A History of the Mahrattas v1.c24.58

v1.c24.58

Whilst the affairs of Bengal occupied the Mahrattas, the attention of Nizam Ool Moolk was directed to the Carnatic, and in his protracted absence from the Deccan may be perceived the reason of his conciliatory conduct to Ballajee Rao, in aiding his pretensions to the government of Malwa. The murder of Sufdur Ali, Nabob of Arcot, by his brother-in-law, Mortiza Khan, in 1742; and the general confusion existing in the Moghul territories south of the Kistna presented a favourable opportunity for Nizam Ool Moolk’s interference to establish his power and to restore tranquillity to the country. He accordingly marched from Hyderabad at the head of an immense army in January, 1743, and upwards of a year was spent in concluding the arrangements he had contemplated. To obtain possession of Trichinopoly was an object of importance, but as matters stood with the Mahrattas, as the acquisition was much prized by them, it must have been an affair of some political management. The family of Ghorepuray, however, were never firmly united with their countrymen after the murder of Suntajee; it is true they would rather have joined the Mahrattas, but superior advantages and the chance of plunder would induce them to fight on the side of Moghuls or Europeans. Moorar Rao was recognized as Chief of Gooty by Nizam Ool Moolk,¹ and evacuated the Carnatic with all his troops in August, 1743.²