Kashibai Peshwe

Along with Kashibai Peshwe this story is dedicated to all women who remained gracious in the face of heartbreak!

The Peshwa wife, who was destined to live in the shadow of her husband Bajirao's achievements and valour, remained a faithful and stoic consort. She had no choice but to remain confined to the domestic arena which was presided over by her mother-in-law Radhabai while her husband expanded the Maratha Empire.

There was public outrage over the growing influence of Mastani on Peshwa Bajirao and his decision-making. Kashibai had to endure her husband's growing neglect due to his obsession for Mastani. While he indulged in hedonistic pleasure with his lover Kashibai was left to face the ire of his mother and the orthodox Brahmin society of the time.

Historians and playwrights have sung hosannas to the tragic Bajirao-Mastani romance, depicting it in novels, plays and films. None of them bothered to do justice to the suffering of his wife Kashi, instead wrongly accusing her of having participated in the torment of the lovers.

Even the recent Bollywood film on the subject failed to highlight how Kashi nurtured and raised her stepson Samsher Bahadur after the demise of Bajirao-Mastani. This piece of work is an endeavour to set the record straight and give Kashibai Peshwe her due.