New History of the Marathas v2.c34.18

v2.c34.18

All this while Diwakar Pandit from his confinement in the Maratha camp managed to conduct intrigues with his master, communicating to him vital information and directing plans and measures for overcoming the Peshwa. Acting on this advice Janoji who had formed his base at Chanda and being unable to meet the Peshwa's strength with his small force, had adopted guerilla tactics, gave out that he would march upon Poona, liberate Raghunathrao and instal him in the Peshwa's seat. He crossed the Godavari and began mercilessly ravaging the territories of his opponents. Madhavrao was compelled to give up his objective of reducing Chanda and hurriedly despatched Ramchandra Ganesh and Gopalrao Patwardhan in pursuit of Janoji to prevent him from reaching Poona. For three or four days during February Poona was in great alarm and confusion on account of the false reports spread by Janoji. The Peshwa took prompt measures for counteracting these reports and relieving the people of unnecessary fears.