Kashibai Peshwe

Part 12- A new era begins

Radhabai and the erstwhile Peshwa's family lived out the days of mourning with the restraint befitting their background. As soon as the rituals for the last day of the mourning were completed Bajirao resumed official work. After he left home for his mission his young wife Kashi resigned herself to domestic duties under the stewardship of her capable mother-in-law who had handed her the reigns. So powerful was the aura of the older Peshwin that while Kashi quietly assumed her responsibilities she dared not wrest the authority that Radhabai had always commanded.

As expected the dice of fortune rolled in Radhabai's favour and Chhatrapati Shahu wasted no time in appointing the young Bajirao successor to his father Balaji Vishwanath. He declared that Rau would take over as the new Peshwa, thus continuing to discharge the previous Peshwa's dual responsibility of heading both the administration as well as the military machinery.

When Bajirao received the formal robes ordaining him as Peshwa on 17th April 1720- within fifteen days of his father's demise- he was in the town of Masur near Karhad. Back in Saswad a relieved Radhabai thanked the Gods for having answered her prayers. Not only had Rau been elevated to his father's place, but in a double whammy her younger son Chimaji was appointed to his brother's earlier position as the Peshwa's Mutalik.  

The man in charge may have changed, but the Peshwa's chair had remained with the Bhat family amidst stiff resistance from jealous rivals, many of whom were much more senior and far more experienced than the nineteen year old Bajirao. The opposition was lead by stalwarts such as Shripatrao Pratinidhi, Naro Ram Mantri and Anant Ram Sumant. The Deshastha Brahmin coterie close to the King were already resentful of the rise of the Chitpawan Bhat clan under Balaji Vishwanath. They were particularly irked at the appointment of his son as the new Peshwa of the Maratha Empire.

Unlike what they believed Bajirao was not an impetuous, fallible and inexperienced lad, rather he had great political insight and a thorough knowledge of statecraft, thanks to his apprenticeship with his father who judiciously kept both his sons close to him to help hone their skills to perfection. Physically too Rau was a tall and handsome man with a robust constitution and charming personality. Shahu was greatly impressed with Bajirao's forward policy of northward expansion beyond the waters of the Narmada which would effectively channel raw Maratha ambition successfully to ensure political supremacy as well as prosperity. 

Bajirao was to make a fitting impression with these dramatic words in Shahu's court. "Now it is our time to drive the strangers from our country. Let us strike at the trunk of a withering tree and the branches will fall off themselves. By directing our efforts northward the Maratha flag shall fly from the Krishna till Attock!" Bajirao's clever arguments in favour of attacking the rapidly declining Mughal Empire helped to silence all opposition and overwhelm the Chhatrapati who would indicate his consent in an equally befitting reply. "By Heaven, you shall plant our flag beyond the Himalayas. You are indeed a noble son of a worthy father!" 

"Bhiu Vansa, please tell me more!" An ecstatic Kashi could barely conceal her excitement. 

"Vahini, you have earned a place in history for becoming the youngest Peshwin ever, at your impressionable age of 16 years! Go ahead and bask in the glory of realisation and rejoice! Rau is still in Masur and he is likely to remain there for another two weeks. We can expect to give him a grand welcome in Saswad within a month from now. Of course the messengers will ride ahead of him and bring us news about the exact date of his arrival!" The proud Bhiu saw tears glisten in Kashi's eyes and gave her an involuntary hug.

"Forgive us for reacting so immaturely, these are tears of joy! We knew we have been married to  a Yug Purush but we had not expected him to rise so rapidly. Now we wonder if we are worthy of the honour of being the wife of the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire! It seems like an immense responsibility. We know Sasubai has successfully carried this mantle. We just feel our shoulders are too frail for such a burden. Also we are afraid to prepare for a celebration so soon after the passing of Shrimant Baba Saheb!" Kashi was overcome with mixed emotions. On one hand she was reeling under the thrill of the news of her husband's promotion as the Chhatrapti's Prime Minister. On the other hand she was unsure of how she was supposed to react, it had been just three weeks since the death of her father-in-law.