Mastani
Mastani, 1740, courtesan, and mistress of Peshwa Bajirao. Originally a Muslim dancing girl, she was probably given as a gift by Maharaja Chhatrasal of Bundelkhand to Peshwa Baji Rao in 1729. She was as much a daring warrior as a celebrated beauty, and rode along with the Peshwa in all his compaigns. She so captured the heart of Baji Rao that he neglected his wife Kashibai, and also started meat-meating and drinking under her influence which scandalized the Maratha court. A special annexe was also added to the palace at Pune for her, in about 1730. She bore him a son, Shamsher Bahadur, in 1734, who was not accepted in the Hindu fold. In 1739, when Baji Rao was away from Pune, she was suddenly seized by his son and placed in confinement and the Peshwa was not allowed to see her. Baji Rao literally pined for her and died (28 April 1740). When Mastani heard the news she too died the same day, either of shock, or by committing sail.
