Pilaji Rao Gaekwad, who died on May 14, 1732, was a distinguished Maratha general and the founder of the Gaekwad Dynasty of Baroda. He succeeded his uncle, Damajirao Gaekwad I, who was second in command to the Senapati for the Peshwa. Appointed by the Peshwa, the effective ruler of the Maratha Empire, to collect revenues from Gujarat, Pilaji Rao established his base at the fortress of Sonagadh in the early 1720s. Sonagadh became the cradle of the Gaekwad House and remained so until 1761.
Expansion and Consolidation
Pilaji Rao initially consolidated his position through raids and tribute collection from neighboring areas. With the help of Maratha generals Kantaji Bende and Asaf Jaha, the governor of the Deccan, Pilaji Rao defeated Rustom Ali Khan, the governor of Surat. The territories were divided, with Pilaji Rao receiving the regions south of the Mahi River, including Baroda, Nadod, Champaner, Bharuch, and Surat. However, internal conflicts among the Maratha generals led to a struggle at Cambay, causing Pilaji Rao to retreat to Sonagadh.
Conflict with the Mughal Viceroy
In 1726, Bajirao I, the Peshwa, made a pact with Sarbuland Khan, the Mughal viceroy of Gujarat, to curb the power of rogue Maratha generals like Pilaji Rao. This agreement granted Bajirao the rights to collect taxes in Gujarat. When Sarbuland Khan was replaced by Abhay Singh, Bajirao I allied with Abhay Singh to expel Pilaji Rao. This conflict culminated in the Battle of Bhilapur in April 1731, where Bajirao I defeated the combined forces of Pilaji Rao, Kantaji Bende, and Triambakrao Dabhade.
Later Years and Assassination
Despite the defeat, Bajirao I did not aim to permanently dismantle Maratha power in Gujarat. He appointed Yashwantrao Dabhade, son of Triambakrao, as Senapati of Gujarat, with Pilaji Rao as his deputy and awarded him the title of Sena Khas Khel. Pilaji Rao used his new position to continue expanding his territories and achieved significant victories against Abhay Singh. Tragically, he was assassinated at Dakor in 1732.
Legacy
Pilaji Rao Gaekwad’s death marked a pivotal moment for the Gaekwad dynasty. His efforts laid the foundation for the rise of the Gaekwads in Gujarat, with his son, Damajirao II, succeeding him. Pilaji Rao’s establishment of a strong base ensured the consolidation and growth of Gaekwad power in the region.
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