A History of the Mahrattas v1.c25.96

v1.c25.96

In regard to events in the eastern part of the Mahratta dominions in the Deccan, the most important was the demise of Rughoojee Bhonslay, which, after his great success in the war against Sulabut Jung, happened in the month of March, 1753. He divided his territory amongst his four sons, Janojee, Sabajee, Moodajee, and Bimbajee ; the two elder sons, Janojee and Sabajee were born of the younger wife, and the two younger sons Moodajee and Bimbajee, born of the elder wife, were nephews of the late Ranee of Satara, Suckwar Bye Sirkay. Rughoojee, however, left the supremacy to Janojee, with the certain prospect of being confirmed as Sena Sahib Soobeh by the Peishwa. Rughoojee, with his last breath, recommended to his sons the advantage of preserving union in the Mahratta empire, and amongst each other; but precept, however solemn, carries no such weight as the most common experience. In the course of one month Janojee was compelled to reduce his brother Moodajee to obedience by force of arms, and owing to the time lost in operations, he was prevented from receiving his title and investiture until the Peishwa’s return from the Carnatic.