A History of the Mahrattas v1.c18.150

v1.c18.150

The Mahrattas in the meantime were plundering the open country in every direction, Ramchundur Punt Amat had particularly distinguished himself by retaking Panalla and Pawungurh by escalade. Tara Bye, on this event, determined to reside at Panalla, and admitted Ramchundur Punt to a very large share of power. Pureshram Trimbuck, the Pritee Needhee, had retaken Wussuntgurh and Satara. The latter was surprised by the artifice of a Bramin named Annajee Punt. This man had escaped from prison at Ginjee, and assumed the character of a mendicant devotee. Having fallen in with a party of Moghul infantry marching to relieve the garrison of Satara, he amused them with stories and songs, obtained alms from them, and so ingratiated himself with all, that they brought him with them, admitted him into the fort, and, on account of the amusement he afforded, allowed him to live there. Annajee Punt had formerly been a Carcoon of Mawulee infantry, and soon saw the practicability of surprising the place, if assisted by a few of his old acquaintances. He patiently watched his opportunity, informed Pureshram Trimbuck of his design, and having introduced a body of Mawulees into the fort, the enterprising but remorseless Bramin put every man of the garrison to the sword.