A History of the Mahrattas v2.c47.18

v2.c47.18

In this state of affairs, Sindia’s unpopularity having become extreme, Amrut Rao, with Bajee Rao’s cognizance, prepared Abba Kally, the commander of one of the Peishwa’s regular battalions, to be ready to rush in upon an appointed signal and seize Sindia. Doulut Rao was invited on business to the Peishwa’s palace; but the invitation being declined, a positive order was sent by Bajee Rao desiring his attendance. He obeyed the summons; and soon after he sat down, Bajee Rao told him he had sent for him to desire an explanation of his conduct; and suddenly assuming a tone of authority and decision, for which the other was quite unprepared, he required of him to declare whether he was master or servant. Sindia having answered with respect and humility that he was the Peishwa’s servant, and ready to show his dependence by his obedience, Bajee Rao reminded him of the insolence, violence, and cruelty which he and his servants had used in numberless instances towards the servants and subjects of his government in the city and even in his own palace; he declared that ‘the contempt and disrespect thus shown towards his person and authority he could bear no longer,’ and therefore ordered Sindia to remove to Jamgaom. Doulut Rao’s reply was couched in the mildest terms; but whilst he expressed his willingness to obey, he declared his inability to move from want of funds to pay his troops; ‘that he had large debts incurred by placing His Highness on the musnud, which it was incumbent on His Highness to discharge: when that was effected, he would immediately quit Poona.’ At this moment Amrut Rao asked his brother if he should give the signal; but Bajee Rao’s heart failed him; he had not courage to proceed in the design, and thus gave his friends the first decided proof of that imbecility which swayed most of the actions of his life. Sindia withdrew from the presence in a manner the most respectful, but with a mind filled with suspicion and distrust; and Bajee Rao had afterwards the baseness, as well as the weakness, to tell him what Amrut Rao had intended and to advise him to be upon his guard.¹