The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency from the Earliest Historical Times to the Musalman Conquest c10.83

c10.83

Sháhu now attempted to bring the country into order. A Bráhman named Krishnaráo Khatáokar had collected a body of men in the Mahádev hills, and was levying contributions on all sides. Damáji Thorát had fortified the village of Hingni, forty miles east of Poona, and committed similar depredations. Udáji Chawhán seized the fort of Battis Shirála in the Várna valley, and Sháhu was obliged to win him over by granting him the chauth of Shirála and Karád. Báláji Vishvanáth set out to reduce Damáji Thorát, but was treacherously seized by him, and released only on the payment of a large ransom. After his release he marched against Krishnaráo Khatáokar, and with the help of Shripat Ráo, the Pratinidhi's son, routed him at Aundh. Krishnaráo then submitted, and was granted the village of Khatáo in inám. After this Báláji had effected a satisfactory arrangement with Angria, Shiváji's admiral in the Konkan, was in A.D. 1714 made Peshwa in the place of Bahiro Pant Pingle, and he chose Abáji Pant Purandhare as his Mutálik or deputy, and Rámáji Pant Bhánu, the ancestor of the famous Nána Phadnavis, as his Phadnavis or secretary. Soon afterwards Haibatráo Nimbálkar died, and his office was given to Dáwalshi Somvanshi, whereon his son went over to Nizám-ul-Múlk and received Bársi as a jáhgir. In the meantime Damáji Thorát had seized the young Pant Sachiv, and an expedition was again planned against him. Báláji managed first to effect the Sachiv's release, and in return received the Sachiv's rights in the Poona district and the fort of Purandhar, and Damáji was soon after defeated and taken prisoner.