A History of the Mahrattas v2.c49.16

v2.c49.16

Disorders were everywhere prevalent. Dhoondia Waug, whom we have already mentioned as having entered the service of the Raja of Kolapoor, separated from him, returned into the Carnatic, and plundered in the Company’s lately acquired districts; taking advantage also of the absence of Gokla’s troops, he laid the Peishwa’s districts in the Carnatic under contribution, and committed great ravages. The British Government made application to the Peishwa, and obtained permission to pursue and destroy the marauder; but in the meantime, on the return of Dhondoo Punt Gokla to the Carnatic, Dhoondia Waug, who burned with revenge, vowed with singular ferocity to sacrifice his life, or dye his mustachios in the heart's-blood of Dhondoo Punt. On hearing therefore of his approach, he laid an ambush in a wood, and watching an opportunity, when Dhondoo Punt was separated from the main body of his followers, attacked and killed him, when he literally fulfilled his vow. Several persons fell with Dhondoo Punt; among whom was his elder nephew: his younger nephew, Bappoo Gokla, whom we shall hereafter have frequent occasion to mention, lost an eye; Chintamun Rao Putwurdhun¹ was also wounded, and the whole of their party were driven to seek refuge at Hullyhal,² where they were kindly welcomed and protected by a British detachment then in that garrison.³