Born as Balaji Janardan Bhanu, he was an influential statesman of the Maratha empire during the peshwa administration in Pune. He served as subordinate Prime Minister to the Chhatrapati (Emperor). He was the main minister who held key portfolios of administration and finance or Phadnavis (Fadnavis). First appointed and then later made hereditary he became, under Bhat family, the de facto ruler of the Empire, the Chhatrapati’s becoming the nominal ruler only. He demonstrated such political skill at court that the European chroniclers at the time called him “The Maratha Machiavelli”. When A. M. Mali joined the Chitrashala Press the portraits of historical figures were quite popular. Many chromolithographic series of Peshwa’s, Maratha Warriors, Mughals and Noblemen are based on his canvases. This is one such portrait created on the bases of the earlier lithograph of Nana Fadnavis. Here he has shown the Peshawa standing in his full attire.