New History of the Marathas v2.c24.s1.63

v2.c24.s1.63

As soon as Balajirao received the robes of Peshwaship, he planned an expedition to the north for the purpose of examining the situation there, which had been disturbed by Nadir Shah’s invasion and of securing the grant of the Subahdarship of Malwa which had been promised by Nizam-ul-mulk. Balaji and Chimnaji both started together from Poona early in December, but the latter was compelled quickly to return on account of ill-health. Chimnaji Appa died at Poona on 17th December. This premature death was severely mourned by the whole nation. Writes Kashiraj Shivdev (author of the future Panipat Bakhar) to the Peshwa, “I am unable to conceive the magnitude of the loss occasioned by Appa’s death.” Nana Saheb reported Chimnaji’s death to Brahmendra Swami as a stunning blow, coming as it did within 8 months of Bajirao’s death.² It was indeed a national loss, for much of the phenomenal success which Bajirao attained was due to Chimnaji’s hearty co-operation and silent, ungrudging selfless effort. It is hard to find a brother of such capacity and high moral character as Chimnaji was to Bajirao. He possessed very poor health and he willingly sacrificed it for the service of his nation.