New History of the Marathas v2.c31.12

v2.c31.12

Nor was R'rao himself slow in expressing similar threats of retirement to Gopikabai. He writes, "I have no desire to run the State; Sakharam Bapu and I have decided to retire and entrust the conduct of affairs to Rao Saheb and Baburao Phadnis. I am a simple soul, unused to diplomatic ways. I unguardedly give out what comes uppermost in my mind and find myself ever misunderstood. I have lost all interest in the State." These protestations, however, lacked sincerity and were designed to conceal his evil intentions. Gopikabai in order to avoid an open rupture used her good offices to effect a compromise, and directed that Sakharam Bapu should withdraw, leaving the management of affairs to Trimbakrao Pethe and Baburao Phadnis acting under orders of R’rao. This obviously meant that the two Karbharis were to act as a check upon Raghunathrao’s freedom, and it pleased no party. He chafed under the restraint placed over his free action by subordinates, who had been thrust on him and whom he disliked. He took Bapu’s retirement as a personal affront. On the other hand the two Karbharis, Pethe and Phadnis, felt themselves insecure in their position and responsibility.