New History of the Marathas v3.c37.s2.17

v3.c37.s2.17

This is only one typical case illustrating the general rotten condition of the whole Maratha State, which only a drastic surgical operation could have saved. Under such circumstances Mahadji worked his way alone as cautiously and prudently as he could. He trained and reared his own band of able helpmates and asked co-operation as much from the Holkars as from the Central Government of Poona. But his growing power only created jealousy in both. Tukoji's household was steeped in vice. His four sons were either imbeciles or vain braggarts, raving like mad men in their drinking fits, and rushing at each other's throats. They were riotous and clamouring for money to feed their vices without rendering any useful service to the State. Tukoji's wife Rukmabai and his able but corrupt manager-in-chief Naro Ganesh had for years to face the perennial problem how to keep the sons from mischief, a problem which equally worried the saintly Ahalyabai. With jealous eyes they noticed the growing power of Mahadji but refused to share his toils and expenses. As Mahadji followed a certain definite programme towards the Rajputs, Tukoji too claimed to have an independent plan of his own, and Ahalyabai simply added to the confusion by constantly egging Tukoji on in his claim of equality with Sindia. Mahadji found himself helpless in satisfying the demands of Holkar. After Mahadji's reverse at Lalsot, Tukoji had been specially deputed to co-operate with the former; but instead of receiving co-operation, Sindia met with such opposition from him at every step that in despair he asked the Poona Ministers to relieve him of his task in the north.