New History of the Marathas v2.c24.s2.64

v2.c24.s2.64

3. Final decision.—Although weakened in body, Shahu fortunately retained his mental powers to the last. He realized that if he brought in Ramraja and completed the adoption in his presence, Sakwarbai would most certainly create trouble; and grave mischief or even bloodshed would be the result. He, therefore, wrote in his own hand two small orders commanding the Peshwa, definitely to take certain steps in regard to his succession. These two small papers have since been published in their original form and leave no doubt that they are in Shahu’s hand and represent his genuine disposal of the knotty problem in agitation for over three years. Both the papers seem from internal evidence to have been issued about the 1st October 1749 or possibly on the 10th October, that is the Dassara day of the year. They bear no date.