She was impressed by Gopikabai's orthodox observance of religious fasting and rituals and selected her to marry Balaji Bajirao (Nanasaheb), the eldest son of Baji Rao I and grandson of Radhabai.
Gopikabai faced severe drawbacks in her later life as she was underexposed or never given proper training in handling court administrative or military matters.
Some of the crueler decisions which Gopikabai took in later life, including severing relations with her second son Madhavrao are traced to her orthodox upbringing.
Gopikabai's religious upbringing left her unable to understand court politics which Shahu and Nanasaheb Peshwa were pursuing.
[1] Gopikabai blamed Radhikabai for being a bad omen and causing the death of her son Vishwasrao during the Third battle of Panipat.
Moreover, Gopikabai's lack of proper training for court administration made her susceptible to poor advice from courtiers spoiling her relationship with her son.
Madhavrao Peshwa started taking an active part in administrative matters and displayed an intelligent decision-making ability.
Gopikabai, who pleaded for mercy for her brother, was sternly warned of the consequences of such an act and was told not to interfere in administrative matters.
As Madhavrao died without an heir, Raghunathrao again made his claim for control of the Peshwa administration at Anandibai's insistence.
This incident was another setback for Gopikabai, and she again lost the control which she had gained a year and a half earlier and had to return to Nashik.