Baji Rao II: The Last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire

Baji Rao II (1775-1851) was the last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, a ruler whose life was marked by political maneuvering, alliances, betrayals, and the collapse of one of India’s most powerful empires. Often criticized for his decisions and the eventual loss of Maratha sovereignty, Baji Rao II remains a complex and controversial figure in Indian history. His reign, which culminated in the Third Anglo-Maratha War, led to the complete subjugation of the Marathas by the British East India Company.

In this blog, we explore the life of Baji Rao II, examining his early life, political challenges, confrontations with the British, and the fall of the Maratha Empire.

Personal Life and Early Background

Baji Rao II was born on 10 January 1775 in the court of Poona (modern-day Pune). He was the son of Raghunath Rao (Raghoba) and his wife, Anandibai. His father, Raghunath Rao, was embroiled in numerous conspiracies, particularly after being implicated in the assassination of his nephew, Peshwa Narayan Rao. Due to these controversies, Baji Rao II's early life was marked by turmoil and political instability.

After the death of Madhavrao I, the Maratha Empire was controlled by the Barbhai Council, which sought to distance itself from Raghunath Rao's influence. As a result, Baji Rao II grew up under the shadow of his father’s failed political ambitions and conspiracies, which would later shape his own approach to governance.

Baji Rao II was known to be intelligent but also overly cautious, often indecisive, and prone to manipulation by those around him. His personal life was turbulent, particularly due to the influence of his stepmother Anandibai, who was infamous for her scheming ways.

Holkar's Conquest of Poona and the Rise of Baji Rao II

Baji Rao II’s rise to power was facilitated by the internal conflicts among the Maratha chieftains. Following the death of Madhavrao II, the young Peshwa, Baji Rao II was appointed as the new Peshwa in 1796 with the support of the influential Nana Phadnavis. However, his accession did not mark the beginning of a stable reign; rather, it was the prelude to a series of conflicts that would eventually lead to the downfall of the Maratha Empire.

In 1802, the Maratha Confederacy was plunged into chaos due to internal rivalries among the prominent Maratha leaders like Daulat Rao Scindia and Yashwantrao Holkar. The conflict came to a head when Yashwantrao Holkar, a powerful Maratha chief, attacked Poona and decisively defeated the combined forces of Scindia and Baji Rao II. The conquest of Poona left Baji Rao II with no option but to seek refuge.

Treaty with the British: The Treaty of Bassein

In a desperate attempt to regain his lost power, Baji Rao II made a controversial decision that would forever alter the course of Maratha history. On 31 December 1802, he signed the Treaty of Bassein with the British East India Company. This treaty was seen as a betrayal by many Maratha chiefs because it effectively made the Peshwa a puppet of the British.

The Treaty of Bassein allowed the British to station their troops in Maratha territories, ensuring that Baji Rao II would remain in power but only as a client of the British. The treaty marked the beginning of British dominance in India and was a critical turning point that led to widespread discontent among the Maratha chiefs, ultimately culminating in the Third Anglo-Maratha War.

Third Anglo-Maratha War: The End of the Maratha Empire

The Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818) was the final confrontation between the British East India Company and the Maratha Confederacy. The Marathas, who had once been the most formidable power in India, were now divided and weakened by internal conflicts. Baji Rao II, unable to unify the Maratha chiefs, found himself isolated.

The war began with the British attacking various Maratha strongholds. The Marathas, despite their valor, were no match for the disciplined and technologically superior British forces. Baji Rao II’s forces were defeated in several battles, and the Peshwa himself was forced to flee from Poona.

The decisive blow came with the Battle of Koregaon on 1 January 1818, where the Marathas faced a small but determined British detachment. Despite their numerical superiority, the Marathas were unable to secure a victory. The defeat marked the beginning of the end for the Maratha Empire.

Retirement and Surrender
By the middle of 1818, when the British were pressing in and Baji Rao II had lost all supporters, he understood that more resistance was pointless. He publicly turned himself in to the British on June 3, 1818, so bringing the Peshwa and the Maratha Empire to an end. Baji Rao II received a pension and was permitted to live in relative comfort at Bithoor, which is close to Kanpur, in exchange for his surrender.

Baji Rao II lived out the remainder of his days in Bithoor, where the British government showed him some respect. But in order to stop any attempts at revolt, he was constantly watched. An era came to an end when the once-dominant ruler passed away in 1851, leading to a life of obscurity.

Legacy and Evaluation of the Rule of Baji Rao II
Historians continue to disagree on Baji Rao II's legacy. His actions accelerated the fall of the Maratha Empire, according to some, who saw him as a weak and unsure king. Others contend that he was a product of his environment, thrown into a position of responsibility in a politically divided empire where his authority was continuously challenged by strong groups.

He signed the Treaty of Bassein, which is frequently seen as a crucial error that allowed the British to dominate India. Nonetheless, supporters of Baji Rao II contend that he was forced to turn to the British for assistance due to internal dissension and external dangers.

Ultimately, his reign symbolizes the decline ofAfter his rule, the Maratha Empire—once a powerful force against the Mughals and other local powers—was relegated to a historical footnote. Maratha sovereignty came to an end with Baji Rao II's surrender, which allowed the British Raj to take control of the Indian subcontinent. As a result, his legacy is a monument to the difficulties of leadership at a period of transition when a new colonial system was replacing the old one.

 the Maratha Empire and the shift in Indian politics as the British tightened their grip on the subcontinent.

Baji Rao II in Popular Culture

Baji Rao II has been depicted in various films, television series, and historical novels, though often overshadowed by the more heroic figures of the Maratha Empire, like Shivaji Maharaj and Baji Rao I. However, his life story, filled with betrayal, political intrigue, and the ultimate fall from grace, continues to capture the imagination of storytellers.

• Television & Film: In several Marathi TV series and films, Baji Rao II is depicted as a tragic figure, caught in the complexities of Maratha politics and struggling to protect his throne. While some portrayals are sympathetic, others highlight his perceived failures and indecisiveness.

See Also

• Peshwa Dynasty
• Third Anglo-Maratha War
• Treaty of Bassein
• Yashwantrao Holkar
• Battle of Koregaon

Further Reading

For those interested in exploring the life and legacy of Baji Rao II in greater depth, the following sources provide a more detailed look at his life and the political context of his reign:

• "The Marathas 1600-1818" by Stewart Gordon
• "The Fall of the Maratha Empire" by S.M. Edwardes
• "The Great Marathas" by H.G. Rawlinson
• "Maratha Confederacy: A Study in its Decline" by V.G. Dighe

·         In conclusion
The tale of Baji Rao II is one of ambition, treachery, and the unavoidable fall of a once-powerful empire. His rule serves as a moving reminder of how even the most mighty empires can fall due to internal conflicts and outside forces. Baji Rao II was frequently chastised for his choices, although in many respects, he was a victim of his environment.

After his rule, the Maratha Empire—once a powerful force against the Mughals and other local powers—was relegated to a historical footnote. Maratha sovereignty came to an end with Baji Rao II's surrender, which allowed the British Raj to take control of the Indian subcontinent. As a result, his legacy is a monument to the difficulties of leadership at a period of transition when a new colonial system was replacing the old one.

 

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