New History of the Marathas v2.c24.56

v2.c24.56

A very serious situation at once developed for Shahu. Chandrasen moved heaven and earth against him in all directions. Tarabai greeted him with expressions of the warmest respect and fed his vanity with all the arts of flattery. Shahu sent Parasurampant and Khanderao Dabhade to mediate and settle the dispute. The former was released and promised the coveted office of Pratinidhi if the mission proved successful. But these two noteworthy figures were easily won over by Chandrasen and they deserted Shahu’s cause. Several local chiefs such as Damaji Thorat, Krishnarav Khatavkar, Udaji Chavan and others of lesser repute, seized this opportunity of rising against Shahu in order thereby to gain their own selfish ends. Not one of these had a moment’s thought for the national interests as such. Thus the latter half of 1711 filled the cup of Shahu’s misery to the brim. His only hope was centered in Balaji, who, though by no means a soldier, possessed unrivalled fortitude, power of planning and resourcefulness.