Raghunath Rao: The Maratha Empire's Controversial Peshwa

One of the most divisive characters in Maratha history is Raghunath Rao (1734–1783), often called Raghoba or Raghunathrao Bhat. He had a major influence on the political climate of 18th-century India as a strong military commander and then as a regent. However, the Maratha Empire suffered long-term repercussions and shame as a result of his ambitious plans and contentious choices, particularly the murder of his nephew.

This blog explores Raghunath Rao's life, including his political intrigues, military career, and the significant events that shaped his legacy.

Early Years
Born in 1734, Raghunath Rao came from the powerful Peshwa dynasty in the Maratha Empire. Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb), who succeeded their father, the renowned Baji Rao I, as Peshwa, was his younger brother. Raghunath was raised in a household renowned for its military skills and was prepared to be a fighter from an early age.

Throughout his early years, Raghunath Rao was driven to establish himself as a strong leader and commander. His desire for fame frequently led him to make audacious and occasionally dangerous choices. Despite his reputation for having a strategic mind, he was also impulsive, which ultimately led to his demise.

Early Career in the Military
Early on, Raghunath Rao's military prowess brought him recognition. His attempt to increase Maratha authority in North India during the Second Northern Expedition (1757–1758) stands out as his most significant early mission. He led the Maratha army in the campaign against the Jats, the Mughals, and other local rulers. He rose to prominence in the Maratha Confederacy as a result of his unrelenting and fruitful military missions.

Raghunath Rao was in charge of strengthening Maratha authority in Malwa, Rajasthan, and portions of Gujarat at this time. His contributions to the acquisition of numerous provinces and his triumphs over the Mughal army in Delhi fortified the Maratha position in North India.

But his ambitious plans and belligerent military tactics would eventually ensnare him in internal Maratha disputes.

Assassination of His Nephew: A Dark Turning Point

One of the most controversial and defining moments in Raghunath Rao's life was his involvement in the assassination of his nephew, Peshwa Narayan Rao. The young Peshwa, Narayan Rao, had ascended to power in 1772, but his relationship with his uncle, Raghunath Rao, was fraught with tension.

On 30 August 1773, Narayan Rao was assassinated under mysterious circumstances. Historical accounts suggest that Raghunath Rao, along with his wife Anandibai, may have orchestrated the murder. The famous Marathi saying “Dharaave Tyaala” (meaning “Hold him”) was allegedly misinterpreted by the Gardis (bodyguards) as “Maraave Tyaala” (meaning “Kill him”), leading to Narayan Rao’s tragic death.

The assassination led to widespread outrage among the Maratha nobles and sowed seeds of discord within the empire. This incident would haunt Raghunath Rao for the rest of his life, leading to significant legal and political consequences.

Legal Consequences and the Barbhai Council

In the aftermath of Narayan Rao’s assassination, Raghunath Rao faced severe backlash. To prevent him from gaining power, the influential Barbhai Council—a group of Maratha chieftains and nobles—took control of the empire. The council, composed of figures like Nana Phadnavis and Moroba Phadnavis, was determined to protect the Maratha throne from Raghunath Rao’s ambitions.

The Barbhai Council placed Narayan Rao’s posthumous son, Madhavrao II, as the Peshwa, making Raghunath Rao merely a regent. Despite his attempts to assert control, Raghunath Rao found himself increasingly sidelined. Frustrated, he began to conspire with external forces, eventually allying with the British East India Company in a bid to regain power.

The Second Northern Expedition (1757-1758)

Before the political turmoil surrounding his nephew's assassination, Raghunath Rao had already made a name for himself in the north. His second northern expedition aimed to expand the Maratha influence beyond the Vindhya mountains. During this campaign, Raghunath Rao’s forces clashed with the Rohillas, Mughals, and local Afghan chieftains.

He successfully captured Delhi and asserted Maratha supremacy in the region, although maintaining control over these territories proved challenging. The campaign also resulted in heavy losses for the Marathas, as resources were stretched thin, and the costs of maintaining a northern empire became increasingly unsustainable.

Marathas Enter the Ganga Doab (May 1757 - July 1757)

During the northern expeditions, Raghunath Rao led the Maratha forces into the fertile Ganga Doab region, a strategic territory between the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. His campaigns here were marked by skirmishes with the regional Nawabs and Mughal forces. The conquest of this region, though temporary, showcased Raghunath Rao's military prowess.

However, his efforts to hold on to the newly acquired territories were marred by logistical challenges and resistance from local rulers, which led to a decline in Maratha control over the north.

Regency and Struggles for Power

After the death of Narayan Rao and the rise of Madhavrao II as the Peshwa, Raghunath Rao was initially appointed as a regent. However, his ambitions quickly led to conflicts with the Barbhai Council. In his bid for power, he sought assistance from the British, culminating in the signing of the Treaty of Surat in 1775.

The treaty, which promised Raghunath Rao British military support in exchange for territory, ultimately backfired. It led to the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782), which ended in a stalemate and further weakened the Maratha Empire.

Death and Aftermath

Raghunath Rao’s life ended in 1783 under a cloud of disgrace. After failing to reclaim power and with the Marathas rejecting his alliance with the British, he was placed under house arrest in Thane, where he spent the last years of his life in obscurity. His death marked the end of an era but left behind a legacy of intrigue, betrayal, and political ambition.

The aftermath of Raghunath Rao's actions had far-reaching consequences for the Maratha Empire. His alliance with the British not only weakened the Maratha power but also paved the way for the eventual subjugation of India by the British East India Company.

In Popular Culture

Raghunath Rao's life, filled with dramatic episodes of betrayal, military campaigns, and political maneuvering, has inspired various portrayals in Marathi literature, theater, and television.

• Books and Plays: Several Marathi plays and historical novels depict the tragic life of Raghunath Rao, highlighting his ambitious nature and the consequences of his actions on the Maratha Empire.
• Television Series: He has been portrayed in TV series focusing on the Maratha Empire, showcasing his complex personality, torn between loyalty to his family and his thirst for power.

See Also

• Peshwa Dynasty
• Narayan Rao
• First Anglo-Maratha War
• Nana Phadnavis
• Barbhai Council

References

1. "The Marathas 1600-1818" by Stewart Gordon.
2. "A History of the Maratha People" by James Grant Duff.
3. "The Peshwas: The Great Maratha Administrators" by Bal Krishna.
4. "Nana Phadnavis: The Maratha Machiavelli" by S.M. Edwardes.

Conclusion

Raghunath Rao remains a fascinating yet tragic figure in the annals of Maratha history. His military achievements and early successes were overshadowed by his later political blunders and betrayal of his own family. His involvement in the assassination of his nephew and his attempts to align with the British ultimately led to the disintegration of Maratha power.

Some contend that he was only a victim of circumstance, compelled to make tough choices during a turbulent time, while others view him as a vicious usurper who put his ambition ahead of the well-being of his empire. In any case, the life of Raghunath Rao is a sobering reminder of how political rivalries and individual goals may change the path of history.

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