A History of the Mahrattas v2.c48.2

v2.c48.2

A.D. 1798.—Mahadajee Sindia at his death left three widows, one of whom, named Bhagirthee Bye, was young and beautiful.¹ Doulut Rao, at the time of his being acknowledged the adopted son and heir of his uncle, promised to make an ample provision for these ladies. They accordingly continued to reside in his camp; but no steps were taken to ensure them a permanent establishment, and in a short time some of their ordinary comforts were circumscribed. No complaint appears to have escaped them; but of a sudden it was discovered, or at all events alleged by the elder widows, that Sindia carried on a criminal intercourse with the youngest, at which they openly expressed their abhorrence, and declared they could no longer consider as a son the incestuous defiler of his father’s bed. Shirzee Rao Ghatgay interposed; the ladies denied him admittance to their presence; but this miscreant, having forced the enclosure of their tents, seized, flogged, and barbarously degraded them. The Shenwee Bramins, who had held the principal offices under the government of Mahadajee Sindia, and many of whom were connected by relationship as well as by cast, being already much disgusted by the elevation of Shirzee Rao Ghatgay and the confinement of Balloba Tattya, whom they regarded as their chief, espoused the cause of the two Byes. Much dissension and discussion ensued; but it was at last settled that the ladies should proceed to Burhanpoor, where they were to take up their abode, provided with a suitable establishment and funds for its support.