Q. Who bestowed the office of Peshwa on Balaji Vishwanath?
(a) Shivaji III
(b) Shahu
(c) Sambhaji
(d) Dhanaji Jadav
Ans: (b) Shahu
Explanation:
The office of Peshwa was bestowed on Balaji Vishwanath by (b) Shahu.
Balaji Vishwanath, also known as Balaji Vishwanath Bhat, was appointed as the first Peshwa of the Maratha Empire by Chhatrapati Shahu, who was the grandson of Shivaji and the third Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire. Balaji Vishwanath served as the Peshwa from 1713 to 1720. The title of Peshwa, meaning “prime minister” or “chief of the empire,” was an important position in the Maratha administration. Balaji Vishwanath played a significant role in consolidating the Maratha Empire and establishing the Peshwa dynasty as a prominent political force in India.