The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c21.s1.79

v4.c21.s1.79

The Peshwā was encamped on the Mānjrā river, in the Mughul dominions in the Deccan, when he heard of these disasters, and sent his eldest son, Vishvās Rāo, in nominal command of a large army with Sadāshiv Rāo, known as the Bhāo¹ or cousin of Bālājī Rāo, as real commander-in-chief. The Bhāo’s claim to be the virtual leader of the expedition into Hindūstān was admitted in view of his recent victories in the Deccan.² Vishvās Rāo was understood to be destined for the throne of Delhi, and his position in the campaign was analogous to that of a Mughul prince of tender years appointed to the nominal command in an important enterprise, the direction of which was, in fact, in the hands of a great noble designated as his tutor or guardian.