Kashibai

Kashibai Biography

Kashibai was the first wife and consort of Bajirao I, noted general who served as the Maratha Peshwa to the fifth Chhatrapati Shahu Raje Bhosle of the Maratha Empire from 1720 to 1740 (till his death). Bajirao had a second marriage with a half-Muslim princess Mastani, daughter of Maharaja Chhatrasal, the founder of Panna State in Bundelkhand province. Bajirao is acknowledged as one of the greatest warriors of Indian history who fought over 41 battles and has never been defeated in any. He stood for a single Hindu empire and fought against Mughals. Kashibai became a widow at a comparatively young age following the death of Bajirao in 1740 aged only 39.

Kashibai gave birth to two sons - Balaji Bajirao Peshwa and Raghunathrao Peshwa, of whom Raghunathrao Peshwa died at a younger age. Balaji Bajirao Peshwa later became the Peshwa of Maratha Empire following Bajirao’s death. Mastani, who was never accepted into the royal family, too died very soon and Kashibai accepted her child Shamsher Bahadur who is also known by the name Krishna Rao. Shamsher Bahadur died in the third Battle of Panipat in 1761 aged 27.

Kashi Bai belonged to an illustrious Bramhin Chaskar-Joshi family. She is also known by the name Laadubai. Her maiden name is Laadubai Joshiwada. A dynamic personality, she became an influential figure in the Peshwa family following her marriage to Bajirao, the Maratha general and Prime Minister to the fourth Maratha Chhatrapati. Kashibai was fond of pink and purple flowers. She and other family members had a tense relationship with Bajirao following his marriage to Mastani. Both the wives gave birth to sons, with a few months gap. However Kashi Bai’s son didn’t survive too long. Following the death of Bajirao, Balaji Bajirao Peshwa later became the Peshwa of Maratha Empire who contributed a lot in expanding the kingdom later. He just followed his father’s legacy.  

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Updated: September 24, 2017