 Shahu, a grandson of Shivaji, ruled as emperor until 1749.During his reign, Shahu appointed the first Peshwa as head of the government, under certain conditions.After the death of Shahu, the Peshwas became the "de facto" leaders of the Empire from 1749 to 1761, while Shivaji's successors continued as nominal rulers from their base in Satara.