New History of the Marathas v3.c37.s3.46

v3.c37.s3.46

Holkar’s captains, Fatehsinh Mane and Mir Khan, had been long devastating Maharashtra. Mane descended upon Pandharpur when the priests and religious managers of the place held a large congregation for a week conducting fervent prayers night and day for the safety of the shrine from spoliation. Mane arrived but refrained from doing any harm and even gave some presents to the deity. At Baramati on 8th October he had a stiff battle with Bajirao’s forces led by Nana Purandare. Mane declared his intention of not raising his arm against the Peshwa their common master; but Purandare opened fire and Mane was compelled to reply. Several chiefs were wounded and the Peshwa’s forces were dispersed in different directions. Just a week after this Yashvantrao himself arrived at Baramati and being joined by Mane organized his camp at Dhond, after visiting his family god at Jejuri. Mane had carried away the Peshwa’s proud flag which later he returned to Purandare, saying, “We are all one, equal servants of the same master and no rebels”.