New History of the Marathas v2.c29.22

v2.c29.22

Najib Khan was not slow in counteracting this move of the Maratha leader. He circulated false rumours that Vishvasrao was made the Emperor, that money was coined in his name by tearing down the silver ceiling of the Audience-Hall. He also violently opposed every move on either side for coming to a peaceful understanding. Shah Abdali was not at all anxious to hold and occupy Delhi : and Najib Khan rightly feared that if the capital city remained in Maratha possession, he would have to endure the utmost vengeance at the hands of the Marathas after the Afghan monarch had returned to his country. Sadashivrao had deputed his ambassadors Kashiraj and Bhavani Shankar to Shuja for negotiating terms of peace and Shuja’s agent Devidatta was living with Sadashivrao for the same purpose. But the conflicting interests of the various parties and Najib’s obduracy obstructed every attempt to adjust matters. Najib Khan wanted to crush the Marathas finally. Shuja aspired to the Wazirship and objected to any Pathans wielding power at Delhi. The Shah himself desired to secure an honourable retreat to his country, remaining content with the possession of the Punjab only. When Dattaji fell at Barari Ghat, the Marathas retreated to the Chambal and gave up Delhi, which was exactly midway between Sarhind and the Chambal, a distance of 320 miles. If Bhau Saheb had agreed to cede the Punjab and make the Satlaj the boundary line between the two claimants, a negotiated peace was quite possible.