A History of the Mahrattas v2.c35.22

v2.c35.22

Nothing could exceed the disappointment of the Bombay Government when they learnt the terms of the treaty. They seemed to consider their own interest and dignity sacrificed to a jealous assumption of authority. They had no power to protest, and could therefore only vent their indignation by entering dissents on their own records against almost every article, with the view of ultimately submitting their objections to the Court of Directors. They certainly had cause for irritation in the manner in which their conduct had been condemned and their power in a great degree suspended ; but they seem to have been determined to find objections, and even petulantly hinted that Colonel Upton must have been in bodily fear, or he never would have consented to terms so derogatory to the English nation : they, however, ‘ with more propriety ask, Who is this Rao Pundit Purdhan ? why is his name omitted ? if Colonel Upton has had proof of the legitimacy of the child, said to be the son of Narrain Rao, why is that circumstance left in doubt ? or if not proved, why is Rugonath Rao, the rightful Peishwa, wholly excluded ? ’ 1