Bajirao

Bajirao I, also known as Bajirao Ballal, (c. 1700–1740) was a prominent Marathi general who served as the Peshwa, the de facto prime minister, of the Maratha Empire from 1720 to his death in 1740. He was the son of Moropant Trimbak Pingle and rose through the Maratha ranks during the late 1710s, ultimately succeeding Balaji Vishwanath as Peshwa with the support of Chhatrapati Shahu.

As Peshwa, Bajirao led a series of aggressive campaigns to expand Maratha influence across the Deccan and into northern territories. His strategies emphasized rapid mobility of cavalry and bold, deep raids. Notable campaigns included operations against the Nizam of Hyderabad and incursions into Mughal territories; the 1739 Battle of Palkhed against Nizam-ul-Mulk produced a decisive Maratha victory and secured a favorable treaty, strengthening the empire's position in the Deccan for years.

Bajirao's leadership contributed to the consolidation of the Maratha Confederacy by enhancing centralized authority at Pune and creating a prestige that allowed subordinate generals to operate with autonomy elsewhere. He is remembered for his tactical skill, energy, and rapid campaigning, which became a hallmark of later Maratha warfare.

He died in 1740 while on campaign in the Deccan. His death was widely lamented and his exploits have been the subject of historical studies and popular culture, including the 2015 film Bajirao Mastani and various literary works.