A History of the Mahrattas v2.c47.20

v2.c47.20

The Peishwa’s troops were as much in arrears as the army of Sindia. The state of affairs at Satara, which we shall presently explain, demanded the presence of a military force; but on their services being required, the men demanded their pay, and a tumult arose, which the commander, Ballajee Punt Putwurdhun, could not appease. Ballajee Koonjur, with the presumption of a favourite, made an attempt to restore order; but the soldiery ridiculed his interference, and on his persevering, they grossly insulted him by knocking off his turban and kicking it in the streets. Govind Rao Pingley, who was still in confinement, sent a confidential message to the Peishwa, advising him to release Naroo Punt Chuckurdeo, as the only person capable of preventing most serious disturbance; a suggestion to which, in the moment of alarm, Bajee Rao readily acceded. He also restored Pingley to liberty, the more readily as that person, though one of the late ministry, was no real friend to Nana Furnuwees.