New History of the Marathas v3.c37.s3.44

v3.c37.s3.44

Finding Bajirao utterly impervious to his solicitations, Yashvantrao moved south from Thalner in April and learnt that some forces of Sindia had arrived at Burhanpur. Bajirao at this moment sent a personal emissary to Yashvantrao asking him to return but without any reference to his demands. Yashvantrao moved on, crossing the Kasarbari pass near Chalisgaum and sent humble respectful letters to the Peshwa, begging for justice, with presents of elephants and horses. Bajirao’s only response was to ask him not to proceed further. He evidently meant to gain time for the disciplined corps of Sindia to arrive. Yashvantrao detected this trick and pressed on to the Godavari. Bajirao became utterly confused and implored Holkar’s agent Parashar to persuade his master to return to the Tapti, promising that if he so returned, his demands would be favourably considered and all his lands and property would be restored. These empty professions deceived no body. Parashar made a strong protest adding, “Here I am sitting at your door begging for justice for four months. Have you till now substantiated a single promise? How can I ask my master to return”? The two Nagpur agents of Raghuji Bhosle were present at this interview and strongly supported Parashar. Bajirao was half inclined to yield and offer some satisfaction to Holkar. But at this stage Baloji Kunjar, who was mainly responsible for the severe punishment meted out to Vithoji Holkar, treated Holkar’s complaints with contempt and warned Bajirao against the disastrous course of conciliating his devilish enemy. Bajirao then resumed his former stiffness and began to punish even a slight whisper in favour of Holkar, at the same time mustering all available forces to meet the contingency of an attack upon the capital. He appointed his favourites and menials as his military commanders to oppose a man of Holkar’s calibre.