Today (Feb 12) is the 278th Janmatithi of Nana Phadnavis - one of the most important figures of Maratha and Indian History, in the last three decades of 18th century.
Nana (along with Mahadji Shinde) held the Maratha Empire together amidst many internal and external challenges.
Nana (along with Mahadji Shinde) held the Maratha Empire together amidst many internal and external challenges.
Many internal challenges threatened the Maratha Empire in the late 18th century - the toughest one being the murder of Peshwa Narayanrao, and the role of his uncle Raghunathrao.
Later Raghunathrao aligned with the British and this eventually led to the 1st Anglo Maratha War.
Later Raghunathrao aligned with the British and this eventually led to the 1st Anglo Maratha War.
Nana Phadnavis was able to align all the internal leaders together (incl Shindes, Holkars) to face the British.
Other external challenges included the Nizam and Hyder/Tipu.
Nana was an excellent statesman, and a strategist. He had the foresight to identity future challenges.
Other external challenges included the Nizam and Hyder/Tipu.
Nana was an excellent statesman, and a strategist. He had the foresight to identity future challenges.
Following Nana's death in 1800, the British Resident, Col Palmer wrote:
'With him departed all the wisdom and moderation of this (Maratha) court.'
Just two years later in 1802, internal rivalries resurfaced, and British got an opening...resulting in the 2nd Anglo Maratha War.
'With him departed all the wisdom and moderation of this (Maratha) court.'
Just two years later in 1802, internal rivalries resurfaced, and British got an opening...resulting in the 2nd Anglo Maratha War.
