New History of the Marathas v2.c31.31

v2.c31.31

5. The decision of Rakshasbhuvan.—The Peshwa and his uncle after despoiling Naldurg on 10th April, Udgir on 23rd April and Medak on 10th May, arrived before Haidarabad, where they learned of the spoliation their capital had suffered at the hands of the enemy. The Peshwa wrote to his mother on 5th June, “We have retraced our steps from Bhaganagar and reached the banks of the Krishna, looking out for a suitable opportunity when we can avenge the cruel fate the enemy has inflicted upon Poona.” On the same date Raghunathrao also wrote to Gopikabai expressing his indignation against Nizam Ali. He was so impatient to close in with the enemy that it was with difficulty that Malharrao Holkar, Sakharam Bapu and other chiefs restrained him for a time, until the enemy was isolated by the separation of his new allies Janoji Bhosle, Gopalrao Patwardhan, Piraji Nimbalkar, Dhaygude, the Pratinidhi and others, who had to be weaned away from Nizam Ali’s side. For this purpose secret negotiations were now undertaken. Govind Shivram was sent to Gopalrao and Sakharam Bapu to Janoji Bhosle, with offers of restoring them to their jagirs, if they would desert Nizam Ali and resume their former loyalties. All these deserters had practically gained nothing and lost much by their new alliance. Janoji realized that he had little prospect of getting the Chhatrapati's throne, while on the other hand, the Peshwa threatened him with being replaced by Mudhoji at Nagpur. His province of Berar had been overrun and plundered. At the Peshwa's summons Mahadji Sindia marched from Ujjain to attack the northern parts of the Bhosle's territory. Inducement was offered to Nizam Ali's brother Basalat Jang and he came over to the Peshwa's side. So did Piraji Nimbalkar a subordinate chief of Janoji Bhosle.