Bhat

Glossaries

Term	Definition
Bhat	The Bhats were a Maratha ruling family whose members held the office of peshwa from 1713 to 1818. Based in Pune, they played a major role in Maratha expansion and the political transformation of eighteenth century India. In Indian history, “Bhat” identifies the family that gradually made the office of peshwa hereditary. The peshwa was originally the Maratha sovereign’s principal minister. Bhat is therefore a family name rather than an architectural term or a royal title. Since other families also bear the surname, “the Bhat dynasty of peshwas” provides a more precise identification. The family’s rise began with Balaji Vishwanath, appointed peshwa by Shahu in 1713. His son Baji Rao I succeeded him in 1720. The Bhats gradually became the principal political and military leaders of Maratha power while formally retaining the Bhonsle monarchy at Satara. Pune served as their governmental centre. Their influence extended beyond Maharashtra into Gujarat, Malwa, Bundelkhand and parts of present day Karnataka. This political system was not uniformly administered. The peshwas’ own possessions existed alongside the territories of largely autonomous Maratha houses, including the Scindias, Holkars, Gaekwads and Nagpur Bhonsles. Government depended on agricultural revenue, taxation, tribute and credit supplied through financial networks. Military expenditure absorbed substantial resources. At the same time, court demand supported commerce, crafts and Pune’s urban development. In architectural history, the Bhats are associated with Shaniwar Wada palace and the patronage of temples and urban improvements. Their support for traditional scholarship and Hindu institutions also contributed to Pune’s cultural importance. Individual buildings nevertheless require specific attribution: commissions by the peshwas must be distinguished from those of their relatives, ministers and officers. Their authority endured major crises, including the Maratha defeat at Panipat in 1761 and conflicts with the British East India Company. The Treaty of Bassein in 1802 placed Baji Rao II in dependence on the British. His surrender in 1818 brought the abolition of peshwa rule. This ended the family’s government without extinguishing its lineage. India • \|1713/1948\| • Bhat dynasty

Term

Definition

The Bhats were a Maratha ruling family whose members held the office of peshwa from 1713 to 1818. Based in Pune, they played a major role in Maratha expansion and the political transformation of eighteenth century India.

In Indian history, “Bhat” identifies the family that gradually made the office of peshwa hereditary. The peshwa was originally the Maratha sovereign’s principal minister. Bhat is therefore a family name rather than an architectural term or a royal title. Since other families also bear the surname, “the Bhat dynasty of peshwas” provides a more precise identification.

The family’s rise began with Balaji Vishwanath, appointed peshwa by Shahu in 1713. His son Baji Rao I succeeded him in 1720. The Bhats gradually became the principal political and military leaders of Maratha power while formally retaining the Bhonsle monarchy at Satara.

Pune served as their governmental centre. Their influence extended beyond Maharashtra into Gujarat, Malwa, Bundelkhand and parts of present day Karnataka. This political system was not uniformly administered. The peshwas’ own possessions existed alongside the territories of largely autonomous Maratha houses, including the Scindias, Holkars, Gaekwads and Nagpur Bhonsles.

Government depended on agricultural revenue, taxation, tribute and credit supplied through financial networks. Military expenditure absorbed substantial resources. At the same time, court demand supported commerce, crafts and Pune’s urban development.

In architectural history, the Bhats are associated with Shaniwar Wada palace and the patronage of temples and urban improvements. Their support for traditional scholarship and Hindu institutions also contributed to Pune’s cultural importance. Individual buildings nevertheless require specific attribution: commissions by the peshwas must be distinguished from those of their relatives, ministers and officers.

Their authority endured major crises, including the Maratha defeat at Panipat in 1761 and conflicts with the British East India Company. The Treaty of Bassein in 1802 placed Baji Rao II in dependence on the British. His surrender in 1818 brought the abolition of peshwa rule. This ended the family’s government without extinguishing its lineage.

Bhat

Glossaries

India • |1713/1948| • Bhat dynasty

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