Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c52.s7.10

v4.c52.s7.10

"The main object of the perpetrators was to squeeze as much treasure from the Minister, his friends and collaborators as possible. During this period Sharzā Rao and his henchmen perpetrated indescribable atrocities on the populace of Punā and its neighbourhood." But in March 1798 the widows of Mahādji Sindhiā threatened to march in force to Punā and appealed to the Peshwā to make Daulat Rao pay them the allowance worthy of the late chief's wives which Daulat Rao had promised them, but withheld so long. These ladies were loved and honoured by high and low alike, and they would form a centre round which the growing discontent against Daulat Rao’s tyranny would rally and thus raise a formidable opposition to his power.* The Shenvi party in the administration were their devoted adherents, and common enmity would also induce Nānā Fadnis to go to the same camp.