Peshwa
The Purandares belonged to the original group that rose to eminence from the time of Balaji Vishwanath. They were Rigvedi Deshastha Brahmans and Deshpandes of Saswad, enjoying one- half part of the rights of the Deshkulkarnis of the district Raryat Marval.
According to Mr. Deshmukh, the first Peshwa Balaji came into prominence through the support of Purandare.
On the recommendation of Balaji Vishwanath, the Chhatrapati was pleased to appoint Ambaji Pant Purandare as the Peshwa's mutalik or 'deputy', and Ramaji Pant Bhanu his fadnavis
In 1727 there was a dispute concerning the posts of Kulkarni and Deshkulkarni, between the Purandare's and Atre's in which the Purandares won out.