The question asks about the rebel minister of Baji Rao II who played a key role in instigating the Bhils against the British occupation of Khandesh in 1818. This historical event is significant in understanding the resistance faced by the British East India Company during its expansion in India.

Understanding the Context: British Occupation and Resistance

Following the Third Anglo-Maratha War, the British East India Company gained significant control over the territories previously held by the Maratha Confederacy. Baji Rao II, the last Peshwa, was defeated and eventually exiled. However, resistance to British rule continued in various forms and regions, often led by disgruntled Maratha sardars, former officials, or local chieftains who felt displaced by the new administration.

Khandesh, a region in present-day Maharashtra, became a focal point of such resistance. The Bhils, an indigenous community inhabiting the hilly and forested areas of Khandesh, had their own grievances against the British administration and its policies, which interfered with their traditional way of life and forest rights.

Role of Baji Rao II's Minister: Trimbakji Dengle

During the period of British consolidation, some former associates of Baji Rao II attempted to rally support against the British. One prominent figure was Trimbakji Dengle, who had been a minister and confidante of Baji Rao II. After Baji Rao II's defeat and surrender, Trimbakji continued to resist.

• Trimbakji Dengle is known to have instigated several uprisings against the British.
• He played a crucial role in mobilizing support from local communities, including the Bhils, in regions like Khandesh.
• His activities aimed at challenging the British authority and disrupting their control over the newly acquired territories.

Bhils' Uprising in Khandesh (1818)

In 1818, coinciding with the final defeat of the Peshwa, the Bhils in Khandesh rose in rebellion against the British. This uprising was fueled by various factors, including British administrative changes, revenue demands, and attempts to control the region. Trimbakji's instigation provided a focal point and leadership (or influence) for this discontent.

• The Bhil rebellion in Khandesh in 1818 was a significant challenge to the early British administration in the region.
• It involved guerrilla warfare tactics, utilizing the difficult terrain of Khandesh.
• The British forces had to undertake extensive operations to suppress the Bhil resistance.

Historical accounts confirm that Trimbakji Dengle was indeed active in trying to stir up opposition against the British, including instigating the Bhils in Khandesh around 1818.

Analyzing the Options

Let's consider the provided options:

• Shambhuji: Not historically associated with instigating the Bhils in Khandesh in 1818 as a minister of Baji Rao II.
• Bishambharji: Not a widely recognized figure in this specific context of Bhil instigation by Baji Rao II's minister in 1818.
• Shivshankarji: Similar to the above, not historically linked to this particular event and role.
• Trimbakji: Historically, Trimbakji Dengle served as a minister under Baji Rao II and was known for his anti-British activities and attempts to rally support, including among the Bhils in Khandesh, after the Peshwa's fall.

Based on historical evidence, Trimbakji was the rebel minister of Baji Rao II who instigated the Bhils against the British occupation of Khandesh in 1818.

Conclusion

The rebel minister of Baji Rao II who instigated the Bhils against the British occupation of Khandesh in 1818 was Trimbakji.

Revision Table: Baji Rao II and Resistance

Additional Information: Trimbakji's Activities

Trimbakji Dengle's resistance activities were a persistent challenge for the British after the collapse of the Peshwa's power. He evaded capture for a significant period and continued to incite rebellions in different areas that were coming under British control. His ability to mobilize local populations like the Bhils highlights the widespread discontent that existed against the new rulers and the complex dynamics of resistance beyond formal state armies.

The Bhil uprisings in Khandesh were not isolated events; they represented a series of resistances by tribal communities against the imposition of new administrative and land revenue systems by the British. Trimbakji's involvement connected these local grievances to the broader anti-British sentiment following the Maratha defeat, although his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful in reversing the British control.