A History of the Mahrattas v2.c46.11

v2.c46.11

In the preceding November, Mr. Malet, the Resident on the part of the British Government, had made a formal application to the minister for the purpose of ascertaining on what footing the Mahratta government was to be conducted. Nana Furnuwees replied that the widow of the late Peishwa was to be considered head of the empire, until the great officers of the nation had deliberated upon the succession, when the result should be communicated. He now therefore intimated their resolution that the widow should adopt a son, to which no objection on the part of Mr. Malet could be offered, and nothing was now apparently wanting except the selection of a child and the performance of the ceremony. But Bajee Rao, who had obtained information of the whole proceeding, by which he was thus unjustly to be deprived of his right, gave a further specimen of his talent for intrigue, by immediately taking advantage of the favourable disposition evinced towards him by Balloba Tattya, opening a correspondence with him, and in a few months gaining him to his cause. This union was the more important to Bajee Rao, as the death of Jooba Bukhshee had taken place a short time before, and on his death-bed he sent for Doulut Rao and expressed his regret for having advised him to accede to the plan of adoption, whilst a lineal descendant of Ballajee Wishwanath remained. Having secured the prime minister, Bajee Rao next addressed himself to Sindia, offering him four lacks of rupees of territory and whatever might be the expenses of his troops during the time he should require their aid in asserting his lawful succession to the Musnud. This offer was accepted, a formal agreement was drawn up, but it was scarcely concluded, when the whole was divulged to Nana Furnuwees. In the greatest alarm that minister instantly summoned Pureshram Bhow, who marched from Tasgaom to Poona with a body of horse in forty-eight hours, a distance of upwards of 120 English miles. After some deliberation, it was resolved to anticipate Sindia's design, to release Bajee Rao, and to declare him Peishwa. Pureshram Bhow accordingly proceeded to the fort of Sewneree,¹ and made his proposals. Amrut Rao advised his brother not to accept them, observing that these offers were but certain indications of Sindia’s sincerity. Bajee Rao did not rely on the good-will of either party, beyond the dictates of their interests, and, if assured of attaining his object, he would not have hesitated; he, however, urged many objections, though only for the purpose of obtaining satisfactory assurances. With this view, amongst other solemn asseverations, he obliged Pureshram Bhow to hold the tail of a cow, and swear by the holy Godavery that no deception was intended; after which he descended from the fort, and, accompanied by his brother Chimnajee Appa, set out for his future capital. Amrut Rao by Pureshram Bhow’s orders was detained in custody at Sewneree.