New History of the Marathas v2.c34.3

v2.c34.3

More than once during the recent years did Madhavrao personally and in writing, remonstrate with his uncle, strongly complaining that his sardars flagrantly disobeyed his commands and sought refuge with his uncle and obtained protection. This undermined the Peshwa’s authority and could not be tolerated in the wider interests of the State. These remonstrances fell on deaf ears, and the Peshwa found himself thwarted at every step on account of the dual authority operating in the administration. He placed all his cards openly on the table ; but Raghunathrao shifted his ground, and every minute succumbed to tale-bearers who distorted every word and action of the Peshwa.¹