After Shivaji's death effective power in the Maratha state was wielded by a family of __________ who served Shivaji's successors as Peshwa.

After the death of Shivaji Maharaj in 1680, the effective power in the Maratha state was wielded by the Chitpavan Brahmanas who served as the Peshwas (chief ministers) to Shivaji’s successors. The Peshwa became the de facto ruler of the Maratha Empire, particularly after the establishment of Baji Rao I as the Peshwa in 1720.

• The Chitpavan Brahmanas were a community of Brahmins from the coastal regions of Maharashtra.
• The Peshwas, particularly Baji Rao I, were able to expand and strengthen the Maratha Empire through effective military strategies and diplomacy, leading the empire into its zenith.
• The influence of the Peshwas was instrumental in the administrative and military growth of the Maratha Empire in the 18th century.
• The Chitpavan Brahmanas were seen as a prominent political and cultural force in the Maratha state after Shivaji’s death.

• Kunbis – A community that served as peasants and soldiers in the Maratha Empire but did not wield effective political power after Shivaji's death.
• Deshmukhs – Village headmen who had local administrative power but were not involved in the Maratha state’s central governance.
• Patils – Local leaders in charge of villages and not associated with wielding power in the Maratha Empire’s central administration.