A History of the Mahrattas v1.c30.61

v1.c30.61

Hyder, as the Mahrattas advanced on the east, retired to the westward, where the country being closer, their cavalry were prevented from acting against him with effect. He never ventured within twenty kos of Mahdoo Rao, as his infantry would not face the Mahratta horse on a plain; but a light force under Gopaul Rao, which was sent to watch his motions and ravage the country, was surprised and put to flight by Hyder on the night of the 3d and 4th March. This affair was attended by no advantage, the Mahrattas continued to plunder and ravage his territory, and Hyder hoped that they would retire to the northward of the Kistna on the approach of the south-west monsoon.³ But he was disappointed. The state of Mahdoo Rao’s health compelled him to return to Poona in the beginning of June; but he left the infantry and twenty thousand horse under Trimbuck Rao Mama to prosecute the war. Hyder offered to pay the Chouth, but would not restore the amount exacted from the Polygars, as he conceived their submission to his authority in 1762 gave him a right to the tribute he had levied.⁴