The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency from the Earliest Historical Times to the Musalman Conquest c10.140

c10.140

Quarrels which broke out in Sindia’s family between him and the Báis or widows of his uncle Máhádaji, reduced him to great difficulties and kept him for some time in the Dakhan. The Báis, who had been grossly ill-treated by Shirzi Ráo Ghátge, were being sent as prisoners to Ahmadnagar, when they were released by a party of Sindia’s own horse, and took refuge in the camp of Amrutráo, the Peshwa’s adoptive brother. A large party in Sindia’s army, disgusted with the tyranny of Ghátge, took part with the Báis. An attempt to surprise Amrut Ráo’s camp failed; but when he marched to Poona, Ghátge attacked him suddenly and pillaged his camp at Kirki. At last Sindia was forced to arrest Shirzi Ráo to put an end to his excesses; and in order to obtain money to enable him to return to Hindustán, where his presence was much needed, he determined to release Nána Phadnavis on payment of a large ransom, hoping too that his release would annoy Baji Ráo. In this however he was disappointed, as Baji Ráo soon persuaded Nána to resume his old place as minister, (October, 1798). Sindia was still unable, through want of money, to leave Poona; the Báis had taken refuge at Kolhápur, and being joined by large numbers of followers, marched northwards, plundering all Sindia’s villages, and he was unable to check them. At last by releasing his old minister Báloba Tátya, Sindia was enabled to bring his affairs into some order. An arrangement had been nearly effected with the Báis, when they took alarm and again began plundering. It was not till the year 1800 that, with the help of Yashvant Ráo Holkar, they were driven into Burhanpur and thence to Málwa.