A History of the Mahrattas v2.c33.33

v2.c33.33

The reader may recollect that Govind Rao Gaekwar was sent by his father Dummajee to support Rugonath Rao against Mahdoo Rao in the rebellion of 1768. Shortly after its suppression Dummajee died, leaving four sons, Syajee, Govind Rao, Manikjee, and Futih Sing. The two last were the youngest, and full brothers by the third wife. Syajee was the eldest son, but by Dummajee’s second wife. Govind Rao was his second son, but by the first married wife. Such a claim to succession as that of Syajee and Govind Rao always occasions disputes among the Mahrattas, as there are precedents for the superiority of either party. Govind Rao was at Poona at the time of his father's death, a prisoner at large, in consequence of having supported Rugonath Rao. His claim to the succession, and to his father's rank of Sena Khas Kheyl, does not in the first instance appear to have been disputed. Upon his paying a fine of upwards of twenty-three lacks of rupees for his late delinquency, a nuzur of twenty-one lacks, and other exactions amounting in all to upwards of fifty lacks and a half,¹ and having also agreed to pay a tribute of seven lacks and seventy-nine thousand rupees annually, to keep three thousand horse constantly in the service at Poona, and four thousand when the Peishwa was at war, the title and possessions of his father were conferred upon Govind Rao.