The 18th century marked an important turning point in the history of India. This was the time when Maratha power was at its zenith stretching from Thanjavur in the south to Attock in the north. While Chhatrapati Shivaji, the founder of the empire, was without question the greatest ruler, it was under the Peshwas that the empire really gained power and prominence.

Peshwas were initially Prime Ministers to Maratha emperors but later commanded the Maratha empire till British East India Company came to power. The first Peshwa was Moropanti Pingle. He was appointed by Shivaji as the head of the council of eight ministers known as Ashta Pradhan. After the death of Shivaji, his grandson Shahu appointed Balaji Vishwanath Bhat as Peshwa in 1714. Balaji’s son Baji Rao I secured the inherited succession to the peshwaship and since then Peshwai remained in the Bhatt family.

The exhibit ‘Peshwe’ is the depiction and celebration of the legacy of Peshwas (Bhatt family) in the form of oil paintings.