A History of the Mahrattas v2.c41.16

v2.c41.16

A body of troops had been held in readiness under Ali Buhadur,³ even prior to Sindia's retreat; but Nana wished to employ them in making a distinct settlement with the Rajpoot states in the name of the Peishwa, for the purpose of extending the Mahratta influence, without confirming the power of a rival of such inordinate ambition. It is supposed by some of his countrymen that Nana had some communications with the Raja of Jeypoor for the purpose of preserving the Hindoo power, but with a view also of controlling Sindia; the moderation shown by the Rajpoots in not molesting Sindia's retreat is adduced as a proof of this conjecture, but without an absolute rupture with Sindia, which was justly considered ruinous to the empire, Nana saw no means of attaining the ascendancy he desired. Besides the difficulties arising from these considerations, some fresh acts of hostility on the part of Tippoo rendered him averse to detach troops from the Deccan. Sindia, however, whilst he urged these applications at Poona, was using every exertion to retrieve his affairs by his own resources. His most active enemy was Ismael Beg, who, after the retreat of the Mahratta army, invested Agra, which was vigorously defended by Luckwa Dada, a Mahratta Bramin of the Shenwee tribe. At this time appeared Gholam Kawdir, who on the death of his father, Zabita Khan, which happened in January, 1785, succeeded to the Jagheer. His disposition, equally cruel and turbulent, was kept in check whilst the power of Sindia, his hereditary enemy, was predominant; but no sooner did he see a field open to his view, by the reverses which befell that chief, than he collected troops and rushed on a scene which promised ample gratification to his inclinations. Instead of proceeding to join Ismael Beg, as was reported to be his intention, he in the first instance drove the Mahratta garrison from the city of Delhi, where he placed his own troops, but left the Emperor unmolested in the citadel. He next besieged Aligurh which he reduced, and then proceeded to assist Ismael Beg, who was still engaged in the siege of Agra. The Jhats, whom Ismael Beg might have conciliated by confirming the cessions made to them by Sindia, took every opportunity of obstructing his operations and encouraging the besieged in the fort, till at last Sindia determined to support them. For this purpose he sent forward Rannay Khan¹ and Appa Khunde Rao with a body of horse supported by the two regular battalions of De Boigne, and some other infantry. As the junction of Gholam Kawdir with Ismael Beg was known at Gwalior before the march of these troops, it was deemed an imprudent measure on the part of Sindia. Rannay Khan, however, united his forces with those of the Jhats at Bhurtpoor, when the whole marched towards Agra; but they had only proceeded sixteen miles, when they met Ismael Beg and Gholam Kawdir, who had raised the siege in order to give them battle.