The Maratha King became a nonentity and the Peshwa the virtual ruler from the time of

The Maratha King became a nonentity and the Peshwa the virtual ruler from the time of Baji Rao I. He was a military genius. He transformed the Maratha kingdom into an empire. During his reign, prominent Maratha families such as Sindhias, Bhonsales, Holkars and Gaekwads emerged as chiefs.