Sadashivrao Bhau

Diwan of Peshwa, Commander-in-chief of the Maratha Army

Indian Pune, Maharashtra, Maratha Empire, India

Quick Info

ProfessionDiwan of Peshwa, Commander-in-chief of the Maratha Army
NationalityIndian
BirthplacePune, Maharashtra, Maratha Empire, India
Date of Death14/01/1761

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Bio/Wiki

Sadashivrao Bhau Bhatt was the son of Chimaji Appa (younger brother of Baji Rao I) and Rakhmabai of the Pethe family[4].
He was the nephew of Peshwa Baji Rao I and served as the *sarsenapati* (commander-in-chief) of the Maratha army[4].
He also served as the finance minister (Diwan) during the reign of Maratha ruler Rajaram II[2][4].
His mother Rakhmabai died when he was one month old in 1730, and his father married Anapurnabai in 1731[1].
At age 10, his father Chimaji Appa passed away, and his step-mother Anapurnabai performed sati on his pyre[1].
He was raised by his grandmother Radhabai and received education in Satara, Maharashtra[1].

Educational Qualification(s)

EducationReceived education in Satara, Maharashtra

Personal Life

KingdomMaratha Empire
TitleSarsenapati (Commander-in-chief)

Relationships & More

Marital StatusMarried
Wife/Spouse
Children2 sons (both deceased)

Family

FatherChimaji Appa
MotherRakhmabai
Step-MotherAnapurnabai
GrandmotherRadhabai
UncleBaji Rao I (Peshwa)

Career

Led Maratha forces to victory in Karnataka campaign starting 1746, capturing forts like Bahadur Bhenda and annexing 36 Parganas.
Appointed Diwan of Peshwa after Mahadaji Purandare resigned.
Captured Daulatabad fort and won Battle of Udgir in 1760 against Nizam of Hyderabad.
Recaptured Delhi in May 1760 using artillery against Durrani forces.
Commanded Maratha army in Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.
Captured Daulatabad fort and won Battle of Udgir in February 1760 against Nizam of Hyderabad, forcing surrender of territories worth 60 lakhs including Ahmadnagar, Daulatabad, Bijapur, and Burhanpur[1][2].
Recaptured Delhi in July 1760 using artillery against Durrani forces, with coordinated assault led by Malharrao Holkar and Jankoji Scindia[1].
Modernized the Maratha army by introducing disciplined infantry and artillery units inspired by European warfare[1].
Fought alongside Ibrahim Khan Gardi whose disciplined infantry held the center till the end at Panipat[1].
Refused to retreat at Panipat, choosing to die with honor rather than surrender; his body was found days later among the slain[1].

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Bhau was the nephew of Peshwa Bajirao I.
2. When he was a month old, his mother died in 1730, and his father married Anapurnabai in 1731.
3. At the age of 10, his father passed away, and his step-mother, Anapurnabai, performed sati on his pyre.
4. He was raised by his grandmother, Radhabai, and received education in Satara, Maharashtra.
5. In 1760, he led the Maratha Army to victory against the Nizam of Hyderabad in the Battle of Udgir.
6. During the third battle of Panipat, Bhau served as the Maratha Army's commander-in-chief, facing the Durrani Empire led by Ahmad Shah Durrani and meeting defeat.
7. Although he is believed to have died at Panipat, his body was never recovered.
8. His second wife, Parvatibai, refused to accept his death in battle and chose not to live as a widow.
9. His first wife, Umabai, gave birth to two sons who unfortunately passed away.
10. In approximately 1770, an individual claimed to be Sadashivrao Bhau, but was later exposed as an impostor.
11. Sadashiv-Peth in Pune, Maharashtra was named in honor of Sadashivrao Bhau.
12. In 2019, the Indian movie director Ashutosh Gowariker helmed the film "Panipat," with actor Arjun Kapoor playing the role of Sadashivrao Bhau.
Information on this page is collected from public sources and may not be 100% accurate. Report an error
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