How a 20-year-old strategist nearly dismantled the Mughal Empire from the inside out

History · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Appointed Peshwa in 1720, Bajirao I transformed the Maratha Empire into a dominant force through aggressive expansion and brilliant military maneuvers. By targeting the vulnerabilities of a declining Mughal state, he expanded Maratha influence across India, leaving a legacy of strategic genius that reshaped the subcontinent's political landscape forever.

Born in 1700, Bajirao I was the seventh Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. His rise to power in 1720, at age 20, was marked by his conviction that the Mughal Empire was disintegrating. He famously compared the Mughal state to a withering tree, arguing that striking at its trunk would cause the branches to fall. This philosophy of aggressive expansion defined his tenure, as he sought to secure Maratha dominance across North India.

Bajirao’s military career was defined by his mastery of light cavalry and rapid, unpredictable movement. His victory against the Nizam of Hyderabad at the 1728 Battle of Palkhed is considered a classic example of military genius, where he effectively trapped a superior force by cutting off its supply lines. Later, his 1737 march on Delhi exposed the profound weakness of the Mughal capital, creating a permanent sense of fear among its citizens and officials, even though he ultimately withdrew to secure the governorship of Malwa.

His personal life, particularly his marriage to Mastani, remained a subject of historical controversy and ambiguity. Despite the complexities of his political alliances and the challenges from rivals like the Nizam and the Dabhade clan, Bajirao consistently prioritized the expansion of Maratha authority. By the time of his death in April 1740, he had successfully established the Marathas as a central power, having secured territories like Malwa and Bundelkhand through a combination of battlefield victories and strategic diplomacy.

The legacy of his leadership was carried forward by his son, Nanasaheb, who succeeded him as Peshwa. Bajirao’s influence extended beyond the battlefield, as he laid the foundation for Pune to become a major city, beginning the construction of Shaniwar Wada in 1730. His life remains a significant chapter in Indian history, characterized by an adventurous spirit and a relentless pursuit of sovereignty that fundamentally altered the trajectory of the Maratha Empire.

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