Fall of the Mughal Empire v4.c54.s9.4

v4.c54.s9.4

Worst of all, no competent general was available to lead this expedition, as all men of honour and ability had begun to shun him, and Bāji Rao’s sole confidants and agents were the pimps and sycophants who formed the inner circle of his court. The commanders of the Bārāmati force were Purandaré and Pāndoji Kunjar, the veteran heroes of the recent flight from Dond, and only one brave but rash fighter, Māloji Ghorpadé.* Their instructions were not to fight Māné, but to plant the royal standard (zari patākā) before their ranks and dare the rebel to outrage public opinion throughout Mahārāshtra by firing on the national flag. Thus a prestige which he had lost by his own cowardice and deceit, was expected to save him in the clash of arms!