New History of the Marathas v2.c34.9

v2.c34.9

During the past two years the Peshwa’s high character and capacity had been amply exhibited, in severe contrast to the low reputation of his uncle. Everybody well understood the merits of the domestic dispute. Raghunathrao’s nefarious activities filled the Peshwa’s Court with alarm. The various sardars and leaders were approached by both for armed help. Keepers of forts began to be seduced. While a large number of public servants were neutral at heart, their loyalties came now to be divided. There was an all round commotion in the country as preparations grew apace for an armed conflict. Madhavrao removed Sakharam Bapu from office, on account of his dubious loyalty and appointed Moroba Phadnis as his immediate secretary. The Peshwa showed great forbearance and commenced negotiations with his uncle through Govind Shivram, whom he deputed to meet the uncle and adjust their differences on some reasonable basis. But Govind Shivram failed in his mission, and the Peshwa specially selected Sakharam Bapu and sent him to Raghunathrao to negotiate a peaceful solution and avoid extremities. Sakharam Bapu enjoyed Raghunathrao’s confidence and arranged a personal meeting of the two chiefs. As a last resort the Peshwa left the capital to meet his uncle and decide the dispute in person. Large forces accompanied them both and the atmosphere became surcharged with suspicion; for a long while a personal meeting between them became impossible. When the Peshwa was at Rahuri nearly half way between Nasik and Poona, Chinto Vithal arrived from Dada to negotiate an understanding; after a good deal of discussion and reference backwards and forwards, the uncle and the nephew met near Chandore on 12th September and proceeded together to Anandvalli by easy marches.