A History of the Mahrattas v1.c12.83

v1.c12.83

In consequence of this state of affairs, the king’s advisers were divided in opinion, whether to direct their principal efforts to the prosecution of the war against Sivajee or to re-establish order in the Carnatic. During their indecision, the Deshmookhs of Waree sent proposals for reducing Sivajee, provided they were properly supported. It was therefore determined that the king should march into the Carnatic, whilst Bahlole Khan and Bajee Ghorepuray of Moodhole were directed to prepare an army to co-operate with the Sawunts against Sivajee. The king marched and the troops destined for the latter service were assembling, when Bajee Ghorepuray, for some purpose of preparation, proceeded to his Jagheer. Sivajee, who had early intelligence of all that took place, and who had returned to Vishalgurh, no sooner heard of Ghorepuray’s being at Moodhole, entirely off his guard, than he chose this moment for anticipating the attack and avenging his father’s wrongs. He made a rapid march across the country, surprised and killed Ghorepuray with most of his relations and followers, plundered Moodhole, left it in flames, and returned to Vishalgurh with the greatest expedition.