18 Facts About Gopikabai

Gopikabai was Peshwin of Maratha Empire, as the wife of Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao.

Gopikabai influenced her son Madhavrao Peshwa, who by sidelining Raghunathrao at her urging, assumed control.

Gopikabai developed a rivalry with other women in the Peshwa's household.

Gopikabai was the daughter of Bhikaji Naik Raste of Wai, near Pune.

Gopikabai was noticed by Radhabai, the mother of Peshwa Baji Rao I, during her visit to the Raste family.

Gopikabai was impressed by Gopikabai's orthodox observance of religious fasting and rituals and selected her to marry Balaji Bajirao, the eldest son of Baji Rao I and grandson of Radhabai.

Gopikabai was well versed in priestly religious matters and the prevailing customs followed in priestly Brahmin families.

Gopikabai faced severe drawbacks in her later life as she was underexposed or never given proper training in handling court administrative or military matters.

Some crueler decisions which Gopikabai took in later life, including severing relations with her second son Madhavrao are traced to her orthodox upbringing.

Gopikabai's religious upbringing left her unable to understand court politics which Shahu and Nanasaheb Peshwa were pursuing.

Gopikabai insisted on sending Vishwasrao along with Sadashivrao Bhau to battle against Abdali as she did not want Bhausaheb to take all the accolades after defeating Abdali and wanted Vishwasrao to play a bigger role.

Gopikabai did this to ensure that Vishwasrao becomes the next Peshwa after Nanasaheb.

Gopikabai suspected Nanasaheb of planning to make Bhausaheb the next Peshwa.

Gopikabai blamed Radhikabai for being a bad omen and causing the death of her son Vishwasrao during the Third battle of Panipat.

Gopikabai, advised by her brother, attempted to involve herself in administrative matters.

Gopikabai urged him to be assertive and do away with Raghunathrao's control over his administration.

Gopikabai, who pleaded for mercy for her brother, was sternly warned of the consequences of such an act and was told not to interfere in administrative matters.

Gopikabai remained at Nashik, performing orthodox Hindu rituals, until the death of Madhavrao in 1773 from tuberculosis.