New History of the Marathas v2.c24.55

v2.c24.55

6. Chandrasen's defection, rise of Kolhapur.—Shahu's activities in the region of Poona had not ceased during the new Emperor's presence in the south. A capable Mughal officer named Lodi Khan from his seat at Chakan used to harass the Maratha agents, but he was killed in an action at the pass of Purandar on 16th May 1709, by Shahu's troops under Gadadhar Pralhad. Lodi Khan's collaborator the powerful Karim Beg of Junnar was captured alive and kept in confinement. These two notable successes which at once established Shahu's authority in the region between Satara and Junnar, were however, of short duration, and Shahu's position quickly received a set back chiefly through the machinations of Chandrasen Jadhav, who out of spite towards Balaji's rising power, began open hostilities against him. A trivial incident aggravated the tension between them. During the summer of 1711, as both Chandrasen and Balaji were conducting an expedition near Karhad, a deer being pursued and wounded by one of Balaji's troopers, casually entered the kitchen tent of Chandrasen's Brahman clerk (one Vyasrao), who sheltered it and refused to give it up. The dispute soon reached the principals and incited them to open hostilities. Balaji was worsted by Chandrasen and had to flee for life when closely pursued. Balaji escaped capture and sought Shahu's protection through intermediaries. Chandrasen sent a strong threat to the king that unless Balaji was delivered into his hands for punishment, he would quit his service and join the standard of Tarabai. Shahu had no alternative. He determined to support Balaji against the insolent Senapati whose loyalty was never firm and who was beyond hope of appeasement.