Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c54.s2.1

v4.c54.s2.1

The first family war against Daulat Rao Sindhia had been closed in August 1799, by his assuring the widows of Mahādji of the means of their defence and maintenance, and promising never to employ their brutal persecutor Sharzā Rao Ghātgé in his service again. But on 4th January 1800 he released Sharzā from prison and brought him to his Court. The first use that this favourite made of his liberty was to send hired assassins into the house of the widows* at night (on the 14th of that month). One of these ladies, Yamunā Bāi was stabbed, but the alarm raised saved her from death, and a captured culprit confessed to the plot. The diwān Bālobā Tātyā who had pledged his word on behalf of his master to induce the widows to make peace, now felt publicly disgraced by his master's breach of faith and offered to resign, but he was entreated to remain in office. However, all pretence ended when on 25th April, Daulat Rao treacherously arrested Bālobā and his associates and gave unfettered power to Sharzā Rao. The result was the flight of Lakhwā Dādā from the Sindhian camp in Hindustan in anticipation of the order for his arrest, and the departure of the now friendless Bāis from Jāmgāon to North India to seek protection with him (May 1800). The civil war broke out once more.