The Forgotten Sons of Bajirao and Kashibai: Beyond Panipat Movie

When discussing the historical saga of Bajirao and his legacy, it is important to delve beyond the popular cinematic depictions. While the iconic film Panipat brought some of Bajirao's descendants to the forefront, it did not give due attention to all his sons. This article aims to shed light on the three sons of Bajirao I and Kashibai, their roles, and the reasons behind their omission in the film.

The Three Sons of Bajirao and Kashibai

Peshwa Bajirao I and his wife Kashibai had three sons: Nanasaheb Balaji Baji Rao, Vishwasrao, and Janardan Rao. Each of these sons had a unique role to play in the Maratha empire during their lifetimes.

Nanasaheb Balaji Baji Rao

Also known as Nanasaheb, he was the eldest son and became the third Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. He played a significant role in the context of the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761. Despite being the eldest son, Nanasaheb was notably absent from the historical narrative presented in the Panipat movie, where his younger brother Raghunath Rao was given more prominence.

Vishwasrao

Less known than his brothers, Vishwasrao was the second son of Bajirao and Kashibai. He served as the ninth Peshwa for a brief period after his father's death in 1761, during the interregnum. However, he passed away at a very young age, and his role in the later years of the Maratha Empire is minimal in historical records.

Janardan Rao

Janardan Rao was the youngest son of Bajirao and Kashibai. Like Vishwasrao, his role in Maratha history is not extensively documented, and he did not take on a prominent political position during his lifetime.

The Early Panipat Confrontation and Leadership Controversy

The Third Battle of Panipat of 1761 was a critical event in the history of the Maratha Empire. Initially, Raghunath Rao was the planned commander of the Maratha forces for the battle. However, due to his perceived high costs compared to Sadashiv Bhau, the command was eventually given to Sadashiv Bhau. This decision, while strategically sound, might have had implications for the balance of power within the Maratha leadership.

Nanasaheb, the eldest son and future Peshwa, was significantly younger than his brothers and did not play a direct role in the battle during his lifetime. While this absence might be attributed to his younger age, the film Panipat did not explore this dynamic in depth, leading to some confusion among viewers.

Why Raghunath Rao and Not Nanasaheb?

The primary focus of the Panipat movie was on the immediate events leading up to and during the battle. Raghunath Rao's role in the film was likely amplified due to the historical significance of his choice as the commander and the eventual failure of the Maratha forces. This plot development was a key drama point of the film, and the filmmakers might have felt that emphasizing this aspect was more engaging for the audience.

Conclusion

Bajirao I's legacy is rich and multifaceted, and the influence of his sons extends beyond the confines of the Panipat movie. Nanasaheb, the eldest son, still holds a significant place in Maratha history and deserves greater recognition for his eventual role as the Peshwa. Vishwasrao and Janardan Rao, though less prominent in the historical narrative, still played roles in the empire's early years.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the Maratha Empire and its leaders, it is crucial to delve into the lesser-told stories of its rulers, such as Viswasrao and Janardan Rao, beyond the highlights of the Panipat movie.