Today is the 319th birth anniversary of Peshwa Bajirao.

Bajirao expanded the 'Swarajya' established by Shivaji, into a 'Samrajya'.

Constantly on the move in his 20 year reign, he didn't lose a single major battle.

#Bajirao built the Shaniwarwada and made Pune his capital.

Bajirao was barely 20, when he took over the role of the Peshwa, following the death of his father, Balaji Vishwanath.

He faced multiple internal and external challenges, and against all the odds - was able to drive the expansion of the Maratha Empire into Central India.

Here is an excellent book about the life and times of Bajirao, and his various campaigns, written by @MulaMutha:

https://swarajyamag.com/books/solid-research-and-treasure-of-original-references-in-uday-kulkarnis-the-era-of-baji-rao

#Bajirao #MarathaHistory #MustRead

"It was the 20 year stewardship of the Empire under #Bajirao that ensured that a kingdom of a few districts spread to a nationwide Empire. More than anybody else, it was Baji rao who shaped the 18th century as a century of the Marathas." - @MulaMutha https://www.esamskriti.com/e/History/Indian-History/Bajirao-Peshwa-~-The-Empire-Builder-1.aspx

#Pune was a small town before 1720. By shifting his base here and making it the de facto capital of the Maratha Empire, Bajirao laid the foundation for the city's big growth over the next 100 years.

(Note - the real growth actually happened during his son Nanasaheb's era,)

Do read about #Bajirao's famous battles - strategies, speed of movement of his cavalry, negotiations, and more:

Battle of Palkhed
Malwa campaign
The dash to the gates of Delhi
Vasai
Siddhi
...and more.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baji_Rao_I  (summary...for details, read the book by @MulaMutha)