New History of the Marathas v3.c37.82

v3.c37.82

Like the British traders of Bombay the Siddi of Janjira was also keenly watching for an opportunity to profit by any weakness in the Maratha Government, particularly with a view to taking back fort Raigad, which the Marathas prized as the erstwhile capital of Shivaji’s time, and which at this moment was in the nominal possession of the Chhatrapati. Even during the late Peshwa’s lifetime Narayanrao had foreseen the danger and taken measures for the defence of that fort. These incidents reveal the kind of situation which Narayanrao had to handle at the commencement of his rule. Fortunately his relations with his uncle were at first cordial. On 7th February 1773 the marriage of R’rao’s daughter Durgabai was celebrated with great pomp and rejoicing, in which Narayanrao figured prominently supervising the arrangements.