A History of the Mahrattas v1.c25.23.2

v1.c25.23.2

Trimbuck Punt, commonly called Nana Poorundhuree, Govind Rao Chitnees and the officers in the Peishwa’s interests at Satara, were at first disposed to ridicule this attempt as that of a mad old woman, but on hearing of the approach of Dummajee Gaekwar from Sonegurh, they quitted the town and assembled troops at the village of Arla on the banks of the Kistna. On the advance of Gaekwar by the Salpee Ghaut, although they had twenty thousand and their opponent only fifteen thousand men, they made an irresolute attack and retired to Neemb; where they were next day followed up, attacked, and defeated by the Guzerat troops. Dummajee Gaekwar immediately went to pay his respects to Tara Bye; and several forts in the neighbourhood were given up to her. Satara was well stored with provisions, and the Pritee Needhee promised to aid her cause. It was the intelligence of these proceedings which recalled the Peishwa; but before he returned, Nana Poorundhuree had redeemed his lost credit by attacking and compelling the army of Dummajee Gaekwar to retire to Jore Khora, where they expected to be joined by the Pritee Needhee from Kurar and by troops from Guzerat. In this hope, however, they were disappointed;