History of the Maratʾha wars in Hindustan 22: Quarrel between Raghunath Rao and Madhu Rao.

22

When Raghunath Rao began to usurp greater authority over the administration of affairs; Gopika Bai, Madhu Rao's mother, growing envious of his influence, inspired her son with evil suspicions against him, and planned several stratagems, whereby their mutual friendship might result in hatred and animosity, till at length Raghunath Rao became convinced that he would some day be imprisoned. Consequently, he mounted his horse one night, and fled precipitately from Puna with only a few adherents. Stopping at Nasik, which lies at a distance of eight stages from Puna, he fixed upon that town as his place of refuge and abode, and employed himself in collecting troops; insomuch that Naradji Sankar, the revenue collector of Jhansi, Jaswant Rao Lud, Sakha Ram Bapu and Nilkanth Mahadeo, volunteered to join him, and eagerly engaged in active hostilities against Madhu Rao. As soon as Raghunath Rao arrived in this condition close to Puna, Madhu Rao was also obliged to sally forth from it in company with Trimbak Rao, Bapuji Manik, Gopal Rao and Bhimji Lamdi. When the line of battle began to be formed, Raghunath Rao assumed the initiative in attacking his adversaries, and succeeded in routing Madhu Rao's force by a series of overwhelming assaults; and even captured the Rao himself, together with Nar Singh Rao. After gaining this agreeable victory, as he perceived Madhu Rao to be in safety, and his malicious antagonists overthrown, he could not contain himself for joy. As soon as he returned from the battle-field to his encampment, he seated Madhu Rao on a throne, and remained himself standing in front of him, after the manner of slaves. By fawning and coaxing, he then removed every trace of annoyance from Madhu Rao's mind, and requested him to return to Puna. After dismissing him to that city, he himself went with his retinue and soldiery to Nasik.