New History of the Marathas v3.c37.s2.78

v3.c37.s2.78

Politicians at Poona were obstinately blind to the situation. They had no clear conception of the British aims such as Mahadji had formed by his dealings with them. Sindia's scheme was to set the young Peshwa on his legs, so as to enable him to assume charge of the Maratha Government and through him to build up a strong central authority that would exact implicit obedience from one and all. Nana Phadnis, however, clung to his personal autocracy, jealously hated Sindia and sought only how to avoid being overshadowed by him. The result was that Sindia failed to obtain willing and sympathetic support in organizing the Maratha State. The last chance for its resuscitation was thus foolishly lost. The Courts of Nagpur and Haidarabad were equally agitated at this moment by Mahadji's activities in Poona. Mahadji thought himself equal to handling the situation and confronting the British Power boldly when a suitable opportunity would offer. The mere presence of Mahadji was sufficient to keep the British in the awe of the Maratha power. Malet repeatedly conveyed to his superiors his candid opinion and warning against risking a war with the Marathas.⁶