# Baji Rao I

> General of the Maratha Empire in India (1700-1740)

**Wikidata**: [Q2514706](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2514706)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bajirao_I)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/baji-rao-i

## Summary

Baji Rao I (also known as Bajirao Ballal Bhat) was a distinguished General of the Maratha Empire in India who served during the period 1700-1740. As one of the most prominent military leaders of the Maratha Empire, he played a significant role in expanding and consolidating Maratha power across the Indian subcontinent during the early 18th century.

## Biography

- **Born:** 1700 (date and place not specified in source material)
- **Nationality:** Indian
- **Occupation:** General (Military Leader)
- **Known for:** Military leadership and strategic command within the Maratha Empire
- **Employer(s):** Maratha Empire (1674-1818)
- **Field(s):** Military, Warfare, Empire Administration
- **Aliases:** Bajirao I, Bajirao Ballal Bhat
- **Preceded by:** Shamsher Bahadur I (jahagirdar of Banda and Kalpi, Subedar of Jhansi)
- **Succeeded by:** Shamsher Bahadur I (jahagirdar of Banda and Kalpi, Subedar of Jhansi)

## Contributions

Based on available source material, Baji Rao I's primary contribution was serving as a General of the Maratha Empire during its expansion period from 1700-1740. The Maratha Empire (1674-1818) was a significant power in the Indian subcontinent, and military leaders like Baji Rao I were instrumental in its growth and territorial consolidation during the early 18th century.

## FAQs

**What was Baji Rao I's primary role?**
Baji Rao I served as a General of the Maratha Empire in India, holding military command from 1700 to 1740.

**Which empire did Baji Rao I serve?**
Baji Rao I served the Maratha Empire, which existed from 1674 to 1818 and was one of the most powerful empires in the Indian subcontinent during its peak.

**What other names is Baji Rao I known by?**
Baji Rao I is also known as Bajirao I and Bajirao Ballal Bhat.

**Who preceded and succeeded Baji Rao I in his position?**
According to the source material, Shamsher Bahadur I (jahagirdar of Banda and Kalpi, Subedar of Jhansi) both preceded and succeeded Baji Rao I in his role.

## Why They Matter

Baji Rao I matters as a representative of the military leadership that enabled the Maratha Empire to become a dominant force in India during the 18th century. As a General serving from 1700-1740, he was part of the generation of military commanders who expanded Maratha influence across the Indian subcontinent. The Maratha Empire, which existed from 1674-1818, became one of the most significant regional powers in Indian history, and military generals like Baji Rao I were essential to this expansion and consolidation of power.

## Notable For

- Serving as General of the Maratha Empire during the period 1700-1740
- Holding command during a formative period of Maratha expansion
- Being associated with the Maratha Empire which had 74 sitelinks, indicating significant historical documentation
- Bearing the alias "Bajirao Ballal Bhat," reflecting his position within Maratha nobility

## Body

### Early Life and Background

The source material indicates Baji Rao I was born in 1700, though specific birthplace details are not provided in the available information. As a member of the Maratha military aristocracy, he would have received training in warfare, administration, and leadership from an early age, typical of those who rose to command positions within the Maratha Empire.

### Military Career

Baji Rao I served as a General of the Maratha Empire from 1700 to 1740, a forty-year period of continuous military service. During this time, the Maratha Empire (1674-1818) was at the height of its power and expansion across the Indian subcontinent. The role of a General in the Maratha Empire involved not only battlefield leadership but also strategic planning, troop management, and territorial administration.

### Position and Succession

According to the source material, Baji Rao I was preceded and succeeded by Shamsher Bahadur I, who held the positions of jahagirdar of Banda and Kalpi and Subedar of Jhansi. This succession pattern suggests a structured approach to military leadership within the Maratha administrative system, with experienced commanders moving between important territorial posts.

### Historical Context

The Maratha Empire, established in 1674, represented one of the most significant political developments in Indian history. By the time of Baji Rao I's service beginning in 1700, the empire had already established itself as a major power and was engaged in expanding its influence across the subcontinent. The period from 1700-1740 was particularly significant as it saw further Maratha expansion and consolidation.

### Legacy and Significance

While specific battles, campaigns, or achievements are not detailed in the available source material, Baji Rao I's forty-year tenure as a General indicates substantial contribution to the Maratha military effort. The Maratha Empire's existence for over 140 years (1674-1818) was made possible by the leadership of military commanders like Baji Rao I, who maintained and expanded the empire's territorial reach and military capabilities.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Quora