A History of the Mahrattas v1.c18.10

v1.c18.10

After the capture of Raigurh, detachments from the grand army advanced to Merich and Panalla, which were surrendered to the Moghuls, and Raja Ram was now advised to make good his way to Ginjee as soon as possible, before his plan of retiring there should be suspected. As preliminary arrangements, he had, by the advice of Prillhad Neerajee, adopted the precaution of appointing Neeloo Punt Moreishwur to his father’s situation of Peishwa; a measure which secured Ginjee in his interests. The command of Vishalgurh, Rangna, and all the forts, with full and complete powers of government in the old provinces, was confided to Ramchundur Punt Bowreekur, with the title of Hookmut-punah. Under him was placed Pureshram Trimbuck, a Bramin, who from the humble situation of hereditary Koolkurnee of Kinneye had brought himself into notice and had given proofs of intelligence and spirit. Seedojee Goojur, dignified with the title of Surkheil,¹ was entrusted with the general command of the fleet, the superintendence of the maritime ports, and the defence of the coast. His second in command was a Mahratta, named Kanhojee Angria, whose father, Tookajee Angria,² had early distinguished himself in Sivajee’s fleet. The foresight of Prillhad Neerajee had also been the means of opening a correspondence with all the principal Mankurees, which, although it did not immediately induce them to make common cause against the Moghuls, directed their inclinations to that end.