A History of the Mahrattas v1.c30.97

v1.c30.97

Such was the state of Hindoostan when the Peishwa’s army crossed the Chumbul towards the latter end of 1769. Their first operations were directed against the Rajpoot princes, from whom they levied ten lacks of rupees as arrears of tribute. (1770.) They next entered the territory of the Jhats, on pretence of assisting one of the sons of Sooruj Mull; as great contentions prevailed amongst the brothers. The Mahrattas were victorious in an engagement fought close to Bhurtpoor, and, after having overrun the country, the Jhats agree to pay them sixty-five lacks of rupees, ten in ready money and the rest by instalments. They encamped at Deeg during the monsoon, and Nujeeb-ud-dowlah, dreading their recollection ‘of sons and brothers slain,’ opened a negotiation with Visajee Kishen to avert the calamities he apprehended.³ The Mahrattas are mindful both of benefits and of injuries from generation to generation; but they are not more revengeful than might be expected of a people so little civilized; and in this respect they seldom allow their passion to supersede their interest. Visajee Kishen listened to the overtures of Nujeeb-ud-dowlah with complacency; but Ramchundur Gunnesh and Mahadajee Sindia called for vengeance on the Rohillas. On a reference being made to the Peishwa, he so far concurred in Sindia’s opinion, that Nujeeb-ud-dowlah could never be a friend to the Mahrattas; but as they were endeavouring to induce the Emperor to withdraw from the protection of the English, in which Nujeeb-ud-dowlah’s assistance might be useful, the conduct of Visajee Kishen was approved.¹ Accordingly Zabita Khan, the son of Nujeeb-ud-dowlah, was sent to join Visajee Kishen; but Nujeeb-ud-dowlah shortly after died, when on his route to Nujeebgurh, in October, 1770.² Immediately after this event, Zabita Khan assumed his father’s situation at the capital.