New History of the Marathas v3.c37.85

v3.c37.85

This incident is only a typical instance of the way in which the new Peshwa found it difficult to establish his prestige in the Government. The Patwardhan Sardars had attained enormous power by their faithful service during the time of the late Peshwa, and were on that account an eyesore both to R’rao and Sakharam Bapu, who now made it their business to lower the prestige of the Patwardhans much against the inclination of Narayanrao. It soon became plain that the new Peshwa and Sakharam Bapu could not pull well together ; they decided to refer their differences for decision to the experienced voice of Gopikabai, now the only elderly member in the family. For this purpose Narayanrao, Bapu and Vamanrao Patwardhan (brother of the late Gopalrao and now the leading member of that family), repaired to Gangapur in the middle of March for a consultation with the lady, and spent a few days there in frank discussions without arriving at any definite solution.