New History of the Marathas v2.c34.16

v2.c34.16

The Peshwa had organized a strong expedition under Ramchandra Ganesh to be despatched to the north. He now diverted these forces and ordered that general to fall upon Nagpur, and ravage the Bhosle’s territory. Gopalrao Patwardhan who had been asked to move into the Karnatak was immediately recalled and an all round offensive opened against the Bhosle brothers. In response to the Peshwa's request for military help, Nizam Ali despatched his forces under his minister Ruknud-daula with Ramchandra Jadhav supporting him. Thus reinforced the Peshwa began aggressive movements in the Bhosle raja's territory and captured the fort of Amner without much effort. He did not thus take long to seize the Bhosle possessions of Berar right up to the river Wardha. Early in January 1769 the Peshwa marched upon Nagpur and Ramchandra Ganesh reduced Bhandara. A severe action was fought on 10th January at Panchgavan near Akola, in which Narahar Ballal Risbud an able commander of the Bhosles was killed.²