New History of the Marathas v2.c34.11

v2.c34.11

This agreement proved only a temporary truce. By it Raghunathrao lost the high position and influence he had so long wielded in the State, a humiliation which stung him severely. He immediately started his former intrigues with Nizam Ali, Haidar Ali, Damaji Gaikwad, Janoji Bhosle and others, upon whose attachment he had long counted. At this time the British mission under Mostyn arrived in Poona : Mostyn’s assistant Brome visited Raghunathrao at Nasik, had several interviews with him (from 19 December 1767), and promised him British help if he would take up arms against the Peshwa. When Madhavrao learned of these activities of his uncle, he felt extremely annoyed and regretted very much that he had not once for all dealt severely with the latter last September and finished him at a stroke. He again called up his forces and marched in the direction of Nasik. Damaji Gaikwad and Holkar’s Dewan Gangoba Tatya openly espoused Raghunathrao’s cause ; while Tukoji Holkar chose to remain neutral, but Mahadji Sindia came and joined the Peshwa.