A History of the Mahrattas v1.c29.21

v1.c29.21

Rugonath Rao being now uncontrolled appointed Sukaram Bappoo and Neelkunt Mahdeo Poorundhuree his principal ministers, bestowing on the former a Jagheer of nine lacks of rupees, and conferring on the latter the command of the important fort of Poorundhur, which, since first obtained by Ballajee Wishwanath, had been hitherto carefully retained in the Peishwa’s family. Rugonath Rao’s next proceeding was still more imprudent. On the demise of Jug Jewan Pritee Needhee, he had been succeeded by his nephew, Sreenewass Gungadhur; more commonly known by his original name, Bhowan Rao; but Rugonath Rao having displaced him raised his own infant son, Bhaskur Rao, to the dignity of Pritee Needhee, and appointed Naroo Shunkur (Raja Buhadur), the same officer, who for a time commanded in the citadel of Delhi, to the office of Mootaliq, which was in effect conferring the office of Pritee Needhee upon him. Ramchundur Jadow, who had in the preceding year deserted the Moghul standard, was restored to the rank of Senaputtee, formerly held by his great grandfather, the famous Dhunnajee; but, as he was disappointed in a promise made to him of receiving, as Senaputtee, the sovereignty of Guzerat, he took the first opportunity of making his peace with Nizam Ally. Kanhojee Mohitey was appointed Sur-Lushkur, and Wittul Sewdeo (Vinchoorkur)¹ was also raised to high rank. The situation of Peishwa’s Furnuwees, which, since the time of Ballajee Wishwanath, had been continued in the family of Bhanoo, was taken from Moraba Baboo Rao and conferred on Chintoo Wittul.