Nana Saheb
Explanation
The Revolt of 1857 in Kanpur was led by the adopted heir of the last Peshwa, whose grievances against the British administration regarding succession and pension fueled his participation in the uprising.
Detailed Analysis:
- Nana Saheb: Born as Dhondu Pant, he was the adopted son of the last Peshwa, Baji Rao II. The British administration refused to recognize his claim to his father's title and pension under the Doctrine of Lapse. Following the outbreak of the rebellion in Kanpur in June 1857, he assumed leadership, expelled the British garrison, and proclaimed himself the Peshwa. He also acknowledged the suzerainty of the Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar.
- Tantia Tope: He was the commander-in-chief of Nana Saheb's forces and a brilliant guerrilla warfare strategist. He fought to restore Nana Saheb's authority but did not claim the title of Peshwa for himself.
- Baji Rao II: He was the last ruling Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. He was exiled to Bithoor by the British and died in 1851, years before the revolt began.
- Balaji Vishwanath: He was the first Peshwa (1713–1720) who established the hereditary nature of the post. He belongs to the early 18th century and is unrelated to the Revolt of 1857.
Key Takeaway: Nana Saheb declared himself the Peshwa during the Revolt of 1857 in Kanpur after the British denied his succession rights.