The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency from the Earliest Historical Times to the Musalman Conquest c10.137

c10.137

The greatest confusion ensued. Nána Phadnavis, knowing that Báji Ráo, the heir to the throne must be his enemy, summoned the Marátha chiefs to Poona, and persuaded them to agree to the adoption of a son by the widow of Mádhav Ráo. Báji Ráo, though imprisoned in the fort of Shivner, opened communications with Báloba Tátya, one of Sindia's chief advisers, and won him over. Nána, hearing of this, was greatly alarmed, and determined to forestall Báloba, and himself to seat Báji Ráo on the throne. He summoned Parashrám Bháu Patvardhan from Tásgaon, and sent him to Shivner to make the proposal to Báji Ráo, who consented, and came to Poona. Sindia, enraged at his treachery, marched on Poona; Nána Phadnavis, afraid to risk a battle, retired to Purandhar, and thence to Sátára, while Parashrám Bháu and Báji Ráo awaited the arrival of Sindia. By the advice of Báloba Tátya Sindia determined to put Chimnáji, Báji Ráo's younger brother, on the throne; to this Parashrám Bháu agreed, and Chimnáji was installed against his own will in May 1796. Nána Phadnavis had meanwhile retired into the Konkan, where he began to plot afresh for the restoration of Báji Ráo. He won over Sakharám Ghátge Shirzi Ráo, who had joined Sindia's army, and through him Sindia who in October 1796 arrested Báloba Tátya and declared for Báji Ráo. Parashrám Bháu fled, but was captured and thrown into prison. Nána returned to Poona and was reconciled to Báji Ráo, and in December 1796 Báji Ráo was at length formally installed Peshwa. Ahmadnagar and its districts were made over to Sindia as the reward of his help, and Nána Phadnavis again became chief minister. His tenure of power was short. After a year of constant disturbance at Poona, at Báji Ráo's request he was treacherously arrested by order of Sindia.