A History of the Mahrattas v2.c55.51

v2.c55.51

We have already alluded to the quarrel between Khoosroojee Moodhee and Sewdasheo Bhow Mankesir. Their differences likewise originated in the intrigues of the Peishwa, who, having been informed of their collusion, concluded with some justice that such a cabal might as often act against him as for him, and he therefore determined on creating a division between them. It was with this view that he conferred the appointment of Sursoobehdar of the Carnatic on the Moodhee, in preference to Sewdasheo Bhow, who would have been much gratified by it. The Moodhee was thus secured in Bajee Rao’s interests, but the envy of Mankesir was excited, and he in a short time informed the Peishwa of the corrupt practices of the Moodhee in the affairs of his government. These charges Bajee Rao secretly advised his minister to prefer to the Resident, which was accordingly done, and as the Moodhee was a servant of the British Government they would have been immediately investigated, but the Peishwa’s object being answered by the accusation from Mankesir,¹ he interfered to prevent the inquiry, and, as it related to an affair connected with his government, the proceedings were quashed at his request.² This intrigue answered its purpose, by incensing Khoosroujee against the minister; and as *friendship*, according to the interpretation of the court of Bajee Rao, was to aid and to conceal the acquisition of corrupt emolument, the Peishwa secured the goodwill of Khoosroujee, but the nature of the Moodhee’s confidential situation at the Residency being incompatible with his appointment as governor of a Mahratta province, he was afterwards required by Mr. Elphinstone to resign the one or the other, and he accordingly relinquished the latter.³ Trimbukjee Dainglia was immediately appointed to the vacant office. Trimbukjee was originally a *jasoos* or spy, and brought himself to the Peishwa’s notice, when he fled to Mhar from the power of Holkar, by carrying a letter to Poona, and bringing back a reply, in a very short space of time. Being afterwards entertained on the personal establishment of the Peishwa, his activity, intelligence and vigour soon became conspicuous; and by unceasing diligence, and, above all, by being pander to his vices, never hesitating to fulfil his wishes whatever they might be,⁴ he gradually gained the confidence of his master, and was the only man who ever obtained it. When Gunput Rao Phansay, the respectable commandant of the Peishwa’s artillery, was deprived of his Jagheer, Trimbukjee was appointed commandant in his stead. He at first courted Mankesir and Khoosroujee; but having discovered their collusion, he disclosed it to the Peishwa, and though it did not for some time become apparent, he entirely supplanted Mankesir in his master's councils, and retained Khoosroujee in the manner already described.