A History of the Mahrattas v2.c55.65

v2.c55.65

He persevered in his plan of sequestrating Jagheers, and Mahdoo Rao Rastia having failed to produce his quota of horse for muster, the Peishwa represented to the British Resident this departure from what was stipulated, as wilful disobedience to his authority. The agreement in question being one of those concluded through the interposition of the British Government, Rastia was called upon by the Resident to fulfil his engagement with the Peishwa ; otherwise he must abide by the consequences. Rastia hesitated, declared his inability to furnish so many horse, owing to the disobedience of the Duflays, who were Jagheerdars under him, and by the Peishwa’s usual artifice was secretly encouraged to believe, that by trusting to his lenity more favourable terms might be obtained. It was in vain that the Resident represented his situation in its true colours, and warned him of his ruin ; he steadfastly refused compliance, and was stripped by the Peishwa of all his possessions.¹