Shrimant Chimaji Appa
We all have heard of the military exploits of Shrimant Peshwa Bajirao Ballal Bhat. Bajirao Peshwa was supported by a multitude of generals and captains like Pilaji Jadhavrao, Malharrao Holkar, Ranoji Shinde and Khanderao Dabhade among others. But his greatest supporter was his younger brother - Chimaji Appa. Chimaji Appa was the second son of Balaji Vishwanath Bhat, a simple Karbhari from Konkan. He was a Chitpavan Brahman by birth. The Chitpavans were known for their exceptional intelligence and talents while dealing with administrative and military affairs. When Chimaji was still a baby, his family had already migrated out of Konkan and settled in Saswad. Balaji Vishwanath Bhat had brought numerous Maratha sardars to support Shahu Maharaj against Maharani Tarabai. On 12 January, 1708, Shahu Maharaj was crowned as the Chhatrapati of the Maratha Samrajya at Satara. Balaji Vishwanath Bhat was the Senakarte and was promoted to the post of the Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Maratha S...