A History of the Mahrattas v2.c43.24

v2.c43.24

Nana Furnuwees did everything in his power to prevent the Peishwa’s acceptance of the titles and insignia brought from the Emperor; he represented the impropriety of adopting some of the titles, especially that of Maharaj Adeeraj (the greatest of great Rajas) which was inconsistent with the constitution of the existing government of the Mahratta empire. But Sindia persisted; and permission for the Peishwa’s acceptance of all the honours was formally obtained from the Raja of Satara. Nine days after his arrival, Nana Furnuwees visited Sindia, who received him in the most cordial manner, refused to sit on his musnud in the minister’s presence, and treated him with the greatest respect. On the ensuing day Sindia paid his respects to the Peishwa, carrying with him numberless rare productions and curiosities of Hindoostan for the young Prince. The following morning was appointed for the grand ceremony of investing the Peishwa with the title and dignity of Wukeel-i-Mootluq, and Sindia spared no pains to render it as imposing as possible. A grand suite of tents was pitched at a distance from his own camp. The Peishwa proceeded towards them with the most pompous form. At the further end of these splendid apartments, a throne, meant to represent that of the Emperor of the Moghuls, was erected, on which was displayed the imperial *firmans*, the *khillut*, or dresses of investiture, and all the principal insignia. The Peishwa on approaching the throne made his obeisance thrice, placed 101 gold mohurs upon it as a *nuzur* or offering, and took his seat on its left. Sindia’s Persian secretary then read the imperial *firmans*, and amongst others the edict which prevented the slaughter of bullocks and cows. The Peishwa then received the *khillut*, consisting of nine articles of dress, five superb ornaments of jewels and feathers, a sword and shield, a pencase, a seal and inkstand, and two royal *morchuls*, or fans of peacocks’ tails, accompanied by a *nalkee*,¹ a *palkee*,² a horse and an elephant; besides six elephants bearing the imperial standard, two crescents, two stars, and the Orders of the Fish and of the Sun.³ The Peishwa retired to an adjoining tent and returned clothed in the imperial