New History of the Marathas v2.c31.40

v2.c31.40

The victory of Rakshasbhuvan had repercussions throughout India. It proved that the disaster of Panipat had not crushed the Maratha power and that they still possessed the vibrant energy which had carried their banners to the far corners of India, and that they were still a power to be feared and respected. The more immediate effect of this victory was the assertion of his power by the young Peshwa, both over his uncle and his partizans. He proved his worth by dint of his own inherent strength in controlling and ruling the vast Maratha State. By contrast his uncle's levity and want of decision came to be clearly exposed. He could no longer hold his able nephew in thraldom or tutelage. Madhavrao during these two years gained the most valuable experience of his life, both in war and diplomacy, by controlling divergent elements, and by leading his nation to its former prestige. The generation that Panipat had destroyed, was again thus quickly replaced by another no less worthy. Rakshasbhuvan proved the beginning of this national revival.