Question

What was the period of Balaji Bajirao as Maratha Peshwa?
1. 1755-1767
2. 1740-1761
3. 1734-1756
4. 1756-1767

Answer 1

Hint: Peshwa Balaji Bajirao was also known as Nana Saheb. He was the eighth Peshwa to govern the Maratha empire of India. He was the Chief Minister. However, when he was in charge, the Chhatrapati (the Maratha emperor) was reduced to only a nominal head. He lived from 1720 to 1761.

Complete answer: Let us have a look at each option:
Option 1: Bajirao died six years prior to the time span mentioned. Thus, the possibility of this being the right option is ruled out. Hence, this is incorrect.
Option 2: Chhatrapati Shahu appointed the 19 year old Bajirao as the Peshwa in 1740, amongst opposition from many people. Then, the Peshwa went on to rule till his death in 1761. Hence, this is the correct option.
Option 3: In 1934, Bajirao was just 13 year old, and was definitely not in charge. Hence, it is not the correct option.
Option 4: Like the first option, this possibility is ruled out because he died in 1761 itself.

Hence, the correct option is option 2.

Note: During the reign of Bajirao as the Peshwa, the Maratha empire reached its zenith. It witnessed large scale expansions, mainly led by individual military chiefs. The Chhatrapati was only the financer.