Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c52.s1.1

v4.c52.s1.1

When in February 1792 Mahādji Sindhiā left Ujjain on return to Punā, he had been an exile from his native land for eleven years. These long years had been filled for him with ceaseless striving. He had fought in many a field and planted the Maratha banner on many a historic place. He had risen to unimaginable heights of glory, and had also, at times, seemed to touch the lowest depth of ruin; but he had not once left the northern theatre of his activity. And now that he had made himself the supreme dominator of Indian politics, what sort of reception would he find from his master? With many hopes and no little misgiving too, did he contemplate his coming audience with the Peshwā and the Peshwā's masterful minister Nānā Fadnis.