The Dynasties of the Kanarese Districts of the Bombay Presidency from the Earliest Historical Times to the Musalman Conquest c11.94

c11.94

On this last occasion Abdul Khán, the Sávanur nawáb, brought on a conflict which resulted in his losing several more districts. Báláji Báji Ráo, in the year that Gokák was taken, sent another expedition into the Karnátak which he himself accompanied part of the way. In the course of the campaign a Musalmán officer who had formerly been in the service of the famous French leader Bussy and had subsequently entered that of the Peshwa, took offence and again changed masters, this time taking service with Abdul Khan. The latter refused the demand for his surrender made by Balaji Baji Rao, and consequently the Peshwa assembled an army and marched against Savanur. As this movement was regarded with suspicion by the Nizam, who claimed the Savanur chief as his subject, the co-operation of Salabat Jang was asked by the Peshwa, who represented that Abdul Khan was hostile to both parties. Accordingly, a force from Haidarabad, under Bussy, joined the Marathas who were besieging Savanur. The power of the European artillery was soon felt and the nawab was obliged to submit. By the treaty then made (A.D. 1756) he ceded Mishrikot, Hubli and Kundgol and other districts, eleven in all, receiving in compensation the Parasgad taluka and some districts in Ranebennur. To meet the pecuniary fine levied the nawab had to pledge Bankapur; and it is probable that about this time the fort of Belgaum was given to the Peshwa.¹ The latter seems not to have taken the territory thus acquired under his direct management, but to have left it, for the most part, to the desais, who were held responsible for the revenue.