The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency from the Earliest Historical Times to the Musalman Conquest c10.158

c10.158

General Munro had marched north from the Karnátak, occupying the forts on the way; they routed a body of Báji Ráo’s infantry under the walls of Sholápur, and stormed the fort on April 13th, 1818. Ráygad, where the Peshwa’s wife had taken refuge, was surrendered on the 7th of May, and during the same month the forts to the north of Poona were reduced by Major Eldridge. The last fort to fall in this part of the country was Prachitgad, held by the false Chitursingh, which was captured on the 13th of June. Thus the territory of the Peshwa was completely conquered by the English. Out of this territory it was thought politic to assign a part as a principality for the titular rája. A tract extending from the Níra to the Várna and from the Gháts to the Bhíma was reserved for him, but was for the time placed under the management of a British officer, Captain Grant Duff, until the young rája could gain experience. The other districts were put in charge of officers whose powers resembled those of the sarsubhedárs, and the superintendence of the whole country was entrusted to a Commissioner, Mr. Elphinstone.