The military stratagem displayed by Peshwa Bajirao under difficult conditions in Palkhed proved his ability to take on a war veteran like the Nizam with relative ease. This notable victory helped the Peshwa secure the confidence of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and others. Peshwa had already formed his own group of faithful followers both in the... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Battle of Palkhed
With opposition building on all fronts, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj was at his wit's end. Peshwa Bajirao was still in the Karnatak and those close to him advised him to effect a compromise with the Nizam. Shahu Raje accepted their advice and instructed his Pratinidhi and Sumant to negotiate a peace treaty with the Nizam. The Pratinidhi proposed a... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Nizam-ul-Mulk challenges Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj
The three years from February 1725 to February 1728 (Battle of Shakar Kheda to Palkhed) fairly established the nature of the relationship between the Marathas and the Nizam that would eventually be subjected to the paramountcy of the British. The Marathas were determined to enforce the rights granted to them in 1719. However, the... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Peshwa Bajirao’s expedition to the Karnatak
The decisive win for Nizam-ul-Mulk over Mubariz Khan in the Battle of Sakhar Kherda established his undisputed dominance over the Deccan. The Marathas had been watching the battle on the sidelines with keen interest knowing full well that the Nizam's victory would dent their prospects of expansion in the south. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj was... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Peshwa Bajirao faces a new danger
Muhammad Amin Khan, the cousin of Nizam-ul-Mulk who was appointed as the Wazir died in February 1721 creating a vacancy that the ruler of Delhi felt only the experienced Nizam-ul-Mulk could fill. However, the Nizam was not keen on getting stuck in the political intrigues of the court as that would greatly curtail his ambition to... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Marathas on slippery ground after the fall of the Sayyid Brothers
The dramatic fall of the Sayyid brothers put the Marathas and their plans of obtaining the grants as per the treaty in doubt. It was well known that Nizam-ul-Mulk, the sitting ruler and his mother and many others in the Delhi court had particular disdain for the Marathas and Hindus. Nizam-ul-Mulk was known never... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Fall of the Sayyid Brothers
The new ruler installed in Delhi by the Sayyid brothers in 1719 began to intrigue with their enemies to bring about their ruin. Chin Qilich Qamaruddin Khan (Nizam-ul-Mulk) the only worthy opponent of the Sayyids was appointed to the government of Malwa. He left Delhi on 15 March 1719 and upon reaching Ujjain, began gathering... Continue Reading →