Vishwasrao

Vishwasrao is most notably remembered for his role in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761), where he fought on the front lines and was killed during the engagement. His death represented a significant blow to Maratha morale and leadership, as he was the designated successor to the Peshwa, and it preceded the eventual defeat of Maratha forces in the battle. Vishwasrao is commemorated in historical accounts for his bravery, leadership potential, and the personal sacrifice he made during one of the most consequential conflicts in 18th-century India.

Early life

Vishwasrao was born at Supe, the Jagir of Shahaji, near Pune. He is said to have inherited the appearance of his grandfather Baji Rao I, and reportedly had blue eyes. Historian Govind Sakharam Sardesai wrote that there was none as fine-looking in the Peshwa lineage as Vishwasrao. Raghunath Yadav, author of one of the Panipat Bakhar, stated, "पुरुषात देखणा विश्वासराव" ("The one most handsome among all men [was] Vishwasrao").

From the age of eight, Vishwasrao received training in administration and warfare. Records in the Peshwa Daftar and letters of Balaji Baji Rao indicate that he regularly practiced kushti (wrestling) with local champions at the "akhada" (gym) of the Peshwas. He was regarded as a skilled swordsman and archer. According to writer Kaustubh Kasture in his book Sakalraj Karya Dhurandar Sadashivrao Bhausaheb, his paternal uncle Sadashivrao Bhau ensured that Vishwasrao received military training. Some sources note that Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao introduced regular army drills and improved the quality of armour in the Maratha army.

Vishwasrao married Lakshmibai, the daughter of Hari Balkrushn Dikshit-Patwardhan, on 2 May 1750. His second wife was Radhikabai

He participated in a series of campaigns to expand Maratha influence in northern Indian subcontinent. Some sources claim that he was involved in the assassination of the Mughal emperor Alamgir II, after which he reportedly attempted to assert Maratha authority in Delhi.