New History of the Marathas v3.c37.s3.45

v3.c37.s3.45

9. Bajirao routed at Poona.—Determined to exact retribution for all the wrongs he had suffered, Yashvantrao descended upon Ahmadnagar, now a possession of Sindia, with the greatest fury. He plundered the city and the fort and proceeding further dug up and burnt Sindia’s palaces at Shrigonda and Jambgaon. The glorious edifices erected by Mahadji and his chiefs were razed to the ground. This frightfulness so worked on the timid mind of Bajirao that he hurriedly despatched Parasharpant to Yashvantrao with dresses and presents and with messages begging him to adopt a peaceful course and abandon destructive methods. At this moment Sindia’s forces were coming rapidly in pursuit of Holkar, and as they crossed the Godavari, their chiefs, obtaining the news of Bajirao yielding to Holkar’s threats, sent him strong protests and stopped the dresses and presents from reaching Holkar. Bajirao felt himself utterly distracted. Overwhelmed by consternation, he went about the town asking advice from his friends and acquaintances how to meet the danger. Baloji Kunjar quaked at the prospect of retaliation by Holkar.