A History of the Mahrattas v2.c59.3

v2.c59.3

(April 11.)—Shortly after the reduction of Wassota, the Raja of Satara was, with great pomp, seated on his throne by the Commissioner, when he published two proclamations, the one announcing his connexion with the British Government, the other making over entire powers for the arrangement and government of his country to the author of this work, who was the agent selected by Mr. Elphinstone for that purpose.¹ In the first proclamation, the Raja dwelt on the injuries received from Bajee Rao; amongst these was an order, the existence of which was confirmed by the Killidar of Wassota, to put the whole family to death, rather than suffer them to fall into the hands of the British Government. The Raja Pertab Siew (or Sing) was in his 27th year, naturally intelligent, and well disposed¹; but bred amongst intrigues, surrounded by men of profligate character, and ignorant of everything except the etiquette and parade of a court. His whole family entertained the most extravagant ideas of their own consequence, and their expectations were proportionate, so that for a time the bounty which they experienced was not duly appreciated.