Raghunathrao

Raghunathrao was Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy from 1773 to 1774. He was instrumental in the downfall of the Peshwa clan.

Biography

Raghunathrao, also known as "Raghoba" and "Ragho Bharari," was the younger brother of Nanasaheb Peshwa. He expanded the Maratha Empire to Attock (in current day Pakistan) until 1760. After the Third Battle of Panipat and his brother's death in 1761, he wanted the Peshwa throne for himself. But instead the throne was passed on to Madhavrao Peshwa.

He was appointed as a regent to the young Peshwa, but tried to interfere with the administration. He soon fell out of favour with the Peshwa, and even tried to conspire against him by joining the Nizam of Hyderabad against the Peshwa. The alliance was defeated and Raghunathrao was placed under house arrest. After Madhavrao's death in 1772, Raghunathrao was released from house arrest. He then became the regent of Madhavrao's younger brother Narayanrao. Together with his wife Anandibai, he had his nephew Narayanrao murdered. Anandibai herself was brave, a capable administrator, and a very sharp and intelligent person.

Legend has it that when the assassins attacked the young Peshwa, he ran to Raghoba crying "Kaakaa malaa waachwaa" (Uncle, save me). But his cry fell on deaf ears and Raghoba merely watched as his nephew was killed. This is a popular story in all Marathi households to this day. After Narayanrao's murder Raghoba finally got the post of Peshwa, but he was shortly overthrown by Nana Phadnis and eleven other administrators in what is called "The Baarbhaai Conspiracy" (conspiracy by the twelve). Raghunathrao died in 1782.