Nana Phadnavis Death - This Day in History, March 13, 1800

March 13, 1800

Remembering Nana Phadnavis

What's the significance of this day?

On this day, the Maratha Empire lost one of its most prominent statesmen and administrators, Nana Phadnavis, at the age of 58.

Life and Achievements of Nana Phadnavis

Born as Balaji Janardan Bhanu on February 12, 1742, in Satara, Maratha Empire, Nana Phadnavis was a key figure in the Maratha administration. His family had close ties with the first Maratha Peshwa, Balaji Vishwanatha Bhat. His grandfather had saved the Peshwa from an assassination attempt by the Mughals. As a token of gratitude, the Peshwa recommended that the Maratha king, Chattrapati Shahu, grant him the title of ‘Phadnavis’. This title then became hereditary, denoting the minister responsible for finance and administration during the Peshwa regime.

Following the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, Nana Phadnavis gained prominence as a minister. He played a crucial role in restoring the Maratha's prestige and power, which had been significantly diminished after their defeat at Panipat.

During a period of great instability in the Maratha camp, Phadnavis, with his sharp political acumen and intelligence, managed to restore order.

Upon the death of the fourth Peshwa, Madhavrao, his younger brother Narayanrao assumed the throne. However, his reign was short-lived as his uncle, Raghunathrao, conspired to kill him and take over as Peshwa.

Phadnavis, however, did not accept Raghunathrao's rule, considering him to be malicious. When Narayanrao's wife gave birth to a boy, Sawai Madhavrao, after Narayanrao's death, Phadnavis established a 12-member regency council. They declared the infant Madhavrao as Peshwa and began ruling the state on his behalf, with Phadnavis at the helm.

Despite Raghunathrao having signed a treaty with the English at Bombay (Treaty of Surat) for his protection, Phadnavis undermined it by signing another treaty with the Calcutta Council of the East India Company. This was known as the Treaty of Purandhar in 1776.

Phadnavis was a visionary who understood the ramifications of the Marathas succumbing to the English - it would lead to the entire subcontinent falling under the British Empire.

The British attempted to replace Phadnavis with someone more compliant to their interests, but were unsuccessful.

In 1777, Phadnavis granted the French a port on the west coast, triggering a British advance towards Pune. A battle ensued at Wadgaon, where the Marathas emerged victorious, forcing the English to sign the Treaty of Wadgaon. This treaty required the English to relinquish all territory acquired since 1773 to the Marathas.

Phadnavis also forged alliances with the Nizam of Hyderabad, the Nawab of Arcot, and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam against the British.

His sharp political skills enabled the Marathas to rise to the level of protecting even the Mughal Emperor.

Phadnavis's death on March 13, 1800, marked the beginning of the slow decline of the Maratha Confederacy. The Confederacy could not maintain its unity, and the British capitalized on this disunity to gain dominion over the Maratha Confederacy by the end of the Second Anglo-Maratha War.

Upon Phadnavis's death, the Governor-General of India, Marquess Wellesley, wrote to Peshwa Baji Rao II (the last Peshwa), praising Phadnavis for his upright principles, honourable views, and zeal for the welfare and prosperity of his state and other powers.

Nana Phadnavis was often referred to as the 'Maratha Machiavelli' due to his political acumen.

Also on this day

1940 : Udham Singh assassinated Michael O’Dwyer, a former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab in Britain, in retribution for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. O’Dwyer was the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab at the time of the massacre.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Nana Phadnavis?

Nana Phadnavis was a brilliant Maratha statesman and eminent administrator. He played a key role in regaining Maratha's prestige and power after the Third Battle of Panipat.

When did Nana Phadnavis die?

Nana Phadnavis passed away on March 13, 1800.

What was Nana Phadnavis's contribution to the Maratha Confederacy?

Nana Phadnavis was instrumental in regaining Maratha's prestige and power after the Third Battle of Panipat. He also successfully navigated political instability, resisted British influence, and established alliances with other regional powers.

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Life and Achievements of Nana Phadnavis

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Nana Phadnavis?

When did Nana Phadnavis die?

What was Nana Phadnavis's contribution to the Maratha Confederacy?

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