The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c21.37

v4.c21.37

Bussy soon justified the high price paid for his support. The succession of Salābat Jang was opposed by the Peshwā, who wished the Deccan viceroyalty to be given to Āsaf Jāh's eldest son, Ghāzī-ud-dīn, a tame scholarly priest-ridden man, without any military capacity or ambition, under whom the Peshwā would practically govern the Deccan as his deputy. Bālājī intrigued at the imperial court in favour of Ghāzī-ud-dīn, and at the same time obstructed Salābat Jang's agents in taking possession of their territory. War resulted. But while the Peshwā was entangled in a civil war with his domestic enemies, the Marāthā governors of Gujarāt and Berār, Salābat Jang invaded Mahārāshtra with his French contingent and forced his way towards Poona. The rival forces came into contact on 1 December, 1751, and there was daily fighting, the Marāthās retreating and the Mughuls advancing. In the night of 3 December, the French surprised Bālājī between Arangāon and Sārolā³ on the bank of the Sinā, put him to flight in his undress, slew many of his troops and plundered all their property, including the Peshwā's idols and gold ritual vessels. But Bālājī soon rallied his scattered forces and delivered a counter-attack only five days later, in which many were slain on both sides. Salābat advanced plundering up to Tālegāon Dhāmdhera, eighteen miles north-east of Poona. The campaign, however, ended indecisively owing to scarcity of provisions and dissensions in the Muslim camp. A truce was patched up and Salābat started for his capital in the middle of April, 1752.