How the Legendary Warrior Peshwa Bajirao Died: The Legacy of an Undefeated Hero
In the vast chronicles of Indian history, few names shine as brightly as Peshwa Bajirao I, the warrior-statesman whose life embodied courage, devotion, and visionary leadership. A name synonymous with military brilliance and strategic genius, Bajirao was the sword and shield of the Maratha Empire in the early 18th century. His story is not just about conquests and victories but also about the unwavering will of a man who never lost a battle and died with his boots on, planning war strategies by the banks of the Narmada River.
This blog explores the final chapter of Bajirao’s life—how the legendary warrior met his end—not in the chaos of a battlefield, but as a victim of exhaustion, overwork, and perhaps fate itself. But before we discuss his death, let us first walk through the astonishing life that made his death so tragic, and yet so powerful.
Bajirao’s Rise: The Son of a Visionary
Born on August 18, 1700, Bajirao Ballal Bhat was the son of Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shahu. Bajirao was trained in warfare and statecraft from a young age. At just 20 years old, after his father’s death, Bajirao was appointed as the new Peshwa—an unexpected decision that shocked many of the older courtiers and military generals.
But Bajirao silenced every doubt. Not with words, but with action.
The Sword that Carved an Empire
Bajirao’s primary vision was to create a unified Hindu kingdom across India. He believed that the Marathas could carry forward the legacy of Shivaji and uproot the declining Mughal Empire. And to a large extent, he succeeded.
Here are just a few of his stunning achievements:
1. Never Defeated in Battle
Over a career spanning two decades, Bajirao fought over 40 major battles—and he never lost a single one. From Malwa to Delhi, Gujarat to the Deccan, he crushed mighty enemies like the Mughals, Nizam of Hyderabad, and the Portuguese.
2. Battle of Palkhed (1728)
This battle is hailed by military historians, including British general Montgomery, as a masterstroke of cavalry maneuvering. Bajirao outwitted the Nizam of Hyderabad with swift movements, cutting off supplies and forcing surrender without a traditional face-off.
3. Northward Expansion
Bajirao's daring northern expeditions brought Maratha influence as far as Delhi. He weakened Mughal power and laid the groundwork for Maratha dominance in North India—a vision completed by his son, Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb), after him.
4. Administrative Genius
Not just a warrior, Bajirao was a sharp administrator. He maintained loyalty among generals, improved tax collection, and ensured the mobility of a horse-based army across difficult terrains.
The Warrior Spirit: Courage Beyond Calculation
What made Bajirao truly great was not just his military genius, but his raw courage and intuitive leadership.
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He believed in fast strikes, deep incursions into enemy territory, and outflanking maneuvers long before modern warfare theorized such tactics.
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He personally led his troops from the front, riding for days and weeks across scorching plains and hostile territories.
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He was deeply spiritual and believed his campaigns had divine backing—fighting not just for power but for dharma.
He was also a loyal servant of Chhatrapati Shahu, and his humility in never claiming the throne himself, despite being more powerful than the king, speaks volumes of his integrity.
Love Amidst War: The Story of Bajirao and Mastani
No tale of Bajirao is complete without mentioning Mastani, his second wife—a graceful, brave woman of Persian-Muslim and Rajput heritage. Their love story is immortalized in ballads, films, and folklore, but it was not without controversy.
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Mastani’s presence angered orthodox Brahmins and even his family, especially his mother Radhabai and his brother Chimaji Appa.
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Despite opposition, Bajirao remained steadfast in his love, treating Mastani with royal respect and building her a separate residence (Mastani Mahal) in Pune.
Their bond, amidst court politics and public scandal, became a symbol of Bajirao’s emotional strength. He did not bow to social pressures, even when it affected his political standing.
The Final March: Illness and the Death of a Hero
In 1740, Bajirao launched another campaign, this time in North India near the Narmada River. But this was no ordinary war. He was exhausted—both physically and emotionally. Years of relentless campaigning had taken a toll. His health had begun to deteriorate.
Despite warnings, Bajirao refused to rest. He kept marching, planning, and fighting. His warrior spirit didn’t allow him to slow down.
April 1740: Death by the Narmada
While at Raverkhedi, a small village on the banks of the Narmada River in present-day Madhya Pradesh, Bajirao fell seriously ill. Historians believe he suffered from heatstroke, high fever, and possibly malaria—exacerbated by extreme summer heat and mental stress.
According to some accounts, Bajirao sat silently near the Narmada, looking into its sacred waters as his body failed him. Even in his final moments, he was seen discussing troop movements and battle tactics.
On April 28, 1740, the lion of the Maratha Empire breathed his last. He was only 39 years old.
The Aftermath: A Nation Mourns, A Legacy Rises
Bajirao’s sudden death sent shockwaves through the empire.
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His body was cremated on the banks of the Narmada. A samadhi (memorial) still stands in Raverkhedi to honor his courage.
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Mastani, heartbroken and isolated, is believed to have died shortly after—either through suicide or illness, depending on the source.
The Maratha Empire would go on to grow in size and power, especially under his son, Nana Saheb. But none could match the sheer fire of Bajirao’s leadership.
What Made Bajirao Immortal?
Centuries later, Bajirao I continues to inspire warriors, leaders, and patriots. Here's why his legacy endures:
1. Undefeated Commander
Bajirao's undefeated record is almost unheard of in military history. His tactics are still studied for their audacity and precision.
2. National Visionary
He was not fighting for personal glory, but to establish a Hindu power that could liberate India from Mughal oppression and foreign interference.
3. Defender of Dharma
He saw his wars as a moral and cultural duty. His leadership was rooted in purpose, not ego.
4. Romantic Hero
His love for Mastani, despite societal backlash, humanized him—showing that even the mightiest warriors have hearts.
Bajirao in Modern Culture
Bajirao’s story has seen renewed attention in popular media—most notably in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2015 film "Bajirao Mastani", where Ranveer Singh portrayed the Peshwa with vigor and depth. While the film added dramatic flair, it brought Bajirao’s story to a global audience.
Conclusion: The Flame That Never Went Out
Bajirao I did not die in the heat of battle, slain by an enemy sword. He died as he lived—fighting, planning, dreaming. His death, like his life, was a testament to service, ambition, and undying loyalty to his people.
He left behind not just territory, wealth, or titles—but a warrior legacy unmatched in Indian history.
In a world where many seek power for vanity, Bajirao stands as a beacon of sacrifice, valor, and leadership. His life is a reminder that true greatness lies not in how long one lives, but in how one is remembered.
And Bajirao, the storm that galloped across India, will be remembered—as the undefeated, unbroken, and unforgettable warrior of Bharat.
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