A History of the Mahrattas v2.c32.133

v2.c32.133

A.D. 1774.—The development, however, of their real plans soon put an end to surmises. It having been discovered that Gunga Bye, the widow of Narrain Rao, was pregnant, it was resolved, on pretence of carrying her to a place of safety, to convey her to the fort of Poorundhur. But it is generally believed that the real motive was to disguise an intention they had formed of eventually exchanging the infant of Gunga Bye in case of its proving a female, by substituting a male child. For this purpose several Bramin women in a state of pregnancy are said to have been conveyed into the fort at the same time. Gunga Bye herself was carried off from Poona by Nana Furnuwees and Hurry Punt Phurkay on the morning of the 30th January, but the reason of her removal was publicly announced. Parwuttee Bye, the widow of Sewdasheo Rao, a lady very much respected, accompanied her. The ministers forming themselves into a sort of regency under Gunga Bye began to govern the country in her name. All the adherents of Rugonath Rao were thrown into confinement. Negotiations were opened with Nizam Ally and Sabajee Bhonslay, both of whom agreed to support the widow’s pretensions, and intrigues, managed by Krist Rao Bulwunt in the camp of Rugonath Rao, were ready to burst forth in general revolt the moment that a signal was received from the confederates at Poona.¹