New History of the Marathas v2.c24.66

v2.c24.66

This forceful appeal had its effect at once. Shrewd words proved effective where arms had failed. Kanhoji agreed to receive Balaji with the respect due to a Peshwa and personally arrange terms for their future relations. Balaji marched from Poona some 30 miles west to the vicinity of Lohgad where Kanhoji had taken his station. The latter came down from the fort and they had a cordial meeting at Valvan, a suburb of Lonavla, early in January 1714. They held a long conference discussing terms of a lasting peace between the Chhatrapati and the Sarkhel, which later proved a basis for a similar settlement with the other feudatories, thus gradually building up a fresh constitution for the future Maratha expansion, as the old constitution had fallen into utter confusion during the period of war and unrest that followed Shivaji’s death. The terms having been solemnly agreed to with Shahu’s knowledge and approval, the two chiefs proceeded together to Kolaba where the treaty was ratified on 8th February and the ex-Peshwa Bahiropant was released from confinement. Kanhoji came to pay his respects to Shahu at Satara, where the Holi festival of 1715 was performed with particular rejoicing.³ In the main the treaty demarcated the Angrian and the Chhatrapati’s possessions and provided for mutual co-operation and common defence.