With which Raja did Pilaji Rao Gaikwad establish contact, to get safe bases inside Gujarat ?

The correct answer is - The Raja of Rajpipla

Key Points

• Pilaji Rao Gaikwad's alliance with the Raja of Rajpipla
  • Pilaji Rao Gaikwad, the founder of the Gaikwad dynasty, sought strategic alliances to establish a stronghold in Gujarat.
  • He established contact with the Raja of Rajpipla, a local ruler in Gujarat, to acquire safe bases for his operations.
  • This alliance was significant as it provided Pilaji Rao with access to secure locations to launch his campaigns and expand Maratha influence in the region.
• Importance of Rajpipla
  • Rajpipla was a strategically important region in Gujarat, known for its geographical position and natural defenses.
  • The support of the Raja of Rajpipla allowed Pilaji Rao to navigate the complex political landscape of Gujarat during the Maratha expansion.

Additional Information

• Pilaji Rao Gaikwad
  • Pilaji Rao Gaikwad was a Maratha general and the founder of the Gaikwad dynasty, which later ruled the princely state of Baroda (modern-day Vadodara) in Gujarat.
  • He played a crucial role in expanding Maratha power into Gujarat during the early 18th century.
• Maratha Expansion in Gujarat
  • The Marathas, under leaders like Pilaji Rao Gaikwad, aimed to extend their influence into Gujarat to secure revenue sources and strategic territories.
  • Alliances with local rulers, such as the Raja of Rajpipla, were instrumental in achieving these objectives.
  • This expansion was part of the broader Maratha strategy of asserting dominance over northern and western India.
• Gaikwad Dynasty
  • The Gaikwad dynasty was one of the prominent Maratha families that rose to power during the 18th century.
  • Under the leadership of Pilaji Rao and his successors, the dynasty established its rule over Baroda, which became a significant center of Maratha power.