New History of the Marathas v3.c37.s2.71

v3.c37.s2.71

Thus came Sindia to Poona quietly feeling his way and earnestly trying to find out what kind of a master the young Peshwa was growing into, and whether he could not himself put into him a little more manly spirit and knowledge of the outside world, confined as he had all along been to the small narrow palace in Poona, amusing himself with childish games and pet animals rather than with warlike pursuits and surrounded by timid politicians who would not let him roam about in the open. For years Mahadji had stayed away from his home campaigning in Hindustan, and repeatedly begged the Poona Minister to be relieved of his thankless job there. Nana never granted Mahadji’s request and urged that there was none capable of taking his place. Thus was Mahadji prevented from visiting his native land and more than once plainly asked what crime he had committed that he should be prevented from meeting his master in person for so many years. If he stayed away from the Deccan, he was accused of a desire of carving out an independent State; and now when he came to Poona, he was charged with an attempt to usurp the Maratha Government. How was he to get out of this dilemma? He had exhausted his patience in his dealings with Holkar and Ali Bahadur. Could he not explain and discuss matters personally, organize the Central Government to enable it to exact implicit obedience from one and all, remodel the whole army system, and in particular take steps to meet the dangers that were fast developing for the State. This was a legitimate task which Mahadji alone could tackle. From 12th June 1792 to 12th February 1794, the day of his death, Mahadji spent twenty months in Poona without achieving any material results and with his aspirations practically shattered.