A History of the Mahrattas v2.c33.38

v2.c33.38

Futih Sing and Govind Rao. On representations, probably of the necessity of keeping his whole force in Guzerat to enable him to resist any insurrection caused by the partisans of his brother Govind Rao, Futih Sing was permitted to withdraw the contingent of horse, on agreeing to pay at the rate of rupees 6,75,000 a year during their non-attendance. But Futih Sing had other views. In his own schemes for supporting Syajee he did not overlook the motives which induced Mahdoo Rao to give him the preference as Mootaliq, and he returned to Baroda determined to strengthen himself against any designs the Peishwa might meditate. For this purpose he made overtures to the Bombay Government early in the year 1772, offering to enter on an offensive and defensive alliance on terms advantageous to the Company; but his proposal was rejected as at variance with the orders of the Court of Directors. Except a short contract, concluded with Futih Sing by Mr. Price on the 12th January, 1773, respecting the Gaekwar’s dividend of the revenues of Baroach, which was to continue on the same footing as when under the government of the Nabob, no other agreement of any sort existed between him and the East India Company.