A History of the Mahrattas v1.c25.35

v1.c25.35

But whilst these events were passing in the west, the experienced Rughoojee, whose operations have been alluded to, was engaged in making those acquisitions which closed his long and active life with great reputation among his countrymen. His anxiety to return from Poona towards Berar in 1750, was owing to apprehended commotions in his own territory, and to his desire of seizing what he deemed a favourable conjuncture for prosecuting his views. His son Janojee, having returned from the army of Nasir Jung, was sent into Kuttack to support Meer Hubeeb and to invade Bengal. That province had been freed from Mahratta ravages for a whole year, but they now returned with a keener desire to possess themselves of its resources; and Aliverdy Khan, seeing no other relief, ceded the whole of the province of Kuttack,¹ as far north as Ballasore, which (1751.) was granted in the name of Meer Hubeeb as the nominal deputy of the Nabob of Bengal, but as the real servant of Rughoojee Bhonslay. Meer Hubeeb did not long enjoy the situation thus acquired. Owing to the jealousy of his coadjutor, Janojee, he was, on pretence of having withheld balances of revenue, confined until he should render an account, but unable to brook the disgrace, he rushed out with a few followers upon the guards placed over him and was cut to pieces. Twelve lacks of rupees, in lieu of further claims, was the amount which was settled for the chouth of Bengal and Bahar; but the reason of Rughoojee’s accepting a sum so inadequate is found in the events which were passing in the Deccan. As soon as the Peishwa and Sulabut Jung went to war, Rughoojee surprised and took Gawelgurh and Nurnallah; made himself master of Manikdroog; occupied the districts dependent on these forts; and whilst Sulabut Jung, by Bussy’s advice, advanced towards Poona, Rughoojee not only laid the whole country between the Payn Gunga and Godavery under contribution,² but drove out the Moghul *thannas* and established his own.