Peshwa

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

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Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/peshwa

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the capital of Peshwa?Pune, Maharashtra
2. What is the primary role?De facto ruler and chief minister of the Maratha Empire
3. What is the period of dominance?Approximately 1713 to 1818
4. What was a Peshwa and why were they important?A Peshwa was the chief minister who became the real leader of the Maratha Empire. They made important decisions, ran the army, and managed the money, so they were more powerful than the king.
5. Who was Balaji Vishwanath Bhat and what did he do?Balaji Vishwanath Bhat became the first powerful Peshwa in 1713. He used smart diplomacy and good administration to bring many lands under Maratha control and put most power in his hands.

Maratha Empire: A powerful Indian empire that rose in the 17th century, known for its military strength and administrative innovations.
Chhatrapati: The sovereign ruler of the Maratha Empire, whose authority was largely superseded by the Peshwas.
Geopolitical: Relating to politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors.
Paramountcy: Supreme power or authority, often used to describe the dominance of one state over others.