New History of the Marathas v2.c31.4

v2.c31.4

If Raghunathrao had honestly accepted his trust and willingly co-operated with his nephew, the general atmosphere and the political situation were indeed favourable to such a course. The defeat at Panipat and the terrible carnage that followed it, rankled deep in the heart of the nation and made them forget their petty differences and close their ranks. They were only too anxious to wipe out the ignominy of the defeat and avenge the deaths of their leaders and relatives. A wise and resolute leader would have at once directed this spirit of willing sacrifice and selfless service of the nation into fruitful channels. The departure of Abdali to his country after expressing a sincere desire to gain the Peshwa’s friendship, had left the northern field completely open. But Raghunathrao’s attitude from the beginning was averse to any patriotic move for undoing the results of Panipat. A strong selfless leadership was not to be expected from such a feeble-minded egotistical man, who found himself in the position of a guardian of a young prince. He selfishly directed his efforts to an internecine struggle with his nephew, which ultimately ruined both him and his country.