History of the Maratʾha wars in Hindustan 29: Reign of Raghunáth Rao.

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Kharak Singh and Shamsher Singh, through whose brains the fumes of arrogance had spread, in consequence of their control over the whole train of European artillery, with wilful and headstrong insolence seated Raghunáth Rao on the throne of sovereignty, without the concurrence of the other chiefs ; and the said Rao continued to live for two months at Púna after the manner of rightful rulers. After Naráin Ráo had been put to death, a certain degree of shame and remorse came over the Púna chiefs, and the dread of their own overthrow entered their minds. Sakhá Rám Bápú consequently, in unison with Trimbak Rao, commonly called Matamadhari Balhah, and others, deemed it advisable to persuade Raghunáth Rao that he should go forth from Púna, and employ himself in settling the kingdom. The said Rao accordingly acted upon their suggestion, and marched out of Púna, attended by the Mahratta chiefs. As soon as he had got to the distance of two or three stages from the city, the wily chiefs, by alleging some excuse, obtained leave from Raghunáth Rao to return, and repaired from the camp to the city. They then summoned to them in private all the commanders of the army, both great and small; when they came to the unanimous decision, that it was incompatible with justice to acquiesce in Raghunáth Rao's being invested with the supreme authority, and that it would be better, as Naráin Rao's wife was six months advanced in pregnancy, providing she gave birth to a male child, to invest that infant with the sovereignty, and conduct the affairs of government agreeably to the details of prudence. As soon as they had unanimously settled the question after this fashion, a few of the chiefs took up a position in the outskirts of the city of Púna, by way of protection, and formed a sturdy barrier against the Magog of turbulence. Raghunáth Rao, having become aware of the designs of the conspirators, remained with a slender party in his encampment. Having brooded over his troubles, he saw no remedy left but that of forsaking the country, and was consequently forced to retire towards the Carnatic. His object was to collect a sufficient force round him, with which he might return to Puna and resume hostilities. However, owing to the vulgar report that attributed Narain Rao's murder to him, every blade of grass that sprung from the ground was ready to plunge a dagger into his blood. For this reason, he found it impossible either to stay or reside in the Carnatic, so he hastened away to Surat.