A History of the Mahrattas v2.c45.14

v2.c45.14

His army was much augmented after Mahadajee Sindia’s death, and he hoped, in consequence of that event, the Mahrattas might be easily satisfied, or successfully resisted, even if he should not be able to obtain the interposition of the English.¹ When the envoy, Govind Rao Kallay,² renewed his master’s demands, he produced a detailed statement, showing a balance in his favour of nearly two crores and sixty lacks, or twenty-six millions of rupees. Warm discussions took place between the envoy and Musheer Ool Moolk, when at last the former was told, in public durbar, that Nana Furnuwees must himself attend at the court of Hyderabad, in order to afford an explanation of the different items of their intricate claims. The envoy replied, ‘Nana Furnuwees is much engaged, how can he come?’ ‘How can he come?’ re-echoed Musheer Ool Moolk, ‘I will soon show how he shall be brought to the presence.’ This menace was considered a sufficient declaration, and although negotiations continued till the last, both parties prepared to decide their differences by the sword.