A History of the Mahrattas v1.c25.31

v1.c25.31

The Mahrattas, although surprised, appeared in the course of the ensuing day as active as ever, but the Moghuls continued to advance, plundered Ranjangaom, and totally destroyed Tullygaom (Dumdairay). At last, on the 27th November they were attacked by the Mahrattas in the most determined manner, and nothing but the French artillery prevented a total defeat. The Mahrattas on this occasion were led by Mahadajee Punt Poorundhuree, the late Dewan, supported by two of the sons of Ranojee Sindia, Duttajee and Mahadajee, and Koneir Trimbuck Yekbootee. The last-mentioned person performed feats of valour, obtained the distinguishing appellation of Phakray,¹ or the heroic, and from that day bore a silver bangle on his horse's leg, which among Mahrattas implies that the rider is always to conquer or die.² This success did not prevent the advance of the Moghuls, but on their arrival at Korygaom on the Beema, a spot which was afterwards to become so famous to the British arms, Raja Rugonath Dass, in consequence of overtures from the Peishwa, had an interview with Sewdasheo Rao Bhow, and an armistice would have taken place, but news arrived that one of the Mahratta officers had surprised the fort of Trimbuck, which the Peishwa refused to restore, and Sulabut Jung insisted on immediately proceeding to retake it. The Moghul army returned to Ahmednugur, to replenish their ammunition and take on their battering guns. They moved towards Joonere, but the Mahrattas constantly harassed them: accounts of difficulties of the road for transporting their guns, and intelligence of Rughoojee Bhonslay's progress to the eastward, conspired with other circumstances to damp the hasty and short-lived ardour of Sulabut Jung. His troops were in arrears and clamorous for their pay, and the more their services were required the more urgent they became: many of the principal officers were discontented, and it was at last determined by Bussy's advice to close with the Peishwa's overtures. An armistice was concluded, and the army of Sulabut Jung returned towards Hyderabad. But the symptoms of disaffection did not cease; Rugonath Dass, the Dewan, was assassinated at Balkee on the 7th April, in a tumult apparently created by the soldiery on account of their arrears.³