New History of the Marathas v2.c34.25

v2.c34.25

4. Damaji Gaikwad’s death.—The Gaikwads of Baroda, the Bhosles of Nagpur, the Sindias and the Holkars were now left as the four principal subordinate vassals, upon whom the Peshwa depended for the defence of the Maratha State, so that the history of these four houses also forms an important part of this Peshwa’s distinguished administration. Of all these Damaji Gaikwad was the most shrewd and circumspect, avoiding both the extremes—either strong attachment to the Peshwa or open defiance. The test of his loyalty came when a fierce war raged between the Peshwa and his uncle during 1768. Damaji mainly devoted his energies to consolidating his power in Gujarat, extending his boundaries up to Palanpur in the north, and Dwarka in the west, and carefully avoiding participation in the domestic dispute of the Peshwa’s house. He had long worked under R’rao and been associated with him in many campaigns, so that it was difficult for Damaji to disobey Raghunathrao when called upon to help him. But during 1767 and 1768 Damaji was in declining health and shrewdly avoided taking sides in the civil war. He had toiled for forty years and greatly helped in extending and resuscitating the fortunes of the Maratha State in Gujarat and Kathiawad. Damaji died at Baroda on 18th August 1768, leaving four sons Sayaji, Govindrao, Fatesinh and Manaji who all took part in the subsequent history of the Marathas. The usual succession disputes started between these brothers, and thereby weakened their position. On 21st December 1768, Madhavrao addressed this stern rebuke to Fatesinh. “It is reported you are quarrelling with your brothers and on that account damaging the interests of your possessions and estate. We cannot tolerate any disturbances of this kind and have sent Appaji Ganesh with orders to take charge of the state, and conduct the administration independently of you. Please hand over the management to him and repair immediately to Poona for whatever representation you may have to make. Govindrao is already here and in the presence of you all we shall decide your dispute ; and our decision will be binding upon you all. No excuse will be accepted. It is our duty to decide who is fit and who is unfit among you all. We won’t allow any mischief to be created. If you have any regard for your interest, you must implicitly obey this summons and act without hesitation. If you disobey you will have to suffer heavily. Please take heed and act.”