Describe the expansion of the Maratha power under the first three Peshwas.

First Peshwa was Balaji Viswanath. He made the Mughals restore all the territories that had earlier formed Shivaji's kingdom to Shahu along with the chauth and sardeshmukhi of the six provinces of the Deccan.

Second Peshwa was Baji Rao I, son of Balaji Vishwanath. He led numerous campaigns against the Mughals, against Nizam-ul-Mulk of Hyderabad and Sidis of Janjira. He won control over Malwa, Gujarat and parts of Bundelkhand. He also captured Bassein and Salsette from the Portuguese and transformed the kingdom of Maharashtra into an Empire.

Third Peshwa was Balaji Baji Rao, who succeeded his father Baji Rao I in 1740. He consolidated Maratha control over Malwa, Gujarat and Bundelkhand. He also compelled the Nizam of Hyderabad to cede vast territories. The State of Mysore and other principalities in south were forced to pay tribute. The Nawab of Bengal was compelled to cede Orissa.