During whose time did the Maratha power reach its zenith and simultaneously, the decline of Maratha power also began?
Under Balaji Bajirao (Nana Saheb), the Maratha Empire reached its greatest territorial extent, stretching from Attock to Cuttack. However, this period also saw the seeds of decline. The crushing defeat at the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761 happened during his tenure, destroying the finest Maratha troops and leaders, which permanently halted their momentum toward absolute Indian hegemony. ANSWER: (C) Balaji Bajirao
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The Peshwaship of Balaji Bajirao represented both the pinnacle and the turning point of Maratha history. Geographically, the empire expanded to its absolute zenith, with Maratha influence penetrating deep into the Punjab and Bengal. However, this expansion led to overextension and friction with several regional powers. The era culminated in the disastrous Third Battle of Panipat against Ahmad Shah Abdali. The loss of veteran commanders and thousands of soldiers in 1761 broke the central authority of the Peshwa and allowed the English East India Company to eventually fill the resulting political vacuum.