‘Thorale’ Madhavrao Peshwa

Thorale is the Marathi word for elder brother, by which name Madhavrao Peshwa was known to his people. Madhavrao Peshwa was on the throne of Maharashtra from 1761 – 1772. He ascended the throne from his father Nanasaheb Peshwa when he became seriously ill.

The time when Madhavrao Peshwa inherited the throne was a very dark period in the history of Maratha rule. The Marathas were defeated in the Third Battle of Panipat and were going through a very unstable time. The whole Maratha kingdom was left shattered after the defeat from the Mughal. Maharashtra was then saved by yet another bright young Peshwa, Madhavrao Peshwa. He is considered as the warrior who never lost a battle after the great ruler, Bajirao. He tried his best to retain and return the lost glory of the Maratha kingdom.

After Madhavrao Peshwa, the throne went to his younger brother Narayanrao Peshwa. In the year 1771 Madhavrao Peshwa became ill and dies in 1772 at e very early age of 27. With the help of Mahadji Shinde he tried to rebuild the glory once again and became successful in regaining domination over the Nizam of Hyderabad.