New History of the Marathas v2.c24.s2.93

v2.c24.s2.93

An anecdote of Indroji Kadam is well worth reproducing. He was a small leader of a band of troops in the service of the Peshwa, and having been invited to pay his respects personally to Shahu, he marched with a large and splendidly dressed following beating his drums right up to the King’s palace, contrary to the usual practice of walking on foot from a long distance and stopping all music. Shahu’s master of ceremony suggested that this arrogant captain should be forcibly restrained. This would possibly have resulted in some kind of a deplorable incident. Shahu said, “Never mind, let him come as he chooses. I will see to it myself.” Then Shahu came and took his seat in the Darbar, with his favourite dog by his side, upon whose head he placed his own turban. Indroji walked in with his proud salutations right up to the Maharaja’s presence. Shahu quietly said, “come Kadam Raje, you are indeed a brave man,” and pointed him to a seat nearby. Indroji at once noticed the strange way in which these words were uttered and the manner in which the dog sat near the throne with the turban on. He felt mortified, rose and profusely apologized for his rudeness thus learning a lesson which he never afterwards forgot. (Rumal 1. p. 126).