CM Samrat Choudhary pays tribute to Peshwa Bajirao I on birth anniversary
Synopsis
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary marked the birth anniversary of Peshwa Bajirao I on August 18, 2026, honouring the Maratha commander as an eternal symbol of valour, strategy, and national pride — a tribute that reflects the BJP's ongoing embrace of medieval warrior heritage.
Key Takeaways
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary paid tribute to Peshwa Bajirao I on his birth anniversary, August 18, 2026 .
Choudhary described Bajirao I as a symbol of 'unparalleled valour, extraordinary strategy, and indomitable courage.' Peshwa Bajirao I , born August 18, 1700 , served as Prime Minister of the Maratha Empire and is credited with fighting over 41 battles without a single defeat.
His campaigns expanded Maratha power from the Deccan into northern India, including Malwa and the region around Delhi .
The tribute reflects the BJP's established practice of marking the anniversaries of medieval warrior figures as part of its cultural and political outreach.
On the birth anniversary of one of India's most celebrated military commanders, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary paid tribute to Peshwa Bajirao I on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, honouring the Maratha warrior-statesman as a symbol of unmatched valour, brilliant strategy, and indomitable courage.
In his post, CM Choudhary wrote — 'अद्वितीय पराक्रम, अद्भुत रणनीति और अदम्य साहस के प्रतीक' — ('a symbol of unparalleled valour, extraordinary strategy, and indomitable courage') — offering 'koti-koti naman' (countless salutations) to the Peshwa, and noting that his incomparable contribution to the nation and self-respect will remain an eternal source of inspiration.
Bajirao I: the general who never lost a battle
Peshwa Bajirao I, born on August 18, 1700, served as the Prime Minister of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shahu I. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest cavalry commanders in Indian history, credited with expanding Maratha influence deep into northern India — from the Deccan plateau to the banks of the Yamuna — across a career spanning roughly two decades. He fought over 41 battles and is said to have never suffered a defeat.
His campaigns redrew the political map of eighteenth-century India. The capture of Malwa, the siege of Delhi, and the consolidation of Maratha power across the subcontinent are counted among his defining achievements. For many historians, Bajirao I represents the peak of Maratha military and strategic ambition.
Why BJP leaders invoke Bajirao's legacy
Tributes to Bajirao I have become a recurring feature of BJP political culture, aligning with the party's broader emphasis on reclaiming and celebrating medieval Hindu warrior heritage. Senior leaders across states routinely mark the Peshwa's birth anniversary, framing his legacy in terms of national pride and civilisational continuity — themes that resonate strongly with the party's base. CM Choudhary's tribute follows that established pattern, using the occasion to reinforce a narrative of courage and service to the nation.
Three centuries after his birth, Bajirao I remains a figure who commands reverence across Maharashtra and far beyond — a commander whose battlefield genius and statecraft continue to inspire political leaders and military historians alike.
Point of View
' the CM frames an eighteenth-century Maratha commander within a contemporary political vocabulary. The pattern matters: such tributes help the party build emotional continuity between historical glory and present governance. For Bihar, a state where the BJP is consolidating its base ahead of future electoral cycles, this kind of cultural signalling carries quiet but real weight.
NationPress
18 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Peshwa Bajirao I born?
Peshwa Bajirao I was born on August 18, 1700. His birth anniversary is observed annually on this date.
Why is Peshwa Bajirao I famous?
Bajirao I is celebrated as one of the greatest military commanders in Indian history. He served as Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Maratha Empire and fought over 41 battles without a single recorded defeat, dramatically expanding Maratha power across the subcontinent.
What did Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary say about Peshwa Bajirao I?
CM Samrat Choudhary called Bajirao I a symbol of unparalleled valour, extraordinary strategy, and indomitable courage, offering countless salutations on his birth anniversary and stating that his contribution to the nation and self-respect will remain an eternal inspiration.
Who is Samrat Choudhary?
Samrat Choudhary is the Chief Minister of Bihar and a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Why do BJP leaders pay tribute to Peshwa Bajirao I?
BJP leaders regularly honour Peshwa Bajirao I as part of the party's broader cultural emphasis on reclaiming medieval Hindu and Maratha warrior heritage, framing such figures as symbols of national pride and civilisational strength.
