Which of the following Maratha administrators held the post of 'Peshwa' when Chhatrapati Shahu appointed him as the chief executive minister, initiating hereditary Peshwa rule?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Balaji Vishwanath was elevated to the office of Peshwa by Chhatrapati Shahu in 1713, successfully institutionalizing hereditary Maratha administrative control. Earlier administrators held ministerial titles without the dynastic authority later established by the Peshwas. His diplomatic acumen greatly expanded the confederacy's political influence across the subcontinent.