The Maratha Period
Raghuji An Assesment

Raghuji was a self-made man. He had risen to the status of a first-rate nobleman at the court of Sahu by the dint of his merit. He therefore regarded that his status was on par with that of the Pesva for all practical purposes. He dislikes that the Pesva should interfere with his sphere of influence. It may be observed that for this mutual jealousy neither the Pesva nor Raghuji was so much at fault. The defect lay in the weakness of the central authority. In thje absence of a strong centre the Marathas were not able to create an effective confederacy which could enforce its authority over all.

Raghuji was mainly responsible for the prosperity of Nagpur. He brought along with him a number of Maratha and Brahman families from western Maharastra who infused new order and life in the administration of Nagpur and Berar. Cultivation of Nagpur improved under Raghuji. A number of Kunbi or cultivators families settled in the territory under Raghuji. The credit of setting the weavers or Kostis also goes to Raghuji Bhosle.

Raghuji was a devotee of Rama. He installed the idol of Rama at Ramtek and revived the importance of this place of epic fame. He made land grants to many other temples and holy places.

The Jari-Pataka and the saffron-coloured flag were the emblems of Raghuji. This great general who extended the Maratha poower as far as katak breathed his last at Nagpur on the 14th of February 1755.