Who were the peshwas?

The Peshwas were the prime ministers of the Maratha Empire in India, primarily serving from the late 17th century until the early 19th century. They played a crucial role in the administration and expansion of the empire, with notable figures such as Balaji Vishwanath, Baji Rao I, and Madhav Rao I leading during its zenith. The Peshwas were instrumental in establishing the Marathas as a dominant force in Indian politics, although their power declined after the defeat in the Anglo-Maratha Wars. The position eventually became hereditary, leading to a more centralized authority under the Peshwas.