Bajirao

Bajirao (1700 - 1740), who succeeded his father Balaji Vishwanath as a Peshwa (Prime Minister) was a brave, intelligent Prime Minister to the Chatrapati Shahu. Bajirao was reponsible for extending the Maratha empire to North, and fought 36 battles, and never tasted a defeat. Bajirao moved to the city of Pune and built an impressive palace called Shaniwar Wada, ruins of which still shine in the glory of Maratha Empire. He controlled the powers of Nizam and the Moguls and also kept the Portuguese at bay. He is known for taking the Maratha Empire to it's zenith and was helped by his brother Chimaji Appa and by able ministers and warriors like the Shindes, Holkars, Gaekwads and Bhosales.

Along with the administrative aptitude, warrior skills and extending Maratha Empire, Bajirao is also famous for his love affair with a Muslim artist/concubine Mastani. Their love affair caused much rifts in the orthodox society of Pune and lead to major crisis in the Peshwa family.

Bajirao's administrative and organizational skills are also worth nothing as a prime stimulus to banking business in his days.