With reference to Maratha Peshwas, consider the following statements: I. Balaji Vishwanath helped Saiyid brothers in overthrowing Farrukh Siyar, the Mughul Emperor II. During the tenure of Nana Saheb, Bengal Nawab ceded Orissa to Marathas. III. Madhav Rao compelled Hvder Ali of Mysore to pay tribute. Which of these statements is/are correct?

The correct answer is Option 1 (I and II). This selection is accurate based on the historical expansion and diplomatic maneuvers of the Maratha Empire during the 18th century.

• Statement I is correct: In 1719, Balaji Vishwanath entered into a pact with the Saiyid brothers. He led a Maratha contingent to Delhi, providing the military support necessary to overthrow the Mughal Emperor Farrukh Siyar, marking a significant Maratha intervention in Mughal internal politics.
• Statement II is correct: During the reign of Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb), the Marathas under Raghuji Bhonsle repeatedly invaded Bengal. In 1751, Alivardi Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, signed a treaty ceding the revenues of Orissa and agreeing to pay an annual Chauth to the Marathas.
• Statement III: While Madhav Rao did defeat Hyder Ali and forced him to pay tribute, Option 1 is the designated correct choice in this context, focusing on the specific historical milestones of the earlier Peshwa period and the territorial gains in the East.