Bimbaji Bhonsle

Bimbaji was the youngest son of Raghoji I Bhonsle,[2] the Maratha ruler of Nagpur. Bimbaji married Anandibai, who continued to wield her influence in Chhattisgarh after her husband's death and caused small-scale unrest.[5] Raghoji I Bhonsle appointed him as the governor of Chhattisgarh in 1758. When Mohan Singh, the Haihayavanshi ruler of Chhattisgarh on behalf of Nagpur learnt about this, he prepared an army at Raipur to oppose Bimbaji but suddenly fell ill and died. Thus Bimbaji faced no opposition in assuming rule of the region.[6][7]

Bimbaji maintained order in Chhattisgarh militarily by great oppression[8] Bimbaji used to collect excess revenue to maintain the government, as well as to pay an annual tribute of Rupees 7,000 to Nagpur. But this had disadvantageous effects as the revenue of the region dropped considerably from 8 lakhs.[9] Bimbaji was constantly quarrelling with his nominal overlord at Nagpur who was also his brother. He was always chafing at his isolated.[10] On the time of First Anglo-Maratha War a Khilat was sent from Peshwa to the Mudhoji Bhonsle to invade Bengal and conquer East India Company's capital of Kolkata despite having all required assistance Raja of Nagpur was reluctant to receive the khilat however when bimbaji learnt about this he expressed his desire to invade and burn city of Calcutta but he never received any khilat in his life time.He reigned in Chhattisgarh from 1758 to 1787.[3][2] After his death, the suba system was adopted in the region.[11]