Q. Peshwa Madhav Rao I (1761–1772 CE) is often regarded as one of the greatest Peshwas primarily because of which of the following actions?

[A] He was the first to successfully defeat the British in the First Anglo-Maratha War and secure the Treaty of Salbai.

[B] He stabilized the Maratha Confederacy following the disaster of Panipat, restored Maratha authority over North Indian powers like the Jats and Rajputs, and re-captured Delhi.

[C] He introduced the comprehensive revenue reform known as the Ryotwari system across the core Maratha territories.

[D] He annexed Mysore after successfully defeating Haider Ali at the Battle of Srirangapatna.

Answer: B
Notes:

Explanation:

  • (b) Correct. Madhav Rao I inherited a crumbling empire immediately after the defeat at Panipat. Through his exceptional administrative skill and military leadership, he defeated the Nizam (Rakshasbhuvan), curbed the power of the internal Maratha chiefs (Scindia, Holkar), and reasserted Maratha influence over the North by the time of his death, earning him the title of the Great Restorer.
  • (a) Incorrect. The First Anglo-Maratha War began after his death. The Treaty of Salbai (1782) was signed during Sawai Madhav Rao’s minority.
  • (c) Incorrect. Revenue systems were modified, but the Ryotwari system was a British creation.
  • (d) Incorrect. He fought against Haider Ali but did not annex Mysore; the final defeat of Tipu Sultan (Hyder Ali’s successor) was achieved by the British.
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