A History of the Mahrattas v1.c24.50

v1.c24.50

A.D. 1744.—But other reasons of great importance required Ballajee’s presence at this juncture. Rughoojee Bhonslay after his defeat had sent Wukeels to the Peishwa, assuring him of his sincere desire of reconciliation and of his being now fully convinced that the plans of Bajee Rao were those best suited to his own and the real interests of the Mahratta nation. He continued the same professions with apparent sincerity, but as he was on full march towards Satara, the Peishwa thought it necessary to be on his guard, particularly as Dummajee Gaekwar was also approaching. The Pritee Needhee had become infirm by sickness, but his Mootaliq, Yemmajee Sewdeo, was an active, able man, adverse to the Peishwa’s supremacy,¹ and although not leagued with Rughoojee, was intimately connected with the faction of Dhabaray. Under these circumstances, Ballajee Bajee Rao had to make his election between a war with the Mahratta chiefs or the resignation of Bengal to Rughoojee Bhonslay. The question did not admit of hesitation, he chose the latter; but it being understood that the country north of the Maha-Nuddee, as well as the Nerbuddah, was comprehended in his agreement with the Emperor, he made a merit of conceding his right of levying tribute to Rughoojee, and a secret compact, in which the Raja was used as mediator, was finally concluded.