A History of the Mahrattas v2.c32.137

v2.c32.137

Rugonath Rao had information of the revolution before any person in his camp, and was warned to be on his guard against several of his Surdars, but especially Bhowan Rao Pritee Needhee. Uncertain what to do, where wisdom would probably have done nothing, he called upon Bhowan Rao to account for his being at the head of four thousand horse, when three hundred was the complement required to be furnished by the tenure of his Jagheer lands. The Pritee Needhee would not condescend to answer an inquiry so abrupt. Rugonath Rao threatened to attack him, and ordered Moorar Rao Ghorepuray Senaputtee ‘ to plunder his troops.’ Ghorepuray replied that he was ready to fight any enemy of the state, but this being a domestic quarrel he begged to be excused. A similar answer was returned by Wamun Rao Govind Putwurdhun and several other commanders. He then ordered out his household troops, and guns were brought ready to open, in case he should still refuse an explanation ; but finding the Pritee Needhee resolute, and his followers, mostly all from the banks of the Maun and the Yairla, declaring to a man that they would die with him, Rugonath Rao went himself to Bhowan Rao and demanded an interview. He was received respectfully ; but when sitting down the latter laid his sword between them, and on being asked by the Peishwa why he took such a precaution, ‘ It is,’ said Bhowan Rao, ‘ lest the Punt Purdhan should forget that he is about to confer with the Pritee Needhee.’ After some general assurances on both sides, the visit terminated by Rugonath Rao agreeing to advance him a sum of money ; and all resort to coercion ceased.¹