Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c52.s4.1

v4.c52.s4.1

During the years 1793 and 1794, the thoughts of the Punā ministers were absorbed by one problem which only grew in urgency with the passing of months. Their Government had been working under a heavy deficit for years, and the addition of the many krores adjudged as due to Mahādji Sindhiā by the settlement of September 1793 would make the financial burden unbearable to their insolvent State. Yet there was money in sight, if only it could be got at. The Nizām of Haidarabad owed several krores to the Peshwā as war indemnity and chauth, but for many years past he had evaded payment. The problem for the Peshwā's ministers was how to make this defaulting debtor honour his treaty obligations. Diplomatic discussions, appeals to friendly Powers for mediation, and even threats of coercion failed to move the Haidarabad Government to a settlement of the claim. The Nizām's ministers,—whom the Governor-General Sir John Shore at this time aptly called 'foxes in their holes'—were passed masters in the use of delaying tactics, duplicity and evasion. The Nizām possessed an immense hoard of treasure, but he would not touch it. His ministers intrigued with all the enemies of the Peshwā and fomented the jealous quarrels among the Marātha sardārs in order to prevent a decision and thus put off the evil day.