New History of the Marathas v3.c37.72

v3.c37.72

2. Narayanrao becomes Peshwa.—Peshwa Madhavrao died on 18th November 1772 after having nominated his young brother Narayanrao to the Peshwaship and counselled him to conduct the administration by the advice of Sakharam Bapu and Nana Phadnis, the two ablest and most experienced servants of the State. Special directions were left in writing that Raghunathrao was to continue in confinement to keep him from doing mischief. R’rao had hardly the courage to openly protest against Narayanrao’s nomination, in the presence of the dying Peshwa. He apparently acquiesced in the arrangement, which had been long and fully discussed in the presence of the whole court and solemnly declared with the family deity as witness. Only a short while before the Peshwa’s death, Raghunathrao had indeed plotted and effected his escape from his confinement, but had been captured promptly and securely kept from mischief. The death of Madhavrao did not improve his prospects. Blinded by personal ambition, he could not reconcile himself to a subordinate position.