Who amongst the following was known as Maratha Machiavelli ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:

Nana Phadnavis (1742–1800), whose real name was Balaji Janardan Bhanu, earned the moniker 'Maratha Machiavelli' due to his extraordinary diplomatic skills, political cunning, and strategic maneuvering during a turbulent period in Maratha history, particularly after the death of Madhavrao I and the subsequent First Anglo-Maratha War. He served as the chief minister (Mutalik) and regent for the young Peshwa Madhavrao II. His comparison to Niccolò Machiavelli, the Florentine diplomat and author of *The Prince*, stems from his ability to manipulate alliances, maintain the Maratha Confederacy's power against both internal dissent and external threats (especially the British East India Company), and govern the state with astute political pragmatism. He was instrumental in forming the Barabhai (Twelve Brothers) Council, which effectively governed the Maratha state and resisted British expansion for decades. His administrative and political genius kept the Maratha Empire cohesive until his death in 1800, after which the British influence quickly increased.

The incorrect option is 1:
Baji Rao I (1700–1740) was known for his military genius and expansionist campaigns, transforming the Maratha state into an empire through rapid conquest. While a brilliant strategist, his fame rests primarily on his battlefield prowess, not complex political machinations like those of Nana Phadnavis.

The incorrect option is 2:
Balaji Vishwanath (1662–1720) was the first in the line of powerful Peshwas and is credited with consolidating Maratha authority and establishing the framework of the Peshwa administration. He was an astute statesman, but the specific title of 'Maratha Machiavelli' is traditionally reserved for Nana Phadnavis.

The incorrect option is 3:
Narayan Rao (1755–1773) was the tenth Peshwa who reigned for only a short period (1772–1773) and was tragically assassinated. He was not known for any great political or diplomatic achievements that would merit comparison to Machiavelli; his rule was brief and marked by political instability.