Baji Rao I was the second Peshwa of Maratha Empire. He was the son of Balaji Vishwanath (First Peshwa). He was appointed for the position of Peshwa after the death of his father.
Baji Rao I proved to be a shrewd and a far-sighted administrator. He adopted the policy of expasion of Maratha empire.
In his effort he received the co-operation of the rulers in the South. He maintained friendly relationship with the Rajputs, particularly with rulers like the Raja of Jaipur.
He conquered Malwa, Gujarat and defeated the Nizam of Hyderabad. During his Peshwaship, he had extended the Maratha frontiers from the coast of the Narmada to the Chambal, and the Marathas become a power to be reckoned with.