New History of the Marathas v2.c24.s2.31

v2.c24.s2.31

On 25 November 1746 Pratinidhi Shripatrao, Shahu’s friend and companion in life died. He was politically a non-entity, but in private life he was a constant associate for over thirty years to Shahu, who thenceforward seriously felt that he must soon follow his friend. The Maharaja appointed his younger brother Jagjivan alias Dadoba to the vacant post, (17 December 1746). Shahu felt great respect and love for the holy seat of Chaphal founded by the revered Ramdas. Gangadhar Swami was a pious occupant of the institution for a long time. When he died on 26th November 1734 disputes arose about the succession, which Shahu settled by a personal visit; and he appointed the deceased’s son Lakshman Bawa to the headship of that holy place. Jivaji Khanderao Chitnis, Shahu’s hereditary secretary died on 6th January 1743. Another devoted servant of Shahu, Naro Ram fortunately outlived him by a year. Shahu had a favourite elephant named Madari. He was a huge beautiful animal, and always most docile even when in ruts. One night he got loose, fell into a well in the city and died, an incident which threw Shahu into the deepest despair about his own future. His Court was of the nature of a private family, and these incidents deprived him of all relish in life. On 2nd August 1746 Mahadoba Purandare thus describes Shahu’s condition : ‘For the last few days His Highness has been getting a little temperature in the afternoon. Blisters have been applied to his stomach. Every day he receives one complaint or another from the palaces (the two queens). When such a complaint comes, he loses all nerve and cries out, ‘Why does not God take pity on me and end my days ?’ In such a state he does not take medicine and neglects his health. He often gives vent to his feelings by crying out, ‘These two ladies will starve me to death.’ Recently the bankers have become impatient, lest they should lose their advances in the event of the king’s demise. Hence they are using all contrivances to have their loans repaid. These are bad omens for the State. God knows what these will lead to ?’⁴