couldn't win alone
• Literally imprisoned by Bangush
• Escaped from prison but kingdom still in danger

His Famous Comparison:

"The elephant's foot is in the mouth of a crocodile. It is up to you to safeguard the reputation of that elephant."

• Comparing himself = old elephant
• Crocodile = Mohammed Bangush
• Chhatrasal stuck, cannot escape on his own
• Asks Bajirao to save him

The Language:

• Originally spoken in Hindi variant (Bundelkhand language)
• "Please help me and keep my reputation intact"
• "Nobody else can save me"
• "Preserve my honor"

Bajirao's Impulsive Decision

The Situation (January 1729):

• Bajirao at Garha Mandala
• Not close to Bundelkhand
• Had army of 25,000 men (cavalry-based)
• Chhatrasal's desperate message arrives

The Procedure Broken:

• Normally: such decisions go to Shahu (sovereign decision)
• Getting into war with Mughal commander = major decision
• Technically should wait for approval

Bajirao's Response:

"What the heck, you know, I am going. Another Hindu king is asking me for help."

The Executive Authority:

• Bajirao knew Shahu would approve
• Had some autonomous decision-making power
• Said: "I am sure that Shahu will not object"
• Took his cavalry army and marched

The Speed: The Legendary Ride

The Distance:

• Normal journey: 4 days
• Bajirao's march: 2 days
• Covered same distance in half the time

How:

• Day and night marching
• No rest stops
• Pushed horses and men hard
• Incredible pace

Why It Mattered:

• Mohammed Bangush expected Bajirao in 4 days
• Had 4 days to prepare, build defenses, reinforce
• Bajirao arrived in 2 days
• Caught Bangush unprepared
• No time to fortify or reinforce

The Advantage:

• Surprise element preserved
• Bangush wasn't ready for immediate battle
• Maratha forces fresh despite the ride
• Psychological impact of sudden arrival

The Battle Unfolds

Chhatrasal's Escape:

• Had been imprisoned by Bangush
• Escaped to his own fort
• But kingdom still under threat
• Needed Bajirao to defeat Bangush completely

Bangush's Complications:

• His son was coming to reinforce him
• From different direction
• Would arrive with additional army
• Would threaten Bajirao's position

The Interception:

• Kajankhan (possibly Bangush's son or ally) was coming
• Bajirao caught him en route
• Defeated and turned him away
• Prevented reinforcements from arriving

The Fort Siege: Water & Food

Bangush's Position:

• Retreated to a fort
• Not a mountain fort
• Land fort = fortified compound
• Hedged in, defended positions

Bajirao's Tactic:

• Surrounded the fort
• Blocked food supply
• Blocked water supply
• Standard siege warfare

The Pressure:

• Fort can't last long without supplies
• Garrison gets weaker
• Bangush's options narrowing
• Surrender or starvation

The Negotiated Settlement

Bangush's Dilemma:

• Can't break siege
• No reinforcements coming
• Supplies running out
• Fort can't hold indefinitely

The Truce Terms:

1. Non-Aggression Pledge:

"I will never again come back to Chhatrasal's area in Bundelkhand"

• Bangush promises to never attack Chhatrasal again
• Written into treaty
• Binding agreement

2. Bundelkhand Secured:

• Chhatrasal's kingdom guaranteed protection
• Mughal forces withdraw
• Territory remains under Chhatrasal
• But now allied with Marathas

The Significance:

• Maratha presence established in Bundelkhand
• Hindu king (Chhatrasal) now under Maratha protection
• Mughal authority challenged and pushed back
• New territory added to Maratha sphere

The Larger Context

Marathas Expanding North:

• Started in Deccan (south)
• Moved through Marwa (central)
• Now into Bundelkhand (north)
• Getting close to Delhi itself

Power Shift:

• Mughal authority weakening
• Marathas becoming continental power
• Previously: regional kingdom
• Now: competing for all-India dominance

The Pattern:

• Palkhed: Defeated semi-independent Nizam
• Marwa: Defeated Mughal garrisons
• Bundelkhand: Defeated Mughal commander, protected Hindu king

Key Players

Timeline

Geographic Context

Key Locations:

• Garha Mandala: Where Bajirao was when message arrived
• Mahoba: Where Bajirao met Chhatrasal and fought battle
• Bundelkhand: Chhatrasal's kingdom, now protected
• Marwa: Mughal province, now Maratha-controlled
• Narmada River: Southern boundary (earlier campaigns)
• Krishna River: Boundary set in Palkhed treaty
• Delhi: Now much closer to Maratha sphere

Major Themes

1. Speed as Strategy

Bajirao's legendary 2-day journey wasn't just about bravery. It was strategy. It prevented Bangush from preparing, from getting reinforcements, from optimizing his position. Speed created psychological and tactical advantage.

2. Alliance vs. Conquest

Instead of just conquering Bundelkhand, Bajirao made an alliance. Chhatrasal remained king but became Maratha protectorate. This was smarter than direct rule—fewer enemies, easier administration, local legitimacy preserved.

3. Expanding the Maratha Sphere

With each campaign, Marathas move further north. From Deccan → Marwa → Bundelkhand → approaching Delhi. Not conquering and holding everywhere, but establishing presence and alliances.

4. Using Hindu Solidarity

Chhatrasal's appeal worked because of Hindu solidarity. A Hindu king asking another Hindu king for help against Muslim Mughal. Bajirao responded. This was part of the narrative, whether explicitly stated or not.

5. Mughal Authority Crumbling

Each Mughal commander defeated, each territory lost, each alliance forged with local Hindu kings—this all shows Mughal power in Deccan is fading. Marathas are replacing them as the hegemon.

Critical Insights

The Decision-Making Authority

Bajirao had enough authority to march an army north without explicit Shahu approval. This shows the trust and delegation is working. Shahu didn't object (and probably approved). But Bajirao had freedom to act in moment of opportunity.

The Executive Decision vs. Sovereign Decision

Normally such decisions require sovereign approval. But in practice, Bajirao was making strategic decisions in real time. This works when there's perfect alignment (which there was between Bajirao and Shahu). But it's fragile—only works with absolute trust.

The Hybrid Warfare

Marathas were trained in Shivaji-era guerrilla tactics. Now fighting in open plains where those don't work. Instead of forcing the old way, Bajirao adapted. Kept the psychological element (surprise) but added ability to fight open battles. True strategic flexibility.

The Siege vs. Pitched Battle

Instead of fighting pitched battle, Bajirao surrounded and starved out Bangush. This wasn't dramatic but was effective. Shows understanding that warfare has options beyond direct combat. Supply denial is as effective as combat.

The Chhatrasal Alliance

Most interesting decision: didn't absorb Bundelkhand directly. Left Chhatrasal as autonomous ruler but now protected by Marathas. This meant:

• Chhatrasal's legitimacy preserved = local support stays
• Maratha gets alliance and influence = strategic gain
• Easier to hold than direct rule
• Creates buffer against Delhi

Key Quotes

"The elephant's foot is in the mouth of a crocodile. It is up to you to safeguard the reputation of that elephant."

"What the heck, you know, I am going. Another Hindu king is asking me for help."

"I am sure that Shahu will not object"

"I will never again come back to Chhatrasal's area in Bundelkhand"

The Warrior Ethos

Chhatrasal was aged, not as militarily powerful as Bangush. But he had pride, reputation, honor. When he asked for help, he wasn't asking to be conquered or ruled—he was asking for a warrior alliance. Bajirao understood this. He didn't treat Chhatrasal as conquered subject. He treated him as allied king. That respect was what created the lasting alliance.

Where We Left Off: In just a few months, Bajirao has expanded Maratha control northward dramatically. He defeated Mughal commanders, protected a Hindu king, and established Maratha presence in Bundelkhand. The empire now extends from Deccan all the way north toward Delhi. Marathas have transitioned from regional power to continental power in one decade. They're now challenging Mughal authority directly, winning battles, making alliances with other Hindu kingdoms. The dominoes are falling. And the Mughal Empire's grip on the Deccan is slipping away.

Chhatrasal was an old elephant with his foot in a crocodile's mouth. Bajirao was the young warrior who pulled him out. But he did something smarter than conquest—he made an alliance. Chhatrasal remains king, but now protected and allied with Marathas. The territory is secured not through occupation but through mutual interest. And in doing so, Bajirao moved the Maratha frontier all the way north to the gates of Delhi. The Mughals were crumbling, the Marathas were rising, and the old order was giving way to the new. One decade of strategy, speed, and smart decisions had transformed everything.

Bajirao I: Marwa Expansion & The Delhi Demonstration (1736-1737)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

The Mastani Story: The Woman Who Changed Everything

Who She Was:

• Court dancer sent by Chhatrasal (Bundelkhand king) as tribute/wife to Bajirao
• Muslim background; Hindus very conservative about conversion
• Married Bajirao despite opposition

The Problem:

• Conservative Pune society refused to accept her
• Son Samshir Bahadur (born to Mastani) not recognized as heir or legitimate
• Despite being Hindu-eligible, Hindus wouldn't let him convert to gain acceptance
• Had to remain Muslim = no rights to Peshwa line

The Unintended Consequence:

• Mastani's presence established the precedent: wives now insisted on following armies to battle
• Created "deadweight" that slowed military operations
• Would become major factor in Panipat disaster (25+ years later)

Marwa Campaign: 1736

The Achievement:

• Bajirao defeated Sawai Jai Singh (Jaipur king) + combined Mughal forces
• Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah awarded Marwa subhedari (military governorship) to Marathas
• First time Marathas ruled outside Deccan
• Now collecting Chautai from Bundi & Kota (Rajasthan territories)

Why It Mattered:

• Expansion north of Narmada = beyond traditional Maratha lands
• Marathas entering Rajasthan politics directly

The Rajasthan Problem: Unintended Enemy-Making

The Good Old Days (Shivaji Era):

• Marathas & Rajputs were natural allies (both Hindu)
• Rajputs respected Shivaji
• Friendly, cooperative relationship

What Changed (Bajirao Era):

• Marathas now collecting taxes, enforcing authority
• Manipulating Rajput succession wars by taking sides
• When Rajput king dies with multiple sons, Shinde supports one son, Holkar supports another
• Marathas became kingmakers, not protectors

The Rajput Reaction:

• Lost trust in Marathas
• Saw them as usurpers exploiting internal disputes
• Felt powerless to resist (Marathas too strong)
• Deep resentment & bitterness grew
• Natural allies became rivals

The Irony:

"Marathas were so powerful that Rajputs had no alternative. But we don't want you here."

Delhi Gets Jealous: March 1737

The Setup:

• Bajirao in Agra (deep in Mughal territory)
• Three major Mughal commanders attacked him:
  1. Subedar of Ayodhya
  2. Mir Bakshi (army chief)
  3. Nawazir

The Battle:

• Bajirao's commanders: Malhar Rao Holkar, Pilaji Radhaurao, Baji Bhurau
• Holkar's contingent was routed (but not Bajirao's main force)
• Holkar retreated to Gwalior to regroup with Bajirao

The False Victory:

• Sadat Khan (one of the Mughal commanders) claimed he defeated Bajirao
• Actually only defeated Holkar's subsidiary force
• Emperor believed him & gave massive rewards
• Courtiers jealous: "Finally someone beat Bajirao!"

Bajirao's Response: The Psychological Strike

The Plan:

• Show the Emperor Bajirao is undefeated
• Prove Sadat Khan's victory was fake
• Demonstrate supreme confidence

The Distance Problem:

• Gwalior to Delhi = 10 days journey
• Bajirao covered it in 2 days & 2 nights (cavalry, day-night march)
• Ate bread on horseback while moving

The Geographic Miracle:

• Gap between Mir Bakshi's army and Sadat Khan's army
• Bajirao split them down the middle
• Appeared 10 miles from Red Fort (March 28, 1737)

The Location: Kalka Devi Temple

• Ram Navami festival happening (Rama's birthday)
• Bajirao's forces created havoc at the temple/fair
• Caught elephants, camels, looted shops, caused chaos
• Goal: Make sure news reaches the Emperor immediately

Delhi's Shock & Fear

The Reality Check:

• Emperor thought Bajirao was defeated
• Thought he was 10 days away
• Suddenly: he's 10 miles away at Red Fort entrance
• Their armies still 100+ miles south

The Verification:

• Courtiers couldn't believe reports
• Sent spies disguised as beggars to confirm
• Spies captured Maratha provisions (bread & vegetables in bags)
• Spy report: "When daybreak comes, Marathas will attack Red Fort"

The Terror:

• Entire court started shaking with fear
• Realized they had no home defense
• Main armies celebrating false victory down south
• Bajirao could attack anytime

The Calculation: Why He Didn't Attack

The Reason:

• Direct attack on Red Fort = full war with Mughal Empire
• Bajirao's goal: psychological humiliation, not conquest
• Show the Emperor he's vulnerable & unbeaten
• Make the point: "You're vulnerable. Don't underestimate me."

Captain Gordon's Assessment (1741)

Who: British officer observing from the sidelines

Observations:

• Pune: Well-built, fertile, prosperous city
• Manufacturing: 13-inch cannons being produced
• Textile industry thriving
• Farmers get tax concessions = good morale
• 40,000 standing army under Bajirao's command

Military Discipline:

• Soldiers have absolute trust in Bajirao
• Don't even know campaign destinations before departure
• Perfect loyalty without information
• Ability to mobilize large forces quickly

British Takeaway: Bajirao is a force to be reckoned with

The Internal Problem: Shinde vs. Holkar

Two Major Commanders in North:

• Ranoji Shinde
• Malhar Rao Holkar
• Posted permanently in northern territories
• Rarely returned to Pune (only once every 1-2 years)

The Conflict:

• Economic: Both getting Chautai (1/4 taxes) from different Rajasthan areas
• Personal: Ego & animosity
• If one wins territory = other loses revenue
• Shinde supported some Rajput succession candidates; Holkar supported others

Why It Mattered:

• Bajirao was too mobile to manage day-to-day relations
• Conflicts escalated toward end of Bajirao's life
• Died in 1740 before resolving it
• Their interests were "exactly opposite" = unmeditable

The Sangharaja Problem: Decentralization

What Emerged:

• Empire became Sangharaja (federation of warlords)
• Local commanders had autonomy over their territories
• Made day-to-day decisions without Peshwa approval
• As long as they hit overall goals & sent revenue up

Why Different from Shivaji:

• Shivaji: Centralized, personal leadership
• Bajirao: Distributed, geography-forced decentralization
• Commanders thinking of personal wealth, not empire welfare
• Rajput vassal kings increasingly unhappy

The Structural Problem:

• Peshwa couldn't monitor everything (news took 1 month to arrive)
• Delegated power = less control
• Local commanders exploiting Rajput divisions
• Rajputs resented Maratha interference in succession
• Bad blood forming between natural allies

The Downside of Success

What Was Building:

1. Mastani Precedent: Wives now demanding to accompany armies (logistical nightmare later)
2. Rajasthan Alienation: Former allies becoming hostile
3. Commander Feudalism: Shinde & Holkar becoming quasi-independent rulers
4. Decentralization: No unified strategy, just local profit-seeking
5. Overreach: Marathas now enemies of everyone (Rajputs, Mughals increasingly hostile)

Key Players

Timeline

Critical Themes

1. The Double-Edged Victory

Success in Marwa meant expansion, but also entering Rajasthan politics. Took natural allies and turned them into rivals through manipulation and overreach.

2. The Mastani Foreshadowing

Her story established the pattern of wives following armies. Seemed romantic then; becomes a millstone 25 years later at Panipat.

3. Psychology Over Force

Demonstration at Delhi wasn't about conquest—it was about making a psychological point. Shows Bajirao understood warfare as much psychological as military.

4. The Delegation Trap

Autonomy to commanders worked when Bajirao was there. But with geographical distance and his early death, delegation became fragmentation.

5. The Decay of Governance

Shivaji prioritized governance + conquest. Bajirao prioritized conquest. By now, local welfare was secondary to commander profit-seeking.

Key Quotes

"So the women and families, they started insisting that they go with them" — Mastani effect on military operations

"Marathas are here to exploit our differences and swallow our kingdom" — Rajput sentiment

"Whatever truth the Emperor has understood we have to make sure that it is turned into a lie" — Bajirao to Chimaji before Delhi demonstration

"A gap of several miles between the armies, and he went through that" — The Delhi split maneuver

Where We Left Off: Bajirao's empire is at its height—vast, powerful, feared by Mughals, envied by Delhi courtiers. But cracks are forming. Rajput alienation is building. Commander egos are clashing. The centralized control is fragmenting. And Bajirao is dying. In just 3 years, he'll be gone. What emerges won't be the unified empire he built, but a federation of ambitious warlords. The seeds of Panipat are being planted right now.

Bajirao seemed invincible in 1737. Covered impossible distances, appeared at Delhi gates, frightened the Emperor. But success was deceiving. Mastani's presence seemed personal; it actually changed military logistics forever. Marwa expansion seemed brilliant; it actually made enemies of the Rajputs. Decentralization seemed efficient; it actually fragmented the empire. And his two northern commanders, Shinde and Holkar, who were supposed to be lieutenants? They were becoming independent rulers with conflicting interests. Bajirao could manage it because he was everywhere, doing everything. But he was dying. And when he died, nobody else could hold it all together.

Bajirao's Delhi Demonstration: Psychological Warfare Masterclass (March 28, 1737)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

The Setup: The False Victory Narrative

What Happened:

• Holkar (Bajirao's commander) clashed with Sadat Khan (Mughal general)
• Holkar's contingent was routed and retreated to Gwalior
• Sadat Khan claimed total victory over Bajirao
• Emperor awarded Sadat Khan massive tributes & honors

The Reality:

• Sadat Khan only defeated Holkar's secondary force
• NOT Bajirao's main army
• But framed it as defeating Bajirao himself

Why It Mattered:

• Bajirao's reputation was fearsome
• Any "victory" over him was a big deal
• Court assumed Bajirao was now weakened/defeated

The Psychological Counter-Strike

Bajirao's Goal:

• Not military conquest
• Transform false narrative back into truth
• Humiliate Sadat Khan
• Show Emperor: "You're vulnerable to me"

The Message to Chimaji (his brother):

"Whatever truth the Emperor has understood we have to make sure that it is turned into a lie"

Two Options:

1. Attack Sadat Khan directly (revenge)
2. Attack Delhi itself (psychological terror)

He Chose: Go straight to Delhi

The Impossible Speed

The Distance Problem:

• Gwalior to Delhi = 10-day journey
• Sadat Khan expected this
• Thought he had time to celebrate, reinforce Delhi

What Bajirao Did:

• Covered same distance in 2 days & 2 nights
• Constant cavalry movement
• Ate bread on horseback
• No stops, no rest

The Execution:

• Gap existed between Mir Bakshi's army (near Delhi) and Sadat Khan's army (south)
• Bajirao threaded the needle
• Appeared between them undetected
• Reached 10 miles from Red Fort before anyone realized

The Temple Demonstration

The Location:

• Kalka Devi Temple near Delhi
• Ram Navami festival happening (Rama's birthday celebration)
• Thousands of people gathered for fair/festival

What He Did:

• Created "havoc" at the temple premises
• Captured elephants & camels
• Looted shops at the fair
• "Generally created chaos"

Why:

• Wanted news to reach Emperor immediately
• Demonstration to masses = word spreads fast
• Message: "I'm here, I can do what I want"

Delhi's Complete Shock

The Cognitive Dissonance:

• Thought: Sadat Khan defeated Bajirao (far away)
• Reality: Bajirao is 10 miles away with army
• Main Mughal armies still 100+ miles south
• No home defense available

The Verification Process:

• Courtiers couldn't believe spies' reports
• Sent additional spies disguised as beggars to verify
• Needed confirmation Bajirao was really there
• "This can't be happening"

What the Spies Found:

• Captured Maratha soldier bags/provisions
• Found bread & vegetables (soldier rations)
• Expected to find weapons/secret plans
• Instead found lunch supplies
• Spy conclusion: "When daybreak comes, Marathas will attack Red Fort"

The Court's Terror

The Fear Spreads:

• Whole court "started shaking with fear"
• Realization: Bajirao could attack anytime
• Red Fort is vulnerable
• Their armies can't defend them (too far away)

The Worldview Collapse:

"This is uprooting their very worldview"

• Thought their forces were superior
• Thought Sadat Khan defeated Bajirao
• Now realizing: Bajirao can appear anywhere, anytime
• Nobody expected this speed

The Strategic Brilliance

Why He Didn't Attack:

• Direct attack = full war with Mughal Empire
• Bajirao's point: "I could attack if I want, but I'm showing restraint"
• Message > Conquest
• Goal achieved: Emperor knows he's vulnerable

What Was Communicated:

1. "Your commanders are incompetent"
2. "Your home is defenseless to me"
3. "You need better relations with Marathas"
4. "Don't underestimate Maratha speed & power"

The Psychological Victory:

• No blood spilled
• No conquest achieved
• But entire power structure shaken
• Forced Emperor to recalibrate

Key Factors That Made It Work

The Red Fort's Isolation

The Problem for Delhi:

• Sadat Khan celebrated victory far from the capital
• Mir Bakshi was also distant
• No coordinated defense at Red Fort
• Emperor surrounded by courtiers, not soldiers

Bajirao's Advantage:

• Knew this
• Exploited the gap
• Created time pressure (dawn attack threat)
• Forced panicked decisions

The Larger Game

This Wasn't About:

• Conquering Delhi
• Defeating armies
• Territory gain

This Was About:

• Demonstrating absolute superiority
• Psychological dominance
• Information control
• Making enemies doubt themselves

The Message to Mughal Court:

"I can reach your capital whenever I want. Sadat Khan's victory means nothing. You're vulnerable."

Strategic Implications

For the Emperor:

• Must rebuild relationship with Marathas
• Cannot rely on victory narratives
• Needs to understand Maratha capabilities

For Sadat Khan:

• His "victory" is exposed as fraud
• Lost all credibility
• Emperor now knows he can't trust Sadat Khan's reports

For Marathas:

• Demonstrated they're the real power
• Showed psychological superiority
• Proved speed > numbers

The Unspoken Rules of Engagement

What Bajirao Established:

1. Marathas can go anywhere, anytime
2. Mughal armies can't stop them
3. Delhi is not safe from Maratha reach
4. Information matters more than territory
5. Psychological impact > military conquest

Critical Insight

Why This Was Masterful:

• Didn't need to win a battle
• Didn't need to conquer territory
• Just needed to demonstrate capability
• And he did it without firing a shot
• Against a superior-numbered enemy
• In 2 days instead of 10

"He did the unthinkable by reaching there in such a quick time"

Key Quotes

"Whatever truth the Emperor has understood we have to make sure that it is turned into a lie"

"He went through that and splitting them up the middle"

"The whole courtiers and the Delhi court, they just started shaking with fear"

"The unthinkable" — the repeated phrase for his achievement

"Basically did the unthinkable by reaching in there in such a quick time and splitting them up the middle"

Timeline of Events

Where We Left Off: Bajirao has humiliated the Mughal court without firing a shot. He's demonstrated that speed, intelligence, and psychological dominance matter more than armies. He's shown the Emperor that "victory" narratives can be dismantled just as quickly as they're created. And most importantly, he's established that Marathas are now the real power in India—not just militarily, but strategically. The Mughal Empire's authority has been fundamentally challenged. And it all happened in 2 days.

Sadat Khan thought his false victory was real. Bajirao knew better. While the Mughal court celebrated, Bajirao covered a 10-day journey in 2 days, appeared 10 miles from the Red Fort, created havoc at a public temple during a festival, and vanished psychological terror throughout the court. No battles, no casualties, no conquest. Just pure strategic brilliance. The Emperor learned: his armies couldn't protect him. His commanders were incompetent. And Marathas could appear anywhere, anytime. That's how you win without fighting.

Bajirao's Tactics & The Nadir Shah Crisis (1739)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

Bajirao's Warfare Strategy: Ganimikawa

The Principle:

"Attack enemies when they are resting, least expecting it"

The Legacy:

• Following Shivaji's tradition of surgical strikes
• Not fair fights or mutually agreed battles
• Surprise attacks = core doctrine

The Problem:

• Unlike Shivaji, Bajirao had no mountain forts to retreat to
• After attack, couldn't escape to fort safety
• Had to rely on speed & light cavalry instead

The Solution:

• Used fast moves & light cavalry
• Got tremendous success despite lack of fort refuge
• Never faced defeat in 20-year fighting career
• Maintained undefeated record through tactics, not just numbers

Why It Worked:

• Simple living (ate on horseback)
• Relationship with cavalry troops (camaraderie)
• Brother Chimaji Appa's support & loyalty
• This combination made him nearly invincible

Chimaji Appa: The Portuguese Removal

The Situation:

• Portuguese controlled northern Konkan (coastal region)
• Would have become "formidable force" if left unchecked

Chimaji's Action:

• Expelled Portuguese from Konkan
• Contained them to Goa only
• Prevented their expansion inland

The Irony:

• In gratitude (?), Portuguese gifted Mumbai island to British
• Strategic location given away
• Set up British foothold in India

Nadir Shah: The External Threat (1739)

Who He Was:

• Emperor of Persia/Iran
• Looking for wealth to fund his empire

His Attack:

• Attacked Delhi in 1739
• Wanted to seize wealth: diamonds, gold, precious stones
• No resistance—Mughals were "paper tigers"

The Fear in Deccan:

• Worried Nadir Shah might come south across Narmada
• Would threaten Maratha homeland (Deccan/Khan)
• Potential existential threat

Bajirao's Strategic Position: Waiting at Narmada

The Placement:

• Narmada River = imaginary line into Deccan
• Bajirao stationed there with army
• Monitoring for Persian threat
• No direct defense of Delhi ordered

The Reality Check:

"There was no understanding that Bajirao will defend Mughal Empire"

• No treaty between Marathas & Mughals on mutual defense
• Bajirao only cared about defending the Deccan
• Wasn't interested in defending Delhi itself
• His only interest: Keep threat south of Narmada

Why He Was There:

• Personal interest, not duty
• "If Nadir Shah comes to Delhi, maybe he comes to Khan"
• Prevention > response

Shahu's Geopolitical Philosophy

The Theory:

"Those inside India should band together against those outside"

The Thinking:

• Inside powers (Mughal, Maratha, Rajput, etc.) = insiders
• Outside powers (Nadir Shah, Abdali, etc.) = outsiders
• When outsider attacks = insiders unite
• When outside threat ends = go back to fighting each other

The Logic:

• Enemy of my enemy during crisis
• But temporary only
• Outsiders just want to loot, not govern
• Create no value, only destruction

Why It Mattered:

• Shahu told Bajirao: "Help Mughals if possible"
• Not because of love for Mughals
• But because looters from outside are worse for everyone
• Better Mughals (insiders) than Persians (outsiders)

Why Outside Powers Were Worse

Their Model:

• Loot as much as possible
• Return home with wealth
• No interest in governance
• No interest in development

Their Economics:

• Iran impoverished compared to India
• Needed resources to fund empire
• India = treasure chest to exploit
• Take what you can, leave chaos

The Mughal Reality:

• By 1739, Mughals were weak
• But still "insiders" in Indian system
• Still maintained some governance infrastructure
• Provided some stability (however fragile)

The Outside Threat:

• Would only extract & destroy
• Leave nothing behind
• Destabilize entire region
• Maratha interests = everyone's interests (for moment)

The Letter: Shahu's Strategic Message

What Shahu Wrote to Bajirao:

"When I was in house arrest in Aurangzeb's camp, I gave him word that if foreign power attacks Mughal Empire, we as Marathas will do whatever possible to support and defend"

The Historical Reference:

• Back during Shahu's captivity with Aurangzeb
• Made promise to Mughal emperor
• Now invoking that old commitment

The Instruction:

• Help Mughals however possible
• Not all-out war, just whatever support needed
• Defend against outside threat

The Flexibility:

• Bajirao interpreted this his way
• Stationed at Narmada (defensive, not aggressive)
• Monitored threat without direct engagement
• Maintained autonomy in how to respond

The 1739 Crisis Resolution

What Actually Happened:

• Nadir Shah attacked Delhi
• Came "all the way to Delhi"
• There was "no resistance" to him
• "Just a successful looting"

The Outcome:

• Mughals were pleading: "We'll give you X amount, just be satisfied"
• Nadir Shah basically took what he wanted
• Mughals couldn't stop him
• Bajirao stayed at Narmada (didn't intervene militarily)

Why Bajirao Didn't Go North:

• Wasn't ordered to
• Nadir Shah didn't cross Narmada
• His mission: Protect Deccan = accomplished
• Direct defense of Delhi wasn't his concern

The Strategic Outcome

For Marathas:

• Avoided direct conflict with Nadir Shah
• Protected home territory
• Established themselves as "insiders" (one side of Indians)
• Strengthened moral position

For Mughals:

• Got looted but not conquered
• Remained sovereign (barely)
• Understood Maratha could have helped more

For Nadir Shah:

• Got massive wealth to take back
• Satisfied his empire-funding needs
• Left before getting bogged down

For India:

• Persian invasion didn't penetrate south
• Maratha force acted as "shield"
• But also showed Mughal weakness

The Unspoken Hierarchy

Shahu's Implicit Message:

1. Outsiders (Persian, Afghan) are permanent enemies
2. Insiders (various Indian powers) are temporary competitors
3. When outsider threat = use insiders to unite against it
4. When outsider threat passes = go back to normal competition
5. But outsiders should be contained, never allowed to dominate

Key Players

Timeline

Critical Insights

1. Geography is Destiny

Narmada wasn't just a river—it was the boundary of Maratha interest. South of it = defend fiercely. North of it = not our problem (unless threat crosses it).

2. The Insider-Outsider Distinction

Shahu understood geopolitics: compete with insiders, unite against outsiders. This is sophisticated strategic thinking.

3. The Looting Model

Nadir Shah came, looted, left. No interest in governance. Marathas recognized this as inferior to even weak Mughal rule.

4. Defensive Positioning Works

Bajirao didn't need to defeat Nadir Shah. Just needed to position himself so Nadir Shah would avoid Deccan. Success without battle.

5. The Guerrilla Warrior Evolution

Bajirao adapted Shivaji's tactics (surprise, speed, mobility) to open plains warfare. Maintained undefeated record through tactical brilliance, not forts.

Key Quotes

"Attack enemies when they are resting, least expecting it"

"He never had to see any defeats in his 20-year fighting career"

"Portuguese were expelled from Konkan. Otherwise they would have been formidable force."

"Those who are inside India and those outside... when outsiders attack, insiders should band together"

"Their only idea was to loot. They didn't want any governance."

Where We Left Off: Bajirao's defensive positioning at Narmada shows his strategic thinking—not just tactical genius, but geopolitical understanding. Shahu's instruction to help Mughals against Nadir Shah reveals sophisticated insider-outsider thinking. The empire is managing multiple threats: Portuguese in Konkan, Persians from north, Mughals in middle, Rajputs in west. And Bajirao is handling it all from position of strength.

Bajirao never fought Nadir Shah. He didn't need to. He just positioned himself at Narmada and said: "Come south of this river, and I'll stop you." Nadir Shah went to Delhi instead, looted it, and went home. Bajirao protected the Deccan without firing a shot. That's strategic positioning. Shahu understood the bigger picture: outsiders are worse than insiders. Better weak Mughals you can compete with than strong Persians you can't negotiate with. Geography, positioning, and understanding your enemy's objectives—that's how you win before battles begin.

Shahu's Support for Bajirao & The Commander Conflict Crisis

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

Bajirao: The Irreplaceable Pillar

Shahu's Perspective:

"Bajirao was the main supporting column of Maratha Empire"

The Reality:

• Bajirao was primary reason for expansion
• Shahu understood his critical importance
• Gave him maximum autonomy & resources
• Any reasonable request = approved

The Conservative vs. Pragmatic Split:

• Conservative Pune society: Opposed Mastani relationship
• Shahu: Pragmatic about Bajirao's private life
• Wrote to court secretary: "Don't make Bajirao unhappy"
• Message: Leave him alone about Mastani

The Consequence:

• Conservative elements ignored Shahu's order
• Separated Mastani from Bajirao anyway
• Bajirao "much aggrieved in his last months"
• Tension between ruler & ruled created

British Reconnaissance: 1741

The Visitor:

• British lawyer came to Pune after Portuguese defeat
• Wanted to know: What's Shahu's policy toward British?
• Portuguese had just been expelled from Vassal (south of Mumbai)
• British worried: "Will we get the same treatment?"

Captain Gordon's Report on Pune:

• "Well-built, well-developed city"
• "Most fertile land I've ever seen"
• Manufacturing: 13-inch cannons being produced locally
• Textile industry thriving
• Tax concessions for farmers = prosperity

Military Assessment:

• 40,000 standing army
• Can raise bigger forces if needed
• Bajirao maintains absolute secrecy about campaigns
• Even soldiers don't know destination until march
• Complete trust despite information blackout
• "Force to be reckoned with"

British Conclusion: Marathas are serious power. Better maintain good relations.

The Shinde-Holkar Problem: Roots of Conflict

The Setup:

• Ranoji Shinde & Malhar Rao Holkar: Two major northern commanders
• Both permanent stations in north (rarely came to Pune)
• Were supposed to work together, didn't

The Issues:

1. Economic Competition

   • Both collect Chautai (1/4 taxes) from their zones
   • If one gains territory = other loses revenue
   • Zero-sum game created tension

2. Ego & Personal Animosity

   • General personality conflicts
   • Some degree of personal hatred

3. Succession Competition in Rajasthan

   • When Rajput king died with multiple sons
   • Shinde would support one son
   • Holkar would support other son
   • Both using Maratha forces to influence succession

Why Bajirao Couldn't Fix It:

• Happened toward end of his life
• Vested interests were "exactly opposite"
• No compromise possible
• Died 1740 before resolving

The Rajasthan Succession Problem

How the System Worked:

• Local Rajput kingdom: King dies, leaves 2+ sons
• Each son wants to be next king
• Shinde backs eldest; Holkar backs younger
• Marathas fight on both sides of same family

The Rajput Perception:

• Treated Marathas as kingmakers, not allies
• Felt like Marathas were exploiting internal disputes
• Resentment: "We'll handle succession ourselves"
• But too weak to resist: "You're too powerful"

The Bitterness:

• Rajputs saw Marathas as usurpers trying to take over
• Destroyed bond between Hindu brothers (Marathas & Rajputs)
• Turned natural allies into bitter enemies
• Rajputs: "Make money off us, then absorb our kingdom"

The Sangharaja Problem: Federation of Warlords

What Emerged:

• Empire became Sangharaja (literally: mixed/hybrid)
• Not centralized like Shivaji's
• But decentralized network of regional commanders
• Each had autonomy over assigned territories
• As long as: (1) Met quotas, (2) Sent revenue up, (3) Didn't rebel

Why the Change:

• Geographic distance too vast
• Peshwa couldn't be everywhere
• Information took month to reach Pune
• Commanders needed autonomy to act

The Downside:

• Commanders thought of personal wealth, not empire welfare
• "What will make me rich?" instead of "What helps Marathas?"
• Day-to-day governance was their responsibility alone
• No oversight or coordination

How It Differed from Shivaji:

• Shivaji: Centralized power in king, good governance priority
• Bajirao: Delegated power to commanders, expansion priority
• Shivaji: Personal leadership everywhere
• Bajirao: Mobile but couldn't manage decentralization chaos

The Structural Weakness

The Problem:

• Commanders in far-flung areas (north, Rajasthan)
• Based there permanently
• Reporting to Peshwa they saw once every 1-2 years
• De facto independent rulers despite nominal subordination

The Information Gap:

• News took month to reach Pune from north
• By then, damage done or situation changed
• Peshwa couldn't make real-time decisions
• Had to trust commanders' judgment

The Vested Interest Problem:

• Shinde & Holkar had exactly opposite interests
• Both wanted to expand their zones (= other's loss)
• Competing for same Rajasthan resources
• No natural cooperation incentive

The Lost Rajput Alliance

What Happened:

• Shivaji: Earned Rajput respect through martial courage & governance
• Bajirao: Lost Rajput respect through manipulation & extraction
• Hindu-Hindu relationship broken by greed & power play

The Resentment:

"Marathas want to exploit our differences and swallow our kingdom"

"You're kingmakers behind the scenes, deciding our succession"

"This is not your role, but we can't resist you"

The Strategic Loss:

• Lost potential allies
• Turned them into passive-hostile
• Could become active enemies if given chance
• Will matter at Panipat

The Three Root Causes Building

Already Identified (from this session):

1. Mastani Precedent: Wives now follow armies (logistical problem)
2. Rajasthan Alienation: Lost Rajput trust through interference

Now Adding: 3. Shinde-Holkar Split: Two northern commanders with opposite interests, unable to coordinate 4. Decentralization Chaos: Empire becoming federation of profit-seeking warlords 5. Information Breakdown: Peshwa can't control or even know what's happening in territories

The Governance vs. Expansion Trade-off

What Shivaji Prioritized:

• Good governance
• Citizen welfare
• Stable administration
• Balanced expansion

What Bajirao Prioritized:

• Rapid expansion
• Military victory
• Territory acquisition
• Delegated administration

The Cost:

• Vast empire, but shallow roots
• Many territories, but few loyal allies
• Military victories, but political enemies
• Expansion, but decentralization

Bajirao's Legacy (The Mixed Picture)

Positives:

• Expanded empire dramatically
• Defeated major enemies
• Created 40,000-person standing army
• Demonstrated military genius
• Made Marathas continental power

Negatives:

• Lost Rajput alliance
• Created commander rivalries
• Established decentralized system bound to fragment
• Set precedent (Mastani) that affected future operations
• Prioritized expansion over governance stability

Key Players

Timeline

Critical Insights

1. The Decentralization Trap

Autonomy to commanders = expansion. But also = loss of control. Works great with one genius (Bajirao). Falls apart when he's gone.

2. The Information Lag

Month to get news from north = month too late to fix problems. Peshwa essentially flying blind.

3. The Rajput Mistake

By manipulating Rajput succession, Marathas created enemies from would-be allies. Short-term gain, long-term disaster.

4. The Mastani Precedent

Romantic story, but unintended consequence: wives following armies. Creates logistical nightmare 25 years later.

5. The Opposite Interests Problem

Shinde & Holkar couldn't be mediated because their interests are literally opposite. One's gain = other's loss. Built-in conflict.

Key Quote

"The bottom line was that Marathas were becoming powerful... But day to day decisions they had the freedom to decide what they wanted to do"

Where We Left Off: Bajirao is at his apex—feared by Mughals, observed by British, commanding 40,000 troops. But the structure underneath is cracking. Commanders are becoming autonomous warlords. Rajputs are turning hostile. Succession conflicts are brewing between Shinde & Holkar. And Bajirao is about to die. When he does, there won't be anyone strong enough to hold this decentralized empire together. The centrifugal forces will take over.

Bajirao built an empire on military genius, but forgot to build the infrastructure to hold it together. He delegated to commanders because he had to—geography was too vast. But he never solved the problem of what happens when those commanders have conflicting interests and he's not there to mediate. He died thinking he'd built something permanent. He'd actually built something fragile. Within years, it would start cracking. Within decades, it would collapse at Panipat.

Shinde-Holkar Split & The Sangha Rajya: Maratha Decentralization (1740)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

The Commander Problem: Shinde vs. Holkar

The Setup:

• Both commanders in north, managing different Rajasthan territories
• Competed for same resources & tax revenues
• Zero-sum game mentality: One's gain = other's loss
• Added personal egos & animosity on top

Why They Couldn't Cooperate:

• Both collected Chautai (1/4 taxes) from assigned zones
• Needed to pay armies from own revenue
• Competed for succession disputes in Rajput kingdoms
• Supported opposite sides of same families
• Vested interests "exactly opposite"
• Unmeditable by design

The Timeline:

• Started happening toward end of Bajirao I's life
• Bajirao was too busy/mobile to resolve
• Died 1740 before fixing it
• Problem inherited by successor

The Sangha Rajya: Federal Empire Model

What Emerged:

• Maratha Empire became Sangha Rajya (federation/union of kingdoms)
• Not centralized like Shivaji's
• Distributed command structure across territories

The American Parallel:

• Federal level: Peshwa in Pune (executive, warfare decisions)
• State level: Local commanders (territorial governance, revenue)
• When local issues = commanders decide
• When empire-wide threat = Peshwa mobilizes everything

Why This System Happened:

• Geographic distances too vast (north territories, south Deccan)
• Peshwa couldn't be everywhere like Bajirao was
• Communications took 1 month to reach north
• Commanders needed autonomy to act quickly

Shivaji vs. Bajirao: The Governance Trade-off

Shivaji's Model:

• Centralized authority
• Personal leadership everywhere
• Focus on good governance + conquest
• Exclusive Maratha army (no outsiders)

Bajirao's Model:

• Delegated authority to regional commanders
• Geographic distribution by necessity
• Focus on conquest over governance
• Inclusive army (Rajput contingents, local soldiers)

Why Inclusivity Became Necessary:

• Maratha soldiers didn't want to be far from homes for years
• Many were half-time farmers, needed to tend lands
• Could only recruit locally in far-flung areas
• Even later Peshwas hired Muslim & Arab soldiers on salary
• Never happened under Shivaji

Bajirao I's Financial Crisis

The Problem:

• Rapid expansion = needed money upfront
• Building governance infrastructure = time-consuming
• Bajirao was in hurry, couldn't wait
• Took on massive loans to fund campaigns

The Debt Trap:

• Loans carried over to next Peshwa
• Had to be repaid eventually
• Monetary side became "lopsided"
• Empire expanded territory but not wealth proportionally

The Irony:

• Military capability to conquer India
• But lacked financial capacity to fund it
• "If we had money, we could take everything"
• "But we don't have money"

Nana Sahib Peshwa: The Administrator (Third Peshwa)

Who He Was:

• Eldest son of Bajirao I
• Also called Baraji or Bajirao II (confusing naming)
• Appointed by Shahu after his father's death (1740)

His Character:

• NOT a warrior like his father
• Governance/administration man
• Good at planning, logistics, finance
• Based in Pune (unlike Bajirao who was constantly mobile)

His Achievements:

• Architect of modern Pune city
• Built temples on Parvati hill
• Set up museums
• Urban planning & development
• But: Had to fund ongoing wars while doing this

His Challenge:

• Inherited massive debts from father
• Wars happening everywhere (north, east, west)
• Had to fund them all from Pune
• Basically broke all the time

The TB Disease: Nana Sahib's Metaphor for Debt

The Problem:

• Nana Sahib called the debt problem "TB" (tuberculosis)
• Like a disease slowly weakening the body
• Gradually destroying empire from inside
• If not solved: slow death

Why This Metaphor:

• TB doesn't kill instantly
• Weakens gradually until system collapses
• Exactly like debt: Empire keeps functioning but getting weaker
• Eventually leads to total failure

The Solution:

• Had to pressure commanders for tributes & revenue
• Demanded more & more money
• Commanders had to extract more from their territories
• Created cycle of exploitation

The Root Cause Problem Identified

The Third Root Cause (Previously two identified):

1. Mastani precedent (wives follow armies)
2. Rajasthan alienation (lost natural allies)
3. NOW: The Debt/Funding Problem

What Marathas Couldn't Do:

• Generate sufficient tax revenue
• Build stable financial infrastructure
• Keep expansion funded without loans
• Pay armies sustainably

The Ambition-vs-Resources Gap:

• Military: Could conquer anything
• Financial: Couldn't sustain expansion
• Confidence: "We can take India"
• Reality: "We can't afford it"

Chimaji Appa: The Quick Exit

The Tragedy:

• Bajirao I died: 1740
• Chimaji Appa (brother) died: 1741 (within a year)
• Both pillars of military success gone
• Nana Sahib lost his uncle's support immediately

The Succession & Legitimacy Question

Why Nana Sahib Was Chosen:

• Shahu wanted to reward Bajirao I's loyalty
• Decided to make it hereditary (not explicitly said, but de facto)
• Peshwa position now stays in the family

After Shahu's Death (1749):

• Shahu had no heir to succeed him
• Or heir was ignored/not recognized
• No one to appoint new Peshwa
• So: Nana Sahib just continued (status quo remained)
• Peshwa position became "whole and sole"

Key Players

Timeline

Critical Insights

1. The Governance Problem

Rapid expansion without governance infrastructure = debt crisis. You need to build administrative capacity before you expand further.

2. The Delegation Trap (Extended)

Decentralized commanders work when Peshwa has money to delegate AND when commanders' interests are aligned. Neither was true now.

3. The Financial System Failure

Marathas had military genius but zero financial sophistication. Empire expanded in territory but not in wealth generation.

4. The TB Metaphor's Accuracy

Debt works exactly like disease—invisible from outside, but slowly eating away at strength. Marathas looking powerful while getting weaker.

5. The Legitimacy Question

After Shahu's death, no one questioned Nana Sahib's rule. Precedent + capability = acceptance. De facto dynastic rule established.

Key Quotes

"Marathas became more like a union of kingdoms with some freedom given to individual commanders"

"Peshwa in Pune couldn't send them money... do whatever it takes, maintain your army"

"They had to think about what's in their own interest... only worried about how to sustain themselves"

"The TB disease: gradually weakening until collapse if not solved"

Where We Left Off: Bajirao I's expansion has left the empire in debt. Nana Sahib inherits not just the empire, but the financial crisis. He's an administrator, not a warrior, so he stays in Pune trying to manage finances while commanders in the field do wars. Shahu dies in 1749, removing the last check on Peshwa power. But also removing clarity on succession. Nana Sahib just continues. The empire is now 100% dependent on Peshwa family ability to hold it together financially.

Bajirao I built an empire but didn't build the financial infrastructure to sustain it. Nana Sahib inherited the expansion and the debt. He tried to govern well, build Pune into a great city, and manage finances. But there was never enough money. The empire kept growing, expenses kept growing, and he kept borrowing. Meanwhile, commanders in the north were fighting each other over resources. And Shahu died with no clear heir, so Nana Sahib became the de facto ruler. Good administrator, but bad timing. He had all the responsibility and none of the money.

Nana Sahib Peshwa's Reign: Maratha Continental Dominance (1740-1759)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

The Transition: Warrior to Administrator

Bajirao I's Death (1740):

• Sudden, short illness
• Died in his prime (age 40)
• Never lost a battle in 20 years
• Left massive debts

Nana Sahib Takes Over:

• Shahu appoints Bajirao's eldest son
• Also called "Baraji" or "Nana Sahib Peshwa"
• Third Peshwa overall (after Balaji Vishwanath, Bajirao I)
• Different style from father

His Character:

• Administrator, NOT warrior
• Skilled in governance, planning, finance
• Based in Pune (unlike mobile Bajirao)
• Architect of Pune city (temples, planning, development)
• Prefers planning to fighting

The Impossible Inheritance

What He Got:

• Massive empire (too large to control personally)
• Massive debts (inherited from father)
• Wars ongoing everywhere (north, east, south, west)
• Commanders competing with each other
• Shahu still alive, still nominally sovereign (until 1749)

The Impossible Math:

• Wars need funding
• Revenue collection takes time
• Can't wait for normal tax collection
• Must use loans, tributes, extraction
• Debt cycle spirals

The 19-Year Expansion: 1740-1759

The Geographic Reach:

• West to East: Attaq (Afghanistan border) to Bengal
• North to South: Dwaab (between Ganga-Yamuna) to Deccan
• Literally from Indian subcontinent's edges

The Numbers:

• First 19 years of his reign
• Maratha armies went "everywhere"
• No organized resistance (Mughals confined to Delhi)
• Expanded 7-8 times beyond Bajirao I's extent

The Coverage:

• "Deshvyapi" = All over the nation
• Not one province anymore
• Pune became capital of all-India empire
• Literally every direction from Pune

The Comparison:

• Shivaji's time: Limited to nearby areas
• Nana Sahib's time: Everywhere
• Completely different scale of operation

The "Star Position" Quote

Local Legend:

"His star positions were in good place during his reign"

The Reality:

• Nana Sahib was good administrator
• But he wasn't fighting battles himself
• Commanders-in-chief did the actual fighting
• He stayed in Pune, managed logistics & money

The Irony:

• Expanded more than Bajirao I
• But through better organization, not personal heroics
• Had professional military families to handle campaigns
• He was the strategist, they were the executors

The Victory Record

Almost Undefeated:

• Victorious every year of his reign
• Except the very last year
• (This foreshadows Panipat, which happens in last year)

How It Worked:

• He appointed "commander-in-chief within Peshwa family"
• Family had people interested in military glory
• They went on campaigns, he stayed in Pune
• Coordinated strategy from capital
• Prevented losing wars through better planning

Shahu's Death (1749)

The Succession Crisis:

• Shahu dies with no recognized heir
• Or had heir that nobody cared about
• No one to appoint new Peshwa
• No sovereign left to make decisions

The Result:

• Nana Sahib just continued
• Status quo maintained by inertia
• No one questioned it
• Became de facto rule

From Sovereign to De Facto Ruler

Before (With Shahu):

• Peshwa nominally prime minister
• Shahu nominally sovereign
• Peshwa checks in on major decisions
• Some balance of power

After (Without Shahu):

• Peshwa became "whole and sole"
• Decision-maker with no oversight
• No sovereign to object
• Everyone knew he was the real king
• But he never claimed the title

The Clever Arrangement:

• Peshwa always acted like "prime minister"
• Never declared himself "king"
• But everyone obeyed his orders
• Established precedent for succession (father to son)
• People got used to hereditary Peshwa rule

The Power Structure That Emerged

Visible:

• No sovereign (after Shahu)
• Peshwa claimed to be administrator
• Maintained fiction of subordinate role

Actual:

• Peshwa made all decisions
• No one objected
• Succession passed father to son to son
• Completely hereditary despite claims

Why It Worked:

• Nana Sahib was competent administrator
• Kept empire expanding
• Kept funding flowing (barely)
• No competitor arose to challenge him
• Generals in family cooperated reasonably well

The Maratha Military Machine

What Existed Now:

• 40,000+ standing army
• Thousands in reserves
• Commanders throughout subcontinent
• Professional military families
• Well-organized logistics

The Fear Factor:

• "No one to stop them"
• "Just taking over whole subcontinent"
• Mughal armies "totally ineffective"
• "Limited only to Delhi"
• Mughal Empire "in pathetic shape"

The Reality:

• Marathas were military superpower
• But financially unsustainable
• Living on loans & tributes
• Growing weaker financially while expanding militarily

The Paradox

Military: Never been stronger

• Defeated every opponent
• Expanded to continental scale
• 19 years of victories
• 7-8x larger than at Bajirao's death

Financial: Never been worse

• Debt spiral from Bajirao's loans
• Can't generate enough revenue
• Extraction creating resentment
• System unsustainable long-term

Political: Unstable despite appearances

• Shahu gone (no legitimacy anchor)
• Commander rivalries unresolved (Shinde/Holkar)
• De facto rule without de jure authority
• Hereditary succession not yet tested

Key Players

Timeline

Geographic Expansion

From Narmada north:

• To Attaq (Afghanistan/Pakistan border)
• Through Delhi area (contested)
• Into Doab (between Ganga-Yamuna rivers)
• Through Bengal

From Deccan north:

• Maharatra core
• Through Rajasthan
• Into north-central plains
• Everywhere

Critical Insights

1. The Competent Successor Paradox

Nana Sahib was MORE competent administrator than Bajirao I. But the empire needed Bajirao I's military genius, not administrative skill. Wrong man for wrong time.

2. Centralization Through Legitimacy Loss

Losing Shahu meant losing legitimacy anchor, but GAINING centralization. No sovereign to check Peshwa = Peshwa could do anything. More power but less legitimate.

3. Expansion Masking Weakness

Every year more territory conquered = looks like getting stronger. Actually getting weaker financially. Classic empire-in-decline pattern.

4. The Command Structure That Works

Having military family members as "commanders-in-chief" while Peshwa manages from Pune = good coordination. Better than Bajirao's constant movement.

5. The Financial Illusion

Expanding 7-8x while debt spiraling = mathematical impossibility. Something has to give. And it will: At Panipat, money won't be there to pay armies.

Key Quotes

"During his 19 years, Maratha armies were going everywhere"

"No one to stop them. Just taking over whole subcontinent"

"Mughal armies were totally ineffective in resisting this"

"He had a lot to do with that organization and statesmanship"

Where We Left Off: Nana Sahib's reign (1740-1759) is the apex of Maratha expansion. Armies everywhere, no serious opposition, continuous victories. But financially unsustainable, militarily dependent on scattered commanders who don't cooperate, politically delegitimized (no sovereign). The empire is vast but fragile. And the last year of his reign ends badly. It's 1759—Panipat is just 2 years away. The cracks are about to widen.

Nana Sahib was a better administrator than his father, and the empire expanded farther than ever. But expansion without financial foundation is just empire on borrowed time. He conquered like a tiger and managed like a banker, but the banker didn't have enough money. Shahu died and suddenly Nana Sahib was de facto king but couldn't claim the title. And in the north, Shinde and Holkar were still competing. And at Panipat, everything would collapse. The last year of his reign would be the worst. He'd win every battle except the one that mattered.

Nadir Shah's Threats & The 1747 Letter to Delhi

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

Bajirao I at Narmada: The Defensive Stance

The Situation (1739):

• Nadir Shah attacked Delhi, looted massively
• Wealth of Delhi was astonishing (even to Afghans)
• Question: Why didn't Bajirao defend Delhi?

The Answer:

• No treaty between Marathas & Mughals
• No obligation to defend Delhi
• Bajirao only cared about defending Deccan
• Stationed at Narmada River (southern boundary)

The Logic:

• "If Nadir Shah comes south of Narmada, I'll stop him"
• "But Delhi is not my concern"
• Strategic boundary defense, not empire-wide defense
• Worked: Nadir Shah never crossed Narmada
• Got too rich looting Delhi to pursue further

Iran's Motivation: Poverty & Empire

Why Nadir Shah Attacked India:

• Iran was relatively impoverished
• Needed resources to build empire
• Neighboring lands had wealth
• India = treasure chest

The Economics:

• Agriculture in Iran = limited taxes
• Not enough to fund ambitious empire
• Afghan territories even worse (wasteland)
• India = known wealth, known resources
• Simple solution: Go take it

Ahmad Shah Abdali: The Observer Who Learned

Who He Was:

• Afghan serving in Nadir Shah's army
• Watched 1739 Delhi looting
• Saw unprecedented wealth being carted away
• Understood the lesson: India = infinite looting opportunity

His Learning:

• "This is how much wealth, and they only took partial"
• "There's way more untouched"
• "When I'm free, I'll come back to this"
• Planned future invasions even while serving Nadir Shah

Nadir Shah's Paranoia & Death

What Happened After Looting:

• Nadir Shah became paranoid back in Iran
• Thought everyone was plotting against him
• Tortured own citizens without cause
• Created atmosphere of fear

The Result:

• Commanders got scared
• Thought: "We might be tortured next"
• Decided: Eliminate Nadir Shah
• Assassinated in 1747 (8 years after Delhi looting)

The Consequence:

• Ahmad Shah Abdali suddenly freed
• No longer bound to Nadir Shah's army
• Could return to Afghanistan
• Could pursue his India plans

Nadir Shah's 1747 Letter to Muhammad Shah

The Context:

• Written 8 years after 1739 looting
• Nadir Shah still thinking about India

The Message:

"It has been 8-9 years since I last came to India" "You are not able to defend your empire from outside forces" "You are still weak" "Even now, you can start protecting your empire" "If you need my help, I am ready"

The Threat:

• Implied: "People like me are waiting to raid you"
• "When will you protect yourself?"
• "Better defend now before it's too late"
• Semi-mocking tone about Mughal weakness

The Strategic Message:

• Delhi remains vulnerable
• No effective defense system
• Mughal Empire is paper tiger
• Raiders (like Nadir Shah) will keep coming
• You should prepare, or I will come again

The Real Problem: Mughal Weakness

What Nadir Shah Understood:

• Mughals weren't recovering
• Getting weaker, not stronger
• No army could stop raiders
• Essentially undefendable

The Warning Was Accurate:

• Delhi would be attacked again (by Abdali)
• Muhammad Shah couldn't defend it
• Mughal position was terminal
• Just matter of time until next raid

Ahmad Shah Abdali's Timeline to Power

1739: Watches Delhi looting, learns the lesson

1747: Nadir Shah assassinated, Abdali freed

Next decades: Builds Afghan kingdom, plans return to India

Later: Will become major threat to Marathas

Key Players

Timeline

Critical Insights

1. Boundary Defense Strategy

Bajirao at Narmada = perfect defensive positioning. Doesn't need to defend all of India, just his boundary. Works perfectly when enemy doesn't cross it.

2. The Predator's Learning

Abdali watched and learned. Information more valuable than loot in this case. One looting trip = template for future invasions.

3. The Warning Ignored

Nadir Shah was warning Muhammad Shah about future threats. Muhammad Shah couldn't do anything about it. Mughal Empire was terminal—no recovery possible.

4. Paranoia & Assassination

Nadir Shah's paranoia in Iran = what caused his assassination. Created threat that freed Abdali to pursue own ambitions.

5. The Cycle Continues

Pattern: Loot → Learn → Plan → Return. Abdali saw what Nadir did and thought: "I can do this too, and better, and repeatedly."

Key Quotes

"If Nadir Shah comes down south of Narmada, I will protect it. But I have no business defending Delhi."

"Ahmad Shah Abdali understood how much wealth there was to be gained by attacking India"

"It has been 8-9 years since I last came to India. You are not able to defend your empire."

"People like me are waiting to raid you. When will you protect yourself?"

Where We Left Off: Bajirao has strategically positioned at Narmada to protect Deccan. Nadir Shah looted Delhi but didn't go further south. Ahmad Shah Abdali learned the lesson and started planning. Nadir Shah's letter warned Muhammad Shah (but too late for him to do anything). 8 years later, Nadir Shah is dead, Abdali is free, and a new threat is forming. The Marathas and Afghans will eventually collide. And it will happen at Panipat.

Nadir Shah's 1747 letter was basically saying: "Your empire is weak. Raiders will keep coming. Better protect yourself." Muhammad Shah got the message but couldn't do anything about it. His armies were weak, his treasury was empty, his confidence was gone. Within 14 years, Abdali would attack and Marathas would fight him at Panipat. But that letter was the warning: Delhi is vulnerable, and predators know it.

Nadir Shah's Delhi Loot & Paranoia: Seeds of Abdali's Future (1739-1747)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

The 1739 Looting: Delhi as Piggy Bank

What Nadir Shah Found:

• Unprecedented wealth in Delhi
• Courtiers had gold, silver, diamonds hidden in houses
• Royal treasury overflowing
• Temples with donated precious metals
• Mughal royalty's accumulated treasure

The Problem for Looting:

• Emperor offered: "Take 50 million, just don't go further"
• But Nadir Shah realized: If 50 million is on offer, there's way more
• Decided: "Why take 50 when I can take everything?"
• Went all the way to Red Fort
• Looted imperial treasury completely

The Extraction Process:

• Soldiers went house to house
• Demanded: "Tell us where your treasure is"
• Tortured people who refused
• Dug into walls, foundations
• Extracted everything

The Transport Problem:

• Loot so massive needed:
  • Hundreds of horses & elephants
  • Camels, bullock carts
  • Miles-long caravans
  • Took weeks to transport back to Iran
• Required massive logistical operation

Ahmad Shah Abdali: The Observer

Who He Was:

• Afghan officer in Nadir Shah's army
• Probably achieved some rank/position
• Impressed Nadir Shah progressively:
  • Started: Private revenue collection
  • Promoted: Army positions
  • Rising: Getting better roles

His Observation:

• Watched entire Delhi looting operation
• Saw unprecedented wealth being extracted
• Even Nadir Shah was amazed at the quantity
• Realized: "There's even MORE wealth untouched"
• "If one looting gets this much, future ones could too"

The Learning:

"He appreciated how much wealth there was to be gained by attacking India"

• Not just loot once, but understand the pattern
• India = renewable treasury
• Can come back again and again
• Wealth regenerates between raids
• Business model: Periodic invasions

The Mental Decision:

• While serving Nadir Shah
• Already planning: "I will come back"
• "I will do what Nadir did"
• "Afghanistan needs this wealth to develop"
• Mental commitment formed during 1739

Nadir Shah's Paranoia: The Downward Spiral

What Happened in Iran:

• After Delhi success, Nadir Shah became paranoid
• Thought people were plotting against him
• Became "mentally affected" (possibly schizophrenic episodes)
• Had "visions" of conspiracies

The Victims:

• Tortured own citizens constantly
• Based on imaginary plots
• No evidence, just suspicion
• "Somebody might be against me"
• Solution: Torture them

Even Family:

• Suspected own son of plotting
• Tortured him
• Eventually killed his own son
• Because of paranoid delusion

The Effect on Army:

• Commanders extremely scared
• Never knew if they'd be tortured next
• No safety, no predictability
• Created atmosphere of terror
• "We could be next"

The Assassination: Mercy Killing

The Setup:

• Nadir Shah called Ahmad Shah Abdali to his tent
• Said: "Protect me from conspirators"
• Asked Abdali to arrest certain officers
• Then news leaked that Abdali got this assignment

The Plotters' Reaction:

• Officers realized: They're under gun now
• Thought: "If we don't act, we'll be tortured"
• Decided: Kill Nadir Shah before being arrested
• "This is the only way to stay alive"

The Assassination:

• 57-70 soldiers decided to attack Nadir Shah's tent
• But most got scared and turned back
• Only 2 soldiers actually went through: Sahil Khan, Mohammad Khan
• Nadir Shah tried to fight back with sword
• Tripped on rope in darkness, fell down
• Sahil Khan cut off his hand
• Mohammad Khan beheaded him
• Dead immediately

The Irony:

• Man who created fear got killed by fear
• Man who tortured got tortured in his mind into assassination
• His paranoia created the conspiracy he feared
• Self-fulfilling prophecy

Ahmad Shah Abdali: Freed & Returning

What Changed:

• Nadir Shah gone = Abdali no longer bound
• Was kind of "bonded" to Nadir's service
• Couldn't just leave (contract/loyalty obligations)
• Now: Free agent

His Priorities:

• Not interested in staying in Iran
• Originally Afghan, not Persian
• Iran was "foreign country"
• Wanted to go back to Afghanistan
• Return to roots

Building an Afghan Kingdom:

• Went back to Afghanistan
• Created own small kingdom
• But knew: Afghanistan is extremely poor
  • No agriculture developed
  • No resources
  • Basically wasteland
  • "Just dirt"

The Financial Need:

• To develop Afghanistan = needed money
• Afghanistan had nothing: Zero resources
• Where to get development funds?
• India = The answer
• Knew exactly where: Delhi & surrounding territories

The Legend: Nadir's Prediction

The Story:

• Allegedly, Nadir Shah predicted Abdali would become great
• Made prophecy by cutting Abdali's nostril with knife
• Said: "This will remind you when you become great that I predicted it"
• Abdali carried this mark (disfigured nostril) for life

Historical Accuracy:

• Uncertain if true or false
• But: Shows Nadir Shah recognized Abdali's talent
• And: Abdali was indeed great general (later proved)
• The scar became symbolic of his rise

Ahmad Shah Abdali: The Rising Power

His Character:

• Great military mind
• Talented general
• Ambitious
• Strategic thinker

His Next Steps:

• Built Afghan kingdom 1747-onward
• Created military force
• Planned India invasions
• Will clash with Marathas
• Will lead to Panipat

The Strategic Pattern: Nadir → Abdali

What Nadir Demonstrated:

1. India has massive wealth
2. Delhi especially rich
3. Mughals can't defend
4. Can extract enormous treasure
5. Worth multiple campaigns

What Abdali Learned:

1. Same observations
2. Added: Can do this repeatedly
3. Build stable kingdom on Indian wealth
4. Periodic raids = sustainable model
5. Afghanistan will be funded by India

The Future:

• Abdali will invade multiple times
• Each time learning more
• Will become major threat to Marathas
• Will finally face them at Panipat (1761)

Key Players

Timeline

Geographic Context

Delhi: The piggy bank Iran: Nadir Shah's home, where paranoia developed Afghanistan: Abdali's home, where he'll build kingdom from Indian wealth

Critical Insights

1. The Predator's Education

One successful raid = blueprint for future raids. Abdali didn't invent the strategy; he just copied and refined Nadir's model.

2. Information > Individual Loot

For Abdali, seeing the logistics and wealth location more valuable than the loot itself. He learned WHERE and HOW to attack.

3. Paranoia Creates Conspiracy

Nadir Shah's fear = what killed him. The torture he inflicted created actual enemies. His paranoia became prophecy.

4. The Afghan Need

Afghanistan is poor by geography/nature. Needs external wealth to develop. India is natural source. Abdali understood this early.

5. The Cycle Continues

Pattern: Nadir looted → Abdali watched → Nadir died → Abdali planned → Abdali invaded. Marathas would face this threat next.

Key Quotes

"He appreciated how much wealth there was to be gained by attacking India"

"Afghanistan is extremely poor, basically wasteland. Nothing developed."

"He had never seen so much wealth"

"This will remind you when you become great that I predicted it" — Nadir's prediction about Abdali

"They will be tortured if we don't kill him. This is the only way to stay alive."

The Nostril Scar

The Marking:

• Whether true or symbolic
• Represents Nadir's recognition of Abdali's greatness
• Symbolizes the prophecy of rise
• Physical reminder of connection to Nadir's court

The Irony:

• Mark came from man who tortured him
• Mark reminded him of Nadir's foresight
• Mark connected him to Delhi wealth discovery
• Mark = tie to his empire-building

Where We Left Off: Nadir Shah looted Delhi but didn't survive to capitalize on it. His paranoia led to his assassination in 1747. Ahmad Shah Abdali, who watched the entire operation, learned the lesson and freed himself. He returned to Afghanistan and started building a kingdom. He knew exactly where to get the money to develop it: India. He would become the next major threat to Marathas. And within 14 years (1761), he'd invade India and clash with Marathas at Panipat.

Nadir Shah came to loot and succeeded beyond imagination. But success didn't make him happy—it made him paranoid. He thought everybody was plotting, tortured everyone, and created real enemies from imaginary ones. Two soldiers killed him for it. Abdali watched the whole thing: the looting, the paranoia, the assassination. He learned: India is the answer to Afghanistan's poverty. And he planned to do it better than Nadir did. Not just once, but repeatedly, systematically. He'd be back. And Marathas would meet him at Panipat.

Ahmad Shah Abdali's Rise: From Assassination to Afghan Unification (1747)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

Nadir Shah's Assassination: The Final Night

The Setup:

• Nadir Shah had called Ahmad Shah Abdali to his tent
• Asked him to protect him from plotters
• News leaked that Abdali got this assignment

The Assassination:

• 57-70 soldiers decided to attack Nadir Shah's tent
• Most got scared and turned back (feared him too much)
• Only 2 soldiers went through: Sahil Khan & Mohammad Khan
• Nadir Shah tried to fight with sword
• Tripped on rope in darkness, fell down
• Sahil Khan cut off his hand
• Mohammad Khan beheaded him
• Dead immediately

The Irony:

• Man who created fear through torture = killed by fear
• His paranoia created the actual conspiracy he feared
• Self-fulfilling prophecy

Abdali's Escape: The Kohinoor Capture

The Morning After:

• Early morning, Abdali reached Nadir Shah's tent
• Found the dead body
• Nadir's Iranian army busy looting treasury

The Discovery:

• Abdali alone in tent when he inspected Shah's clothes
• Found Kohinoor diamond in possessions
• Found royal seals/stamps
• These had been taken from India originally
• Now in Nadir Shah's hands = now in Abdali's hands

The Escape:

• Got out of Nadir's military encampment
• Took his 4,000 Afghan army with him
• Left with the Kohinoor

The Collapse:

• Within a day: Nadir's treasury was gone
• Military camp in complete disorder
• Transformed from organization → chaos
• Abdali had basically dissolved the power structure

Abdali's Age & Experience

His Status:

• Only 25 years old at this moment
• But had been in Nadir Shah's army for 10 years
• Battle-hardened, experienced commander
• Expert knowledge in warfare

Afghanistan's Political Situation

The Context:

• Afghanistan NOT independent at this time
• Divided between Persian & Mughal control:
  • Kabul: Under Mughal control
  • Kandahar: Under Persian control
  • Both cities shared; no separate Afghan identity

The Reality:

• Afghanistan was essentially vassal territories
• No separate "Afghanistan" as nation
• Part of larger Persian/Mughal sphere
• Extremely poor, underdeveloped region

The Opportunity:

• With Nadir Shah dead and Persia destabilized
• Afghanistan could potentially unify
• Abdali saw the opportunity
• Had military experience to lead

The Ambition: Building an Afghan Kingdom

Abdali's Plan:

• Return to Afghanistan (his home)
• Establish own independent kingdom
• Unify the fragmented territories

The Financial Need:

• Afghanistan is extremely poor (wasteland)
• "Nothing developed there, zero resources"
• Can't build kingdom without money
• Knew exactly where to get it: India
• Observed Nadir's looting: understood the model

The Loya Jirga: Afghan Tribal Assembly

The Problem:

• Afghanistan divided into many tribes
• Each tribe had own headman/leader
• Tribes fought each other constantly
• No unified leadership

The Solution:

• Loya Jirga = Assembly of tribal chiefs
• Idea: Select one unified leader
• End tribal fighting, create united front
• Common goal: Build independent Afghan kingdom

The Process:

• Assembly convened with all tribal leaders
• Discussion lasted 9 days
• Every tribe wanted their headman to be chief
• No consensus could be reached
• All competing for leadership

The Election: Divine Intervention

The Breakthrough:

• One tribal leader stood up on day 9
• Made a speech pointing to Ahmad Shah Abdali
• Said (approximately):

  "Allah has sent Ahmad Khan who is superior to all of you" "Why are you making these pointless discussions?"

The Instant Resolution:

• All assembled leaders showed approval
• Ahmad Shah Abdali elected unanimously
• Became unified leader of all tribes
• Based on military credentials, not tribal politics

Why He Was Chosen:

• Military experience (10 years under Nadir)
• Young but battle-hardened
• Had already escaped with 4,000 troops
• Had proven leadership ability
• Not tied to any single tribe (could be neutral)

The Predictions: Multiple Prophecies

Nizam ul Mulk's Prediction (1739):

• During Nadir Shah's 1739 Delhi invasion
• Nizam ul Mulk (same guy defeated by Bajirao I) in Delhi
• Saw Ahmad Shah Abdali among Nadir's commanders
• Said: "This young man has royal aura"
• Predicted he would become great leader

Why Nizam Could Tell:

• Had ability to "read faces" (Mukhasamudrik)
• Could sense leadership qualities from appearance
• Told Nadir Shah about Abdali's potential

Nadir Shah's Reaction:

• Trusted Nizam ul Mulk's judgment
• Believed in his forecasting abilities
• Cut Abdali's ear lobes with dagger
• Said: "When you become emperor, you'll think of me"
• (Note: Some sources say nostrils, others say ear lobes - unclear which)

Three Days Before Assassination:

• Someone else told Abdali same thing
• "You are destined to be emperor"
• Another prophecy fulfilled
• Multiple people seeing his destiny

Nizam ul Mulk's Background

Who He Was:

• Same Nizam defeated by Bajirao I at Palkhed
• Had cannons = heavy, slow, strategic liability
• Bajirao forced him to abandon cannons
• Surrounded him, cut off water & food
• Made him sign humiliating treaty

His Later Career:

• Returned to Delhi after Palkhed defeat
• Became important courtier in Delhi court
• Witnessed Nadir Shah's 1739 looting
• Saw destruction and waste
• Understood Mughal weakness

His Assessment:

• Realized Mughal court was "paper tiger"
• Eventually established own kingdom in Hyderabad
• Said he'd be loyal to Mughals BUT independent
• Foreshadowing broader pattern of Mughal collapse

Key Players

Timeline

Geographic Context

Key Locations:

• Delhi: Where Nadir looted and Nizam saw Abdali
• Afghanistan: Tribal territories, now unified
• Kabul: Mughal-controlled part of Afghanistan
• Kandahar: Persian-controlled part of Afghanistan
• Iran: Nadir's empire, now destabilized

Critical Insights

1. The Opportune Moment

Nadir's assassination created power vacuum. Abdali was right place, right time, with right experience. Seized opportunity instantly.

2. Tribal Unification

Nine days of impasse → one speech → unanimous election. Abdali's military credentials + neutrality solved tribal problem.

3. The Prophecies as Foreshadowing

Multiple people predicting Abdali's rise suggests genuine charisma/capability recognition. Not just luck but recognized talent.

4. The Kohinoor Symbol

Abdali capturing Kohinoor = symbolic capture of India's wealth. Not just military symbol but economic statement.

5. The Geographic Advantage

Afghanistan suddenly independent with unified leader, 4,000 troops, and Kohinoor. Ready to pursue Nadir's model: raid India for wealth.

Key Quotes

"Allah has sent Ahmad Khan who is superior to all of you. Why are you making these pointless discussions?"

"This young man has royal aura... has royal symbols or royal future ahead of him"

"When you become emperor, you will think of me" — Nadir's prediction while cutting Abdali

"Ahmad Shah Abdali was noticed for his leadership abilities... maturing as a battle-hardened commander"

The Connection to Marathas

What Comes Next:

• Abdali will use Afghanistan as base
• Will invade India repeatedly
• Will clash with Marathas over control of subcontinent
• Will eventually meet Marathas at Panipat (1761)
• Nizam ul Mulk's prediction = Abdali becomes major threat

Where We Left Off: Ahmad Shah Abdali has unified Afghanistan, captured the Kohinoor, and established himself as independent ruler at age 25. With 4,000 troops and the knowledge of India's wealth (from observing Nadir), he's ready to execute his own invasion plan. Marathas don't know it yet, but their next major enemy has just been born from the ashes of Nadir Shah's paranoia.

Nadir Shah came to loot India and did. But his paranoia created enemies who killed him. Abdali watched it all: the looting method, the wealth location, the power collapse. When Nadir died, Abdali escaped with 4,000 troops and the Kohinoor diamond. Nine days later, he's elected by tribal assembly to lead unified Afghanistan. At 25, with military experience and a master plan (raid India periodically like Nadir did), he's ready to start building his empire. Marathas are at their peak. They don't know what's coming. A young Afghan is about to change everything.

Satara Succession Crisis: Tara Rani's Chaos & Peshwa's Rise (1749+)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

Shahu's Death: The Power Vacuum

The Crisis:

• Shahu died in 1749
• No clear successor to throne
• Question: Who inherits sovereignty?
• Entire Maratha politics thrown into chaos

The Instability:

• Before: Shahu = sovereign anchor, Peshwa = administrator
• After: No sovereign = no legitimacy source
• Power structure collapses
• Multiple factions compete for control

Tara Rani: The Queen's Power Play

Who She Was:

• Queen/widow of Maratha royal family
• Wanted power for herself
• Had been imprisoned earlier (she imprisoned someone herself)
• Ruthless, manipulative

Her Actions:

• Started causing chaos in Satara court
• Tried to undermine existing power structure
• Used political manipulation to gain leverage
• Called in military allies to enforce her will

Her Power Grab Method:

• Got someone appointed as successor (Ramraja?)
• But wanted to control him
• Wanted the levers of power to stay with her
• Expected him to be puppet

Ramraja: The Unwilling Puppet

The Setup:

• Tara Rani got Ramraja made successor/nominal ruler
• Expected him to be controllable
• Expected to keep real power

What Happened:

• Ramraja decided to keep truth to himself
• Decided to actually hold power
• Didn't want to be puppet
• Refused to surrender authority to Tara Rani

The Result:

• Betrayed Tara Rani's expectations
• Created internal conflict
• Royal court in chaos
• Satara palace became center of dysfunction

The Instability: Nana Sahib's Response

Nana Sahib's Attempt:

• Tried to stabilize situation
• Stayed in Satara for 7 months
• Attempted to sort things out
• Tried to create order from chaos

Why It Failed:

• Too much dysfunction
• Factions too entrenched
• Tara Rani refusing to yield
• Ramraja refusing to submit
• Couldn't be fixed

Nana Sahib's Decision:

• Realized staying in Satara ineffective
• Decided to shift power elsewhere
• Eventually led to Peshwa supremacy
• Satara became irrelevant

Tara Rani's Military Adventure

The Call to Arms:

• Called upon Damaji Gaikwad (commander in Gujarat)
• Asked him to attack Pune
• Used him as tool against Peshwa/Nana Sahib

Damaji's Response:

• Was deputed in Gujarat (western region)
• Came when called by Tara Rani
• Believed she was rightful sovereign
• Brought army toward Pune

The Attack:

• Damaji's forces attacked Pune
• Defeated Peshwa contingent in Khandesh (east of Pune)
• Threatened Shanwarwada (royal palace)
• Palace vulnerable (big walls but no real fortification)
• Peshwa family forced to flee

The Escape:

• Peshwa family fled Pune
• Went to Simhagad (safer location)
• Left Satara exposed
• Made vulnerable to takeover

Sadashiv Rao Bahu: The Disciplinarian Commander

Who He Was:

• Military commander under Peshwa
• Disciplinarian, not politician
• Strict, rule-based, uncompromising
• Would later be key figure at Panipat

His Character:

• Believed in order, discipline, hierarchy
• Not good at compromise
• Not good at politics/negotiation
• Good at military execution
• Poor at alliance-building

His Role:

• Took control of Karnataka (southern region)
• Asserted Peshwa authority there
• Forced accountability to Pune
• Created "feeling that boss is in Pune"
• Prevented local commanders from becoming independent

Nana Sahib's View:

• Disappointed with Bahu's harsh methods
• Understood they needed flexibility sometimes
• But Bahu was inflexible
• Didn't understand compromise
• Created friction despite shared goals

The Conflict: Karnataka Consolidation

The Issue:

• Local Karnataka commander trying to become independent
• Wanted to create his own subhedari (territory)
• Wanted autonomy from Pune control

Bahu's Solution:

• Took control away from him
• Reasserted Peshwa authority
• Made clear: "Boss sits in Pune"
• No tolerance for autonomy

The Problem:

• Effective militarily
• But harsh politically
• Alienated local commanders
• Created resentment

The Power Shift: From Sovereign to Peshwa

What Was Happening:

• Shahu's death removed sovereign legitimacy
• Tara Rani couldn't maintain authority
• Ramraja was weak/disputed
• Peshwa became de facto power

The Transition:

• Nana Sahib wasn't officially sovereign
• But made all real decisions
• Commanders looked to him, not Satara
• Satara became powerless figment

The Recognition:

• Damaji Gaikwad didn't realize shift yet
• Still believed Tara Rani was sovereign
• Followed her orders (attacked Peshwa)
• Made mistake of backing wrong side

Key Players

Timeline

Critical Insights

1. The Sovereign Vacuum

Without Shahu, no legitimacy anchor. Tara Rani tried to fill role but lacked gravitas. Peshwa filled vacuum by default.

2. Misreading Power Shift

Damaji & others still believed Tara Rani was sovereign. Didn't realize power had already shifted to Peshwa. Made strategic mistake based on outdated assumptions.

3. The Disciplinarian Problem

Sadashiv Rao Bahu was effective militarily but politically incompetent. Couldn't build alliances. Just enforced hierarchy. Good for Peshwa, bad for empire at large.

4. The Satara Collapse

Satara went from seat of power to irrelevant. Tara Rani unable to govern. Ramraja too weak. Place become afterthought while real power consolidated in Pune.

5. The Transition Period

Empire unstable for crucial years. Internal fighting while external threat (Abdali) was rising. Bad timing for civil war.

Key Quotes

"She wanted to take away the power from Nana Sahib"

"Tara Rani didn't understand politics of India. She was sitting in a small town with no clue about statesmanship."

"Nana Sahib is going to basically take over the default sovereign position"

"Satara will have zero importance. Nobody will give importance to any so-called sovereign."

The Larger Context

What Was Happening Simultaneously:

• Abdali unifying Afghanistan
• Marathas in civil war with themselves
• Nizam consolidating south
• Rajputs still alienated
• British watching opportunities

The Bad Timing:

• Internal chaos when external threats rising
• Weakened leadership when strong needed
• Disciplinarian commander (Bahu) when diplomat needed
• No coherent strategy while enemies preparing

Where We Left Off: Shahu's death created power vacuum. Tara Rani tried to grab power but failed. Ramraja refused to be puppet. Nana Sahib emerged as de facto ruler by simple fact that nobody else could manage the chaos. But it took months of internal fighting. Meanwhile, Abdali was unifying Afghanistan. Marathas at their territorial peak but politically fragmented. The stage was being set for Panipat disaster—external threat rising while internal divisions deepening.

When Shahu died, everyone expected Tara Rani to take over. But she was out of her depth. Ramraja didn't want to be controlled. So Nana Sahib just took over because nobody else could. For 7 months he tried to fix things in Satara but couldn't. Damaji attacked Pune thinking he was protecting the queen, not realizing power had already shifted to Pune. Everyone was confused about who was actually in charge. And while they fought each other, Abdali was getting ready. Bad timing doesn't cover it.

Nana Sahib & Sadashiv Rao Bhau: The Pre-Panipat Tension (1750s)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

The Cousin Relationship: Tension & Trust

Who They Were:

• Nana Sahib Peshwa (3rd Peshwa, in charge)
• Sadashiv Rao Bhau (cousin, military commander)
• Both fathers were brothers (direct cousins, not uncle-nephew)

The Problem:

• Nana Sahib feared Bhau as potential competitor
• Wife Gopika Bhai may have fueled suspicion
• Bhau could have been Peshwa himself (same family line)
• Nana Sahib wanted his own son to inherit, not Bhau

The Threat Dynamics:

• Bhau "got too brash"
• One-sided actions made Nana Sahib unhappy
• Bhau may have threatened to go to Kolhapur & become Peshwa there
• But Nana Sahib appointed him commander-in-chief anyway (strategic move)

The Resolution:

• Given Bhau responsibilities & autonomy
• Made him second-in-command
• But kept close watch through son Vishwas Rao

Panipat Preparation: The Strategic Setup

The Decision:

• Martial north campaign seemed like "given" victory
• Confidence: "No two ways about it, we will win"
• Control entire India seemed possible after victory

The Problem:

• If Bhau gets credit for huge victory = threat to Nana's son's future
• Solution: Send Vishwas Rao (19 years old) with Bhau
• Vishwas = "sovereign representative"

The Clever Arrangement:

• Bhau = actual military commander-in-chief
• Vishwas = nominal sovereign authority figure
• Bhau had to consult Vishwas on decisions
• Vishwas had no military experience, just symbolic role

How It Worked:

• Bhau would brief Vishwas 5 minutes before formal meeting
• Vishwas would propose same decision in meeting
• "Perfect harmony" between them despite the setup
• No actual tension (Vishwas trusted & respected Bhau)

Vishwas's Testimony:

• Wrote letters to father from battlefield
• Praised Bhau: "You will not get a brother like Bhau"
• "Bhau is loyal and will serve you"
• "Forget about any backstabbing"
• Completely defended Bhau's character

The Satara Crisis: Tara Rani's Ambitions

The Situation:

• Ram Raja (adopted heir) back in Satara
• Tara Rani demanded he accept her as surrogate authority
• He refused
• She imprisoned him
• Removed him from line of succession

The Family Problem:

• Ram Raja had 2-3 wives (strategic alliances)
• Married into powerful Maratha families
• Families upset their daughters lost status
• Now married to nobody (inmate, no succession)

Nana Sahib's Dilemma:

• Couldn't get involved in royal family politics
• Either side had problems for him
• Decided to stay away from Satara issues

The Karnataka Campaign

Why Now:

• Nizam vulnerable (succession chaos with Charles de Bushy)
• French hired general Bushy put new Nizam (Salabat Jang) on throne
• Weak moment to attack

Who Went:

• Nana Sahib himself (unusual for him)
• Sadashiv Rao Bhau
• Shinde & Holkar couldn't come (stuck in Rajasthan succession politics)

The Risk:

• Left Pune & Satara unprotected
• Hoped situation would stay calm

Tara Rani Strikes: The Political Bomb

What She Did:

• Got ambitious while Peshwa was away
• Invited prominent Maratha commander to Satara
• Plan: Get rid of Peshwa, put herself in charge

The Executor:

• Damaji Gaikwad (based in Gujarat)
• Called by Tara Rani to attack Peshwa
• Attacked one Peshwa contingent in Khandesh
• Defeated them

The Attack on Pune:

• Damaji came to Pune itself
• Shanwarwada (Peshwa palace) NOT defensible
• "Grand bungalow" with walls, but no moat
• Can be taken by cannons
• Not meant as hardcore fort

The Escape:

• Peshwa family fled to Shivagad Fort
• Nearest secure location
• Took everything to safety

The Result

For Peshwa:

• Can't go to Karnataka now
• Must deal with home crisis
• Damaji continues toward Satara
• Will meet Peshwa's loyal commanders

For Empire:

• Fratricidal war (Maratha vs. Maratha)
• Commander gets involved in Satara politics
• Tara Rani makes dangerous move

Key Players

Timeline

Critical Insights

1. The Arranged Military Leadership

Genius move by Nana Sahib: Put Bhau in charge militarily, Vishwas nominally in charge sovereignly. Gives Bhau real power, Vishwas gets credit, Nana controls both.

2. Perfect Harmony Despite Political Setup

Most political setups like this fail. Bhau & Vishwas actually trusted & respected each other. No backstabbing despite suspicious setup.

3. The Tara Rani Wildcard

Nobody expected Tara Rani to move. She'd been sidelined for 10+ years. Now she sees vulnerability & strikes.

4. The Damaji Problem

Damaji responds to Tara Rani's call. Shows commanders still think Satara sovereign = real power. Peshwa hasn't fully established de facto rule.

5. The Wrong Time for Crisis

Nana Sahib going to Karnataka at same moment Tara Rani moves. Bad timing. Had to abandon campaign to handle home crisis.

Key Quotes

"You will not get a brother like Bhau" — Vishwas Rao about Bhau in letters home

"Perfect harmony between them" — Description of Vishwas & Bhau relationship

"This is given, we are going to win" — Maratha confidence about Panipat before campaign

"Shanwarwada is not meant to be a hardcore defensible position"

Where We Left Off: Nana Sahib sent his son Vishwas Rao with Bhau to fight in the north (Panipat). While they're gone, Tara Rani strikes at home, sending Damaji Gaikwad to attack. Peshwa family flees to Shivagad. Crisis on the home front just as Panipat war is starting. The timing is catastrophic.

Nana Sahib wanted Bhau's military genius but feared his ambition. So he put Bhau in charge with his son nominally in charge. Clever political move. But it worked only because Bhau & Vishwas actually trusted each other. Meanwhile, Tara Rani saw the Peshwa was gone and struck. Damaji came to attack. By the time Nana Sahib realized the home front was on fire, he couldn't get back in time. The empire was split between two battles: Panipat in the north, Satara crisis in the south. And Panipat would be lost.

Damaji Gaikwad's Rebellion & Peshwa's Power Consolidation (1750)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

The Rebellion: Damaji's Internal War

The Trigger:

• Tara Rani called Damaji Gaikwad from Gujarat
• Damaji was deputed there as commander
• She said: Attack Pune (implied: for me as sovereign)
• Damaji believed Tara Rani was rightful sovereign

Damaji's Force:

• Commander in chief of Maratha forces in Gujarat
• Had entire Gujarat territory under control
• Brought army toward Pune
• Defeated one Peshwa contingent in Khandesh (east of Pune)

Why He Thought He Was Right:

• Followed orders of Tara Rani (believed sovereign)
• Didn't realize power had shifted to Peshwa
• Thought he was serving legitimate royal authority
• Made catastrophic strategic mistake

The Problem: Fratricidal War

The Nature:

• Not civil war with external enemy
• Maratha vs. Maratha
• Damaji Gaikwad = Maratha commander
• Peshwa = Maratha administrator
• Both same faction, now fighting each other

The Cost:

• Weakened unified Maratha force
• Divided military resources
• Took attention away from external threats
• Exactly wrong time for internal fighting

Nana Sahib's Response: The Counterattack

The Situation:

• Nana Sahib in Karnataka fighting Nizam
• Heard about Damaji's rebellion
• Had to abandon Karnataka campaign
• Had to return north to handle internal crisis

The Negotiations:

• Was dealing with Nizam succession issue
• Paid 17 lakh rupees to settle Nizam problem quickly
• Essentially bought his way out of south
• Freed up forces to go north

The Return:

• Crossed 400 kilometers back to Pune/Satara
• Marched north with forces
• Defeated Damaji's army near Venna River
• Two Peshwa commanders (Purandare, Pethi) helped defend

The Military Victory

The Confrontation:

• Damaji wanted to go toward Satara from Pune
• Met Peshwa commanders who obstructed him
• Battle at Venna River
• Damaji defeated

The Political Opportunity:

• Damaji was major commander (important figure)
• Nana Sahib didn't kill him outright
• Instead: Invited him for negotiations
• Used diplomacy, not just military victory

The Political Genius: The Negotiation

Damaji's Position:

• Realized he'd backed wrong side
• Realized Peshwa was actually in control
• But still had leverage (was commander in chief)
• Had family network, regional support

Nana Sahib's Offer:

• Negotiations instead of execution
• Message: "You made mistake, but you're Maratha"
• Offered: Reinstatement with conditions
• Offered: Half of Gujarat territory (instead of full)
• Demanded: Acknowledgment of Peshwa authority

The Arrest & Release:

• When Damaji didn't comply initially, arrested him
• Held him at Lohogat Fort
• Kept his relatives arrested too
• Leverage: "Agree to my terms = release everyone"

The Final Deal:

• Damaji agreed to Peshwa being "rightful minister/wazir"
• Acknowledged Peshwa superiority
• In exchange: Released, given half of Gujarat
• Previously he had full Gujarat
• Lost half but kept enough to maintain status

The Difference: Damaji vs. Yashwantrao Dabhade

Damaji Gaikwad:

• Commander under Dabhade
• Admitted mistake, agreed to terms
• Got: Half of Gujarat back, reinstatement
• Accepted subordination to Peshwa

Yashwantrao Dabhade:

• Commander in Chief (superior position)
• Orchestrated the rebellion
• Didn't admit mistake
• Demanded continued autonomy

Nana Sahib's Response:

• Dabhade: Punished severely, lost everything
• Higher position = higher responsibility
• Shouldn't have followed Tara Rani's narrative
• No mercy for Senapati (army chief)

The Message:

• Junior commanders who admit mistakes = forgiven
• Senior commanders who rebel = destroyed
• Clear hierarchy being established
• No tolerance for insubordination from top

The Crucial Problem: Lack of Legitimacy

Nana Sahib's Weakness:

• Had all the power
• But not sovereign legitimacy
• Wasn't the "king"
• Peshwa was still nominally subordinate

Damaji & Dabhade's Belief:

• Still thought Tara Rani was sovereign
• Believed she had legitimacy
• Didn't realize power had shifted
• Followed "sovereign's" orders (wrong)

The Result:

• Nana Sahib could enforce his will
• But couldn't claim divine/traditional authority
• Had to use force, not just legitimacy
• Had to destroy anyone who defied him

The Transition: Eighth Ministers to Peshwa Supremacy

The Historical Context:

• Ashta Pradhan Mantar = Eight Ministers Council (Shivaji's system)
• All eight ministers equal, reported to sovereign
• Peshwa was just one of eight
• Sovereign (king) was the center

What Changed:

• After Shahu: No sovereign with authority
• Peshwa became center of gravity
• New commanders appointed by Peshwa
• Reported to Peshwa, not to sovereign
• All officials answered to Peshwa directly

The Power Shift:

• Eight Ministers Council became nameplate only
• Nobody cared about it anymore
• Power rested entirely with Peshwa
• Peshwa had his own officials reporting to him
• System inverted: Peshwa at center, not sovereign

The Gradual Process:

• Started when Shahu died (1749)
• Accelerated during Damaji crisis
• Fully consolidated when Damaji capitulated
• By end of this period: Peshwa = absolute authority
• Satara = irrelevant

Key Players

Timeline

Critical Insights

1. The Legitimacy Problem

Nana Sahib had power but no legitimacy. Could enforce will through force but couldn't claim rightful authority. Dangerous position: Can't defend rule philosophically.

2. The Hierarchy Clear

Damaji (junior) forgiven when he admitted mistake. Dabhade (senior) destroyed for same mistake. Clear message: Accept hierarchy or be eliminated.

3. The System Inversion

Eight Ministers = equal council under sovereign. Now: All officials under Peshwa. Peshwa = center, not Satara. Complete power structure reversed.

4. The Timing Problem

Spent weeks/months fighting internal rebellion while Abdali building Afghanistan. Couldn't afford this distraction at this critical moment.

5. The Sovereignty Question

Even after consolidating power, Peshwa never claimed sovereignty. Maintained legal fiction that Satara was still relevant. But everyone knew truth: Peshwa = absolute power.

Key Quotes

"Damaji didn't realize power had shifted to Peshwa. He followed the sovereign's orders—wrong sovereign."

"He was higher up in responsible position—shouldn't have behaved this way. You're done with."

"For namesake, the Eighth Prime Ministerial Council remained absent"

"Power rested with Peshwa and he had his own officials reporting directly to him"

"Satara will have zero importance. Nobody will give importance to any so-called sovereign."

The Larger Implications

What This Consolidation Meant:

• Peshwa = de facto absolute ruler
• Satara = ceremonial figuration
• All commanders answered to Pune, not Satara
• No more sovereign veto on Peshwa decisions
• Administrative efficiency increased, but legitimacy lost

The Problem at Panipat:

• Peshwa had power but no legitimacy foundation
• Soldiers fought for Maratha cause, not for Peshwa personally
• When defeat came, no rallying around sovereign or religion
• Just defeat of administrative entity

Where We Left Off: Nana Sahib has consolidated Peshwa power. Damaji learned the cost of backing wrong side but kept half his territory (mercy). Dabhade lost everything (severity). Ashta Pradhan Mantar system is dead—Peshwa is supreme. Satara is officially irrelevant. The empire is unified under Peshwa rule. But it's unified through force, not legitimacy. And Abdali is ready. The collision is approaching.

Damaji made a choice: he followed the queen, not realizing the king was already dead and his successor was the Peshwa. He lost half his territory for that mistake. Dabhade made the same choice from a higher position—he lost everything. The message was clear: Peshwa is in charge now, and everyone better understand it. The Eighth Ministers were obsolete. The sovereign was irrelevant. Pune ruled, not Satara. And just when everyone finally accepted that unified structure? Abdali was coming. The timing couldn't have been worse.

Power Shift from Satara to Pune: The Rise of the Peshwa (1749+)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

The Collapse of Satara Sovereignty

The Institutional Shift:

• After Shahu's death, the sovereign position lost its power anchor
• Tara Rani was unable to maintain control as queen/regent
• Ramraja (the successor) refused to be a puppet ruler
• This created a vacuum that the Peshwa filled by default

Why the Sovereign Failed:

• Tara Rani and Ramraja lacked governance training
• Neither understood administration, statecraft, or warfare
• They were unprepared to handle actual decision-making
• The Peshwa became indispensable by simple necessity

The Peshwa Takes Power

What Actually Happened:

• The Peshwa didn't seize power—he inherited it by default
• Satara became ceremonially irrelevant while Pune became the actual seat of power
• Nana Sahib was too busy stabilizing Satara affairs to properly develop northern strategy
• Eventually realized staying in Satara was futile and shifted focus to expanding Peshwa authority

The Key Quote (Napoleon on power transfer):

"The Prime Minister did not take away the crown from somebody's head, but he picked it up from the dust"

The Sovereignty Transfer Mechanics

Before Shahu's death:

• Peshwa = nominally subordinate administrator
• Shahu = sovereign with legitimacy and approval power
• Power structure had balance

After Shahu's death:

• Peshwa became "whole and sole" decision-maker
• No sovereign left to object or approve
• Everyone looked to the Peshwa instead of Satara
• System became hereditary (father to son succession established precedent)

British Observations: Why They Stayed Out of Western India

The Strategic Reality:

• British expanded easily in Bengal (east) and Madras (south)
• Unopposed expansion was possible there
• But in western/central India: Maratha/Peshwa blocked them
• If Tara Rani had retained power instead of Peshwa, British would have expanded west too

Historical Consequence:

• Peshwa's consolidation of power actually kept British contained to coasts
• This bought time but eventually weakened as Marathas fragmented

The End of the Gosle Dynasty

The Final Transition:

• With Ram Raja's imprisonment, the Gosle family rule ended completely
• Balaji Vishwanath (first Peshwa) came to power because he solved internal crises
• The Peshwas were Chitpavan Brahmins, not Kshatriya/warrior class like Shivaji
• New era began: Brahmin administrative rule replacing warrior king rule

Key Context from History

Balaji Vishwanath's Rise:

• Came to power by helping Shahu against Tara Rani's challenge
• Picked up power from the "gutter" when royal family was dysfunctional
• Established that competent administrators could rule without royal birth

The Chitpavan Brahmin Era:

• Origins: From Kokan region (coastal strip with limited resources)
• Migrated inland to Desh (fertile central plateau) seeking opportunity
• Became administrators and strategists rather than warriors
• By Nana Sahib's time (1740-1759): Had consolidated complete power

Critical Shifts

1. Sovereignty Without Legitimacy

Peshwa had all power but lacked the hereditary legitimacy of the sovereign. Created tension: de facto king, de jure PM.

2. Institutional Collapse

When Shahu died, the institution of sovereignty collapsed faster than expected because no one could replace him effectively.

3. Class Transition

Power shifted from Kshatriya (warrior class) to Brahmin (administrative class). Different values, priorities, methods.

4. Decentralization Opportunity

Peshwa had to manage an empire too vast to control personally—commanders in north, south, west developed independence. Created future fragmentation.

Timeline

Key Insights

Why Satara Failed:

• Institutional power without governance competence doesn't survive
• Ramraja's refusal to be controlled blocked Tara Rani's plan
• No one else strong enough to unify the empire under Satara's name

Why Peshwa Succeeded:

• Nana Sahib was administratively competent
• Had existing Peshwa infrastructure and loyalty
• Succession looked legitimate (son following father pattern)
• No viable competitor for the role

The British Element:

• Peshwa's consolidation paradoxically strengthened Maratha resistance to British
• But it also centralized all power in one person's hands—fragile long-term

Where We Left Off: The Peshwa has consolidated de facto authority but hasn't yet faced major external threats during this transition. The structure works as long as Nana Sahib lives and maintains competence. The fragmentation risks are building but not yet visible.

The crown fell into the gutter when Shahu died. No one else could pick it up except the Peshwa. He didn't steal it—he just happened to be standing there when it landed. And because he was competent enough to use it, everyone accepted it. Balaji Vishwanath showed earlier that an administrator-Brahmin could rule if he solved the royal family's problems. Now Nana Sahib proved it could be hereditary. But it meant the Peshwa carried all the responsibility with none of the legitimacy of a real king. And when things went wrong, there'd be no sovereign to blame—just the Peshwa.

The Wazir-Rohila War & Afghan Migration to North India

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

The Rohila Identity: Afghan Soldiers of Fortune

Who Were the Rohilas?

• Afghan-origin soldiers and able-bodied people seeking opportunity
• Not rebels, but economic migrants—"soldiers of fortune"
• Fled Afghanistan due to persecution by Nadir Shah or seeking better prospects
• India offered wealth, fertile land, agriculture, and opportunities unavailable at home

Migration Waves:

• After 1707: New wave of Afghan migration into India
• After Nadir Shah's persecution (1730s-40s): Larger exodus
• Settled primarily in Rohilkhand region (between Ganga and Himalayas)
• Region named Rohilkhand after them—name stuck even after they were gone

The Rohila Military Machine

The Numbers:

• ~40,000 strong fighting force by 1740s
• Disciplined, cohesive fighters
• Showed no mercy to enemies or captured prisoners
• Reputation: Formidable, organized, deadly

Why They Were Effective:

• First-generation immigrants with military backgrounds
• Experience from Afghanistan's tribal conflicts
• Unified tribal bonds (especially among Yusufzai clan members)
• Religious unity (Sunni Islam) created internal cohesion

Rohila Politics: The Afghan Lobby

Their Strategic Goal:

• Establish Afghan hegemony in Mughal court and army
• Were essentially a "fifth column" for Afghan interests
• Worked with Ahmed Khan Bangash and other Afghan chiefs
• Tribal bond stronger than anything else (Afghan identity > personal loyalty)

Their Problem:

• Marathas (Hindu) were gaining power in Mughal Delhi court
• Concerned this would undermine Muslim character of empire
• Couldn't defeat Marathas alone—needed outside help
• Allied with Ahmed Khan Abdali (Afghan external power)

Key Rohila Figures

Ahmed Khan Bangash:

• Chief of Farukhabad
• Son of Muhammad Khan Bangash (appointed by Emperor Farukh Siar)
• Fought against Marathas early (lost to Bajirao I, accepted terms)
• Attacked Maratha ally (Bundelkhand king) but was repelled by Marathas

Nazib Khan (Najib Khan):

• Yusufzai Afghan clan from Kandahar
• Arrived India around 1743, age 35 (already adult, experienced)
• Started as foot soldier in Ali Muhammad Rohila's army
• Rose to become ruler of holdings between Ganga and Himalayas
• Built capital at Nazibuabad, fort at Patargarh
• Called "Nazib ud-Daula" (Administrator of the State)
• Critical figure for future Panipat events

Nazib's Key Relationship:

• Enemy of Marathas in general
• BUT had special relationship with Malhar Rao Holkar
• Viewed Holkar as adopted father figure
• Holkar had soft corner for Nazib
• Exception to Rohila hatred of Marathas

The Afghan-Maratha Conflict Dynamic

The Tension:

• Marathas expanding north under Bajirao I and beyond
• Rohilas/Afghans saw this as threat to their new territories
• Different religious interests: Hindu vs. Muslim
• Competing for control of Mughal court and northern regions

The Mughal Weakness:

• Empire confined to Delhi area by this period
• Local chiefs taking territory piece by piece
• Rohilas, Marathas, Rajputs all carving out kingdoms
• Emperor powerless to stop any of them

The Mutual Defeat:

• Marathas under Bajirao I defeated Ahmed Khan Bangash
• Bangash forced to accept terms and retreat
• But Marathas also had to accept that Rohilas were a serious power
• Region became divided: Maratha zone, Rohila zone, others

The Structural Reality

North India by 1740s:

• Not unified under Mughal emperor
• Patchwork of regional powers: Marathas, Rohilas, Rajputs, others
• Each controlling territory and extracting taxes
• Alliances and enmities based on immediate interest

Afghan Strategic Calculation:

• Too weak to resist Marathas alone
• Invited Ahmed Khan Abdali (powerful Afghan in Afghanistan) to counter Marathas
• Created alliance: Rohila + Abdali vs. Maratha expansion
• Tribal loyalty and religious kinship made alliance natural

The Self-Made Afghan: Nazib as Model

Nazib's Path:

• Came as foot soldier with nothing
• Demonstrated military skill
• Rose through ranks via personal ability
• Became small kingdom chieftain
• "Afghan Shivaji" - self-made from humble start

Comparison to Shivaji:

• Shivaji: Son of jahagirdar (noble with assigned territory)
• Nazib: Came with nothing, built from scratch
• Both: Effective military organizers and kingdom builders
• Nazib's rise shows Afghan immigrants matched Hindu warriors in military ability

Timeline

Critical Insights

1. Economic Migration as Geopolitical Force

Afghan immigrants weren't ideological warriors—they were seeking opportunity. But their collective arrival shifted north Indian power balance.

2. Tribal Bonds Trump Nations

Rohilas remained cohesive due to Afghan identity and Sunni Islam. These bonds lasted longer than any individual loyalty.