Bajirao II was the last Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, serving from 1774 to 1796. He was born in 1772 and became Peshwa at a young age after the death of his predecessor, Balaji Baji Rao. His reign was marked by internal conflicts and challenges to Maratha authority, particularly from the British East India Company. During his rule, Bajirao II struggled to maintain the power and influence of the Maratha Empire. In 1802, he signed the Treaty of Bassein with the British, which led to the loss of significant autonomy for the Marathas. He was eventually deposed in 1806 and spent his later years in exile.