A History of the Mahrattas v1.c30.23

v1.c30.23

Rugonath Rao at first refused all offers, and expressed his determination to retire to Benares. Mahdoo Rao replied that he thought such a resolution extremely proper, and indeed that he must either take the share of the administration which was proposed, or have no interference whatever in the government. To this last proposal Rugonath Rao, piqued at the decided tone which his nephew had assumed, affected the readiest compliance, and gave orders to his officers, in charge of the forts of Ahmednugur, Sewnweree, Asseergurh and Satara, to obey the orders of Mahdoo Rao;—he declared that all he desired, before renouncing the world, was the payment of the arrears due to his troops and a suitable provision for his family and attendants. Mahdoo Rao agreed to pay twenty-five lacks of rupees in three months, to place at his disposal a Jagheer, situated about the source of the sacred river Godavery, yielding twelve or thirteen lacks of rupees of annual revenue and including six forts, amongst which were Trimbuck, Oundha, and Putta¹; but Rugonath Rao was dissatisfied, and only sought a fit opportunity to assert his claim to half of the Mahratta sovereignty.