The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c21.92

v4.c21.92

The peace between the Nizām and the Mārāthās could not, in the nature of things, endure very long. The Nizām chafed at the presence of the Marāthā tax-gatherers in Hyderābād, and in 1726, while Bājī Rāo was away in the Carnatic, he pursued assiduously his favourite policy of fishing in troubled waters—always an easy matter, as the Marāthā chiefs cordially disliked the Chitpāvan domination at Shāhū’s court. Once again he came to terms with prince Shambhūjī of Kolhāpur, who viewed with apprehension the Peshwā’s growing interest in Carnatic affairs. In 1726, while Bājī Rāo was absent on a campaign, the two allies made a surprise attack on Shāhū, who was for a time in considerable danger.²