Ramabai

Who was Ramabai?

Ramabai was wife of Madhavrao Peshwa I. Her father's name was Shivaji Ballal Joshi from Solapur.

She was married to Madhavrao I on 9 December 1753 in Pune. Her father died on 1767, so she had gone to Nashik to console her mother. She accompanied Madhavrao I during Karnataka expedition in 1766–67. She had gone for pilgrimage to Shrivadhan, Harihareshwar many times. She had gone to Harihareshwar in 1772 when Madhavrao was very serious.She always kept fast for Madhavro.She had no child.

She was very mundane woman. She never intervene in social & political matters. She was very religious & faithful.

On 18 November 1772, Madhavrao died at the temple premises of Chintamani, Theur. Thousands of citizens visited the site and paid their last respects to the great leader. His wife Ramabai was also mentally prepared for his death; she performed Sati during his cremation on the same date. Madhavrao was cremated on the banks of the river which was about half a mile from the temple. A small memorial carved out of stone rests today at this place as a reminder of this great leader and his loving wife.