A History of the Mahrattas v2.c49.48

v2.c49.48

It is difficult to account for the inactivity of Sindia in the prosecution of the war against Holkar. Doulut Rao became about this period suspicious of Perron, but the death of Lukwa Dada, and a final arrangement concluded with the Byes by Ambajee Inglia,¹ one of Sindia’s principal officers, left him nothing to apprehend in Hindoostan, which should have prevented his following up Holkar. After much delay he at last ordered Sewdasheo Bhow Bhaskur to march against Jeswunt Rao with a large body of cavalry and ten battalions of infantry under Captain Dawes.¹ This force forded the Nerbuddah without impediment; but on their arrival at Burhanpoor the troops refused to advance without payment of all their arrears, and before these could be settled, the Taptee was so swollen that they could not cross. Jeswunt Rao at first moved as if to give them battle on the southern bank; but if such was his intention, he soon abandoned it and again moved towards Poona. The Peishwa tried by every means to prevent his advance, desired him to state his demands, and promised to arbitrate all differences if he would remain to the northward of the Godavery. ‘My brother Wittoojee,’ replied Jeswunt Rao, ‘is dead—he cannot be restored to me; but let Khundee Rao, my nephew, be released, and let the family possessions be given up.’ To these conditions Bajee Rao appeared to assent, and assured Holkar he had sent an order for the release of Khundee Rao; but instead of which, he begged of Sewdasheo Bhow Bhaskur to take advantage of the negotiation and advance with all speed, while Khundee Rao was thrown into prison in the fort of Asseergurh.