New History of the Marathas v2.c35.26

v2.c35.26

Madhavrao’s mother Gopikabai was also a typical woman, strong-willed, shrewd and experienced from having watched the rising course of the Maratha State since the days of her renowned father-in-law. Madhavrao, it would seem, had taken more after his mother than his father. During the first year or two of her son’s Peshwaship she directed the affairs of State and offered advice on questions of moment. But when she came to realize that her interference bred a factious spirit at the court, she retired completely from Poona and took up her permanent residence at Gangapur near Nasik on the Godavari. Here she passed all her remaining life in prayer and worship till her death in 1788. She had an annuity of Rs. 12,000 assigned for her expenses. Though the mother and the son did not often meet, they exchanged frequent and regular correspondence which breathes intense affection and mutual regard. Madhavrao reported to his mother mostly in his own hand in Balbodh script every little affair of importance, not only of personal health but also those of a political character, battles, treaties, behaviour of officers and relatives. He freely sought her advice on critical occasions but never accepted it against his own judgment. Once she recommended that transit duties be remitted in the district of Nasik, as there was famine and grain scarcity. But the Peshwa did not accept the recommendation, urging that if he allowed remittance in one district, he would have to do the same in all others. Gopikabai was at least ten years older than Raghunathrao, who feared and respected her outwardly, although she spurned him for his wicked and selfish ways.