Nana Saheb Biography

Nana Saheb Biography

Nana Saheb was one of the most influential rulers after the reign of Shivaji. He was also called Balaji Bajirao. When Chattrapati Shahu died in 1749 he made the Peshwas the rulers of the Maratha Empire. He did not have an heir to his kingdom so he appointed the brave Peshwas as the heir to his kingdom,Nana Saheb had two brothers, Raghunathrao and Janardan. Raghunathrao betrayed the Marathas by joining hands with the British, and Janardan, died in his early youth. Nana Saheb ruled the Maratha kingdom for 20 years (1740 to 1761).

Being a ruler of the Maratha Empire, Nana Saheb contributed heavily to the development of the city of Pune. During his reign, he totally changed Poona from a village into a city. He gave the city a new look by establishing new neighborhoods, temples, and bridges. He also set up a reservoir in the town of Katraj. Nana Saheb was a very ambitious ruler and a man with a multifaceted personality. In 1741, his uncle Chimnaji died, as a result he returned from the northern districts and spent about a year to improve the civil administration of Pune. In the Deccan, the period from 1741 to 1745 was considered a period of calm and peace. He encouraged agriculture, gave protection to the villagers and brought a considerable improvement in the state.

In 1761, at the third Battle of Panipat, the Marathas were defeated against Ahmedshah Abdali, who was a great warrior from Afganistan. Marathas tried to save Mughal rule and also their power in the north. In the battle Nanasaheb’s cousin, Sadashivrao Bhau (the son of Chimaji Appa), and his eldest son, Vishwasrao, were killed. The early demise of his son and cousin was a severe shock for him. After that Nana Saheb also did not survive for a long period. His second son Madhavrao Peshwa succeeded to the throne after his death.

Facts and Information about Nana Saheb