A History of the Mahrattas

by James Grant Duff, Esq.

Captain in the first, or grenadier, regiment of Bombay Native Infantry, and late political resident at Satara.

In three volumes

Volume II

1826

Table of Contents

Chapter I – From 1740 to 1749

Operations of the Mahrattas in the Carnatic – Rughoojee Bhonslay endeavours without success to prevent the accession of Ballajee Bajee Rao as Peishwa – A new governor appointed to Malwa – Peishwa’s petitions to the emperor – Death of Chimnajee Appa – His son Sewdasheo Chimnajee Bhow – The Peishwa obtains a grant from the Raja – importance attached to it at this period – Bhaskur Punt invades the Bengal provinces – The Peishwa reduces Gurrah and Mundelah – Dummajee Gaekwar invades Malwa – retires – Peishwa confirms Anund Rao Powar in the possession of Dhar – Chouth of the whole of the imperial territory promised to the Peishwa – Progress of Bhaskur Punt – is at last compelled by Aliverdy Khan to retreat – Rughoojee Bhonslay, in person, invades Bengal – The Peishwa, on promise of the government of Malwa, and other advantages, supports Aliverdy Khan, and defeats the army of Rughoojee Bhonslay – obtains the government of Malwa – returns to Satara – Is obliged to resign Bengal to Rughoojee Bhonslay, to prevent his combining with other chiefs against him – Affairs of Nizam Ool Moolk – Suppresses the rebellion of his son Nasir Jung – Proceeds to the Carnatic – arrangements – Rughoojee Bhonslay’s troops renew their incursions into Bengal – Bhaskur Punt with most of his principal officers treacherously murdered by Aliverdy Khan – Deogurh and Chandah annexed to the territory of Rughoojee Bhonslay – Peishwa’s proceedings – Expedition into the Carnatic under Sewdasheo Chimnajee – Specific agreement with the Rajas of Bundelcund – Rise of Ahmed Shah Abdallee – his first invasion of Hindoostan – is repulsed by the imperial army, and retreats to Cabul – Death of the emperor Mohummud Shah – Accession of his son Ahmed Shah – Death of Nizam Ool Moolk – Revolutions in the Carnatic – Nasir Jung with a vast army proceeds to that quarter – Important domestic arrangements of the Mahrattas – Discovery of Ram Raja – Plots and intrigues at Satara during the last illness of Shao – Important deed consigned to the Peishwa – Ballajee’s proceedings on the death of the Raja – Base manner in which he compasses the destruction of Suckwar Bye Sirkay

Chapter II – From 1750 to 1754

The Peishwa secures Rughoojee Bhonslay in his interest – Poona becomes the capital of the Mahrattas – Arrangements made by the Peishwa on the will of the late Raja – Insurrection of Yemmajee Sewdeo – suppressed by Sewdasheo Rao Bhow – Agreement of Sangola between the Raja and the Peishwa – A difference arises between the Peishwa and Sewdasheo Rao Bhow – Origin and Progress of Ramchundur Baba Shenwee – The Peishwa supports Ghazee-ud-deen, the eldest son of Nizam Ool Moolk – Death and character of Nasir Jung – Muzuffir Jung, supported by the French, assumes the viceroyalty of the Deccan – Rise of Raja Rugonath Dass and Hyder Jung – Death of Muzuffir Jung – Elevation of Sulabut Jung – The Peishwa, for the purpose of opposing Sulabut Jung and M. Bussy, proceeds to the Kistna, but is suddenly recalled to Satara, in consequence of an attempt to supersede his authority on the part of Tara Bye, supported by Dummajee Gaekwar – Gaekwar circumvented – treacherously seized and imprisoned – Tara Bye retains possession of the fort – Rigid captivity of the Raja – Peishwa attacks Sulabut Jung – War carried into the Mahratta country – Moghul army directed by Bussy, penetrates as far as Korygaom on the Beema – Negotiation broken off – renewed – Armistice concluded – Raja Rugonath Dass assassinated – Successful operations of Rughoojee Bhonslay – Death of Meer Hubeeb – Affairs at the imperial court – Abdallee – Rohillas – Holkar and Sindia, called in by the Nabob of Oude, to assist in subduing the Rohillas – conquest effected – Holkar recalled to the Deccan – his march suspended – Approach of the Abdallee – Mahrattas evacuate the Rohilla territory – Mooltan and Lahore ceded to the Abdallee – Ghazee-ud-deen, accompanied by Sindia and Holkar, commences his march for the Deccan – Proceedings of Sulabut Jung – Syud Lushkur Khan, and Shah Nuwaz Khan brought into power – Arrival of Ghazee-ud-deen at Aurungabad – Extensive cessions granted by him to the Peishwa – Ghazee-ud-deen is poisoned – Sulabut Jung confirms the cessions made to the Peishwa – Intrigues of Syud Lushkur Khan against the French – Cessions made to the French for the support of their subsidiary force – Affairs at Satara – Expedition into the Carnatic and Guzerat – History of Guzerat from the year 1735, until the capture of Ahmedabad in 1755 – Rugonath Rao proceeds to Hindoostan, and returns to Poona in the ensuing year – The Peishwa sends another expedition into the Carnatic – Death of Rughoojee Bhonslay – his sons – Janojee succeeds as Sena Sahib Soobeh – Affairs accommodated between the Peishwa and Tara Bye – Progress of Janojee Bhonslay – Affairs at Delhi – Meer Shahabodeen, son of the late Ghazee-ud-deen – his rise and progress at the imperial court – his unprincipled conduct – calls in the aid of the Mahrattas – is appointed Vizier – deposes the emperor – deprives him of sight – and raises Jehander Shah to the Throne

Chapter III – From 1755 to 1756

The Peishwa’s troops, assisted by the English, reduce a part of Angria’s territory – The Peishwa proceeds against Savanoor – A secret plot between the Peishwa and Shah Nuwaz Khan alluded to – Particulars of the connection between Ballajee Bajee Rao and the English – their views on Surat – Expedition against Angria under Commodore James Capture of Severndroog – Dastardly conduct of the Mahratta fleet – Second expedition against Angria under Ramajee Punt and Khundoojee Mankur, on the part of the Peishwa and under Admiral Watson and Colonel Clive, on the part of the English – Previous successes of the Mahrattas – Siege and capture of Gheriah – Reprehensible conduct of the English in regard to the prize property – They endeavour to retain possession of Gheriah – Siege and reduction of Savanoor – Plot developed – M Bussy’s corps dismissed from the service of Sulabut Jung – Buggy marches from Savanoor towards Mausulipatam – takes post at Hyderabad – is reinforced – Influence re-established with Sulabut Jung – Negotiation between the Bombay government and the Peishwa – Treaty of Poona, AD 1756

Chapter IV – From 1756 to 1760

Rugonath Rao proceeds on an expedition to Hindoostan – Object of Ballajee Rao in his late treaty with the English – Expedition to the Carnatic – Attack on Seringapatam – Affairs compromised – District of Sera retaken – the Peishwa returns to Poona – Proceedings of Bulwunt Rao Mendlee, left in the Carnatic for the purpose of prosecuting the Peishwa’s views – Battle of Kuddapah – Conduct of the Mysore government acting on the suggestions of Hyder Ally – Designs of the Peishwa on Bednore and Mysore, – prevented by affairs of the Hyderabad court – Plot for effecting a revolution, and expelling the French – particulars of that conspiracy, and of the circumstances connected with it – Murder of Hyder Jung – Death of Shah Nuwaz Khan – Flight of Nizam Ally to Burhanpoor – Bussy recalled to Pondicherry – Remarkable instance of credulity in the Bombay government – The English obtain possession of Surat Castle – Proceedings of the Mahrattas in the Carnatic – Proceedings of Nizam Ally – is attacked by Janojee Bhonslay, at the instigation of Busalut Jung – Nizam Ally is courted by the English – Obtains the office of prime minister – Sewdasheo Rao Bhow the minister of the Peishwa – his character dissensions in the Peishwa’s family – Altercation with Rugonath Rao – Muzuffir Khan employs an assassin to murder Sewdasheo Rao – the assassin is seized and executed with his employer – Ahmednugur betrayed into the hands of the Mahrattas – Sewdasheo Rao takes command of the army, and Rugonath Rao becomes prime minister – War with the Moghuls in the Deccan – Cessions acquired by the Mahrattas as the price of peace – Reflections on the pre-eminence to which the Mahrattas had attained – Reverses in Hindoostan – affairs in that quarter

Chapter V – From 1760 to 1761

Meer Shahabodeen seizes Mooltan and Lahore – is promptly expelled by Ahmed Shah, who advances into Hindoostan, plunders Delhi and Muttra, but is compelled to retire in consequence of a pestilence – Meer Shahabodeen calls in the aid of Rugonath Rao against the Emperor and Nujeeb-ud-dowlah recovers possession of Delhi and of the Emperor’s person – Rugonath Rao conquers Mooltan and Lahore for the Peishwa – appoints Adina Beg Sur-Soobehdar, supported by the troops of Sindia – account of the sons of Ranoojee Sindia – Duttajee is summoned from Rohilcund, which he had invaded at the instigation of Meer Shahabodeen, to oppose the Abdallee – Meer Shahabodeen puts the Emperor Alumgeer the Second to death – Abdallee recover Mooltan and Lahore – advance on Delhi – surprise Sindia’s division – Duttajee and Jooteba are killed – Holkar surprised and routed – Sewdasheo Rao Bhow marches from the Deccan to oppose the Afghans – is joined by large armies on his advance – takes possession of Delhi – Rajpoots and Jhats withdraw from the confederacy – Sewdasheo Rao proclaims Mirza Juwan Bukht Emperor – storms Kunjpoora – Ahmed Shah crosses the Jumna – events from October till January – Battle of Panniput, where the Mahrattas sustain a dreadful defeat – barbarity of the Afghans – consequences of the disastrous intelligence in Maharashtra – Death and character of Ballajee Bajee Rao – State of the country under his government

Chapter VI – From 1761 to 1766

Mahdoo Rao Bullal invested as Peishwa – Death of Tara Bye – Prospect of war with Nizam Ally – Rugonath Rao, as regent, negociates with the English – Settlement of a dispute respecting the Seedee of Jinjeera – Party dissensions among the Mahrattas – Nizam Ally attacks their territory – destruction of the temples at Toka – Moghuls advance towards Poona – vigorous opposition treaty concluded – Dispute between Rugonath Rao and Mahdoo Rao – the former retires to Aurungabad, and returns supported by the Moghuls – Submission of Mahdoo Rao – motives – The proceedings of Rugonath Rao occasion general discontent – Nizam Ally breaks the treaty, and, assisted by Janoojee, attempts the subversion of the Bramin government – Poona is plundered and partially burnt – Rugonath Rao makes an attempt on Hyderabad – returns to the Mahratta territory – Janojee is detached from the confederacy – Moghul army defeated with prodigious slaughter – peace concluded at Aurungabad – Mahdoo Rao reproves Janojee for his treachery – Rise of Hyder Ally – his conquests – is opposed by Mahdoo Rao – Judicious and successful operations of the young Peishwa – defeats Hyder with severe loss – Negotiations – intrusted to Rugonath Rao – treaty – Offensive alliance between the Peishwa and Nizam against Janojee – Janojee is compelled to restore three-fourths of the districts received as the price of his treachery – State of the English in India at this period – Many of the principal events which led to their ascendancy, blended with the Mahratta history – Authors views in the intended description of these events – The records of the governments of India afford the best historical materials in the world – observations

Chapter VII – From 1766 to 1772

Conquest may be too slow as well as too rapid – A middle course adopted by the English – Proposals for expelling Janojee Bhonslay from Kuttack – Views of the Court of Directors on the East and West of India – Occupation of Rajamundree – Alliance with Nizam Ally – objects – Mahdoo Rao enters the Carnatic, levies tribute from Hyder, and returns to Poona – New treaty between Nizam Ally and the English – Rugonath Rao proceeds on an expedition into Hindoostan – Death of Mulhar Rao Holkar – his widow Aylah Bye appoints Tookajee Holkar to the command of her army – Rana of Gohud – his rise – rebellious proceedings – Rugonath Rao fails in an attempt to reduce him – accepts a tribute, and returns to Poona jealousy and distrust towards his nephew – retires from Poona, and supported by Holkar, Janoojee Bhonslay, and Dummajee Gaekwar, rebels against him – Curious anecdote of Mahdoo Rao – Rebellion crushed, and Rugonath Rao placed in confinement – Mahdoo Rao forms an alliance with Nizam Ally against Janojee – conceals his real design with great political artifice – effect on the English and Hyder – invades Berar – plunders Nagpoor – judicious conduct of Janojee – ravages the Peishwa’s territory – Mahdoo Rao is compelled to raise the siege of Chandah and return to oppose Janojee – Janojee avoids an action, and cuts off a part of the Peishwa’s baggage – treaty of Kunkapoor – The Peishwa sends an expedition to Hindoostan under Visajee Kishen Beneewalla – anecdote relative to Mahadajee Sindia – Mahdoo Rao’s endeavours to improve the civil government – Ram Shastree – account of – anecdote – admirable character – The practice of forcing villagers to carry baggage abolished – Encroachments of Hyder – The Peishwa proceeds against him – reduces a large tract of territory – Anecdote of the rival Ghatgays at the storm of Mulwugul – obstinate defence of Nidjeeghul – operations continued – Mahdoo Rao is compelled to leave the army from ill health – Trimbuck Rao Mama prosecutes the war – defeats Hyder, who loses the whole of his artillery, camp, equipage, &c – Seringapatam besieged – peace concluded – motives and terms – Proceedings in Hindoostan – Affairs at the imperial court since the battle of Panniput – The emperor seeks and obtains the protection of the English – The East India Company appointed Dewan to the Nabob of Bengal – Affairs at Delhi – Visajee Kishen levies tribute from the Rajpoots – defeats the Jhats near Bhurtpoor – Nujeeb-ud-dowlah negociates with the Mahrattas – reference to the Peishwa – overtures admitted – death of Nujeeb-ud-dowlah – The Mahrattas invade Rohilcund – The emperor quits the protection of the English, and is re-instated on his throne by the Mahrattas – The Mahrattas overrun the territory of Zabita Khan Policy of Shujah-ud-dowlah in regard to the Rohillas – on receiving a subsidy, concludes a defensive alliance with them – Insolence and rapacity of the Mahratta Bramins – The emperor, assisted by Nujeef Khan, determines to throw off their yoke – Death of Mahdoo Rao – his character – account of his civil administration – general review of the interior management and state of the country and people, including the police – civil and criminal justice – finance – army

Chapter VIII – From 1772 to 1771

State of parties upon the death of Mahdoo Rao – previous release of Rugonath Rao – Reduction of Raigurh – Rugonath Rao is again placed in confinement – Narrain Rao projects an expedition into the Carnatic, and recalls the army from Hindoostan – Probability of a rupture with the Berar government upon the death of Janojee Bhonslay – Murder of Narrain Rao – particulars – Rugonath Rao is invested as Peishwa – Character of Narrain Rao – Return of the army from Hindoostan – Summary of their proceedings during the campaign – Rughoojee Bhonslay is nominated Sena Sahib Soobeh – War with Nizam Ally – Plans of Rugonath Rao – State of the ministry – Nizam Ally is compelled to cede a large portion of territory, which is restored to him – Rugonath Rao proceeds to the Carnatic – the ministers conspire against him – he concludes an arrangement with Hyder – State of his army – returns to the northward – Confederacy against him – defeats Trimbuck Rao Mama – Advances on Poona – retreats towards Hindoostan – negotiates with Holkar, Sindia, and the English – Birth of Mahdoo Rao Narrain – Rugonath Rao crosses the Nerbuddah, and is deserted by Moodajee Bhonslay – Dissension amongst the ministers – Party in favour of Rugoba – suppressed – Hyder Ally takes Sera and Gurumcondah – Busalut Jung makes an incursion – preparations at Poona – Rugoba renews negotiations with the English

Chapter IX – From 1772 to 1775

The Court of Directors appoint a resident envoy to Poona – intention of that mission – Capture of Baroach – Resolution of the Bombay government upon the receipt of intelligence from Poona during the campaign of Rugonath Rao against Nizam Ally – Negotiations with Rugonath Rao – Resolution to support him – he refuses to accede to the terms – Capture of Tannah – Rugoba deserted by Sindia and Holkar, renews the negotiation with Bombay – State of the Gaekwar family after the death of Dummajee – Treaty between Rugoba and the English

Chapter X – 1775

Expedition under Colonel Keating sails for Guzerat – Defeat of Rugonath Rao – flees to Surat – is joined by Colonel Keating – lands at Cambay – approbation of the Bombay government – dissent of Mr Draper – Instructions to Colonel Keating – he forms a junction with Rugoba’s troops – march to Neriad – detail of operations – Colonel Keating negotiates – his envoy derided and insulted – Rugonath Rao is persuaded to move towards the Deccan – Battle of Arass – Surprise at Bowpeer – Treaty with Futih Sing – Prospects of the belligerents at the close of the season

Chapter XI – From 1774 to 1778

The Supreme Council in Bengal assume the powers of general administration – Correspondence with Bombay relative to their late proceedings – disapprove of the connection with Rugoba – Death of Sabajee Bhonslay – Violent condemnation of the Bombay measures – peremptory orders in consequence – Lieutenant-Colonel Upton despatched to Poona as envoy plenipotentiary – Remonstrances of the Bombay government – they vindicate their conduct – their belief in Rugoba’s innocence accounted for – Reflections on the precipitate interference of the Supreme Government – evils of which it was the cause – Mr Hastings’ opinion – Letter to Sukaram Bappoo – Colonel Upton’s negotiation broken off – proceedings at Bengal on receipt of this intelligence – The ministers in the mean time sign the treaty of Poorundhur – its conditions – disappointment and indignation of the Bombay government – Offers of Rugoba – Reprehensible conduct of the Bombay government – Insurrection of the impostor Suddaba – The Bombay measures approved by the Court of Directors – resolutions in consequence – dissent of Mr Draper – motives which appear to have actuated the Directors – Progress of Suddaba – defeat – seizure – and execution – Colonel Upton recalled – Mr Mostyn reappointed resident – Evasive conduct of the ministry – An agent of the French government is received with distinction at Poona – The Concan restored to order – Conquests of Hyder – Retrospective view of the history of Kolapoor – Depredations and piracies – Progress of Hyder – Successful artifice of Hurry Punt Phurkay – Death of Ram Raja, and of the Pritee Needhee – Affairs of Moodajee Bhonslay – and of Futih Sing Gaekwar – The son of Trimbukjee Raja Bhonslay is selected as Raja of Satara – Curious Artifice of the Bramins with regard to the intermarriage of the imprisoned Rajas

Chapter XII – From 1777 to 1779

Mr Hornby’s minute respecting Mahratta affairs – French envoy, St Lubin – account of his proceedings at Poona – Orders from the Court of Directors, in case the Poona ministry should not fulfil the terms of the treaty of Poorundhur – Dissensions of the ministry – Application for the restoration of Rugoba from the party of Moraba Furnuwees – Bengal government assent to that measure – Six battalions of Bengal Sepoys ordered to march overland to Bombay – – Terms on which the Bombay government agree to support Moraba’s party – Consummate artifice of Nana Furnuwees – Moraba’s party decline the restoration of Rugoba – Return of Mahadajee Sindia, and Hurry Punt Phurkay – Faction of Moraba crushed – Unshaken constancy of Sukaram Hurry – Observations respecting the march of the Bengal troops – Further explanation of the motives which actuated the Bombay government – resolve to attempt the restoration of Rugoba – Preparations of Nana Furnuwees – The governor-general intimates his intention of forming an alliance with Moodajee Bhonslay – The Bombay government adhere to their resolution – Zeal of Mr Carnac – judicious counsel of Mr Draper – Colonel Charles Egerton, account of – Field committee appointed – dilatory preparations – advanced detachment crosses over to the continent, and occupies the Bhore Ghaut, without opposition – Perverseness of Rugoba – Embarkation – troops land at Panwell – extraordinary conduct and ignorance of Colonel Egerton – unparalleled dilatoriness of the advance – Mahratta proceedings – manifest but slight opposition – appear in force at Tullygaom – burn the village – and retire before the British troops – The English determine on retiring from Tullygaom – are attacked on their retreat to Wurgaom – gallant conduct of the rear-guard under Captain Hartley – Disgraceful convention of Wurgaom – Misconduct of the committee – Mr Carnac and Lieutenant-Colonel Cockburn are dismissed from the service – Distress of the Bombay government – observations on their late conduct – fortitude and ability of Governor Hornby – his review of their affairs – revert to the proceedings of the Bengal troops – Colonel Leslie removed from the command – but dies before the order of supercession is received – Colonel Goddard assumes the command and continues his march – treacherous conduct of the Mahrattas at Sagur – hospitality and kindness of the Nabob of Bhopaul – Negotiations with Moodajee Bhonslay – declines entering on the alliance – General Goddard on learning the disaster at Wurgaom, decides on marching straight for Surat – grateful acknowledgments of the Bombay government – Mr Hornby submits a plan of operations – The negotiations with Poona confided to Colonel Goddard – Conduct of the Bengal government – judicious observations of Mr Hastings with regard to the members of the Bombay council – Goddard appointed Brigadier General – remonstrances of the Bombay government – Goddard instructed to negotiate a peace, or eventually to follow the plan proposed by Mr Hornby – Policy of Mahadajee Sindia – he allows Rugoba to escape – sacrifices Sukaram Bappoo and Chintoo Wittul to the jealousy of Nana Furnuwees

Chapter XIII – From 1779 to 1782

Hyder makes himself master of the Mahratta territory, south of the Kistna – his jealousy of the English – his connection with the French – The English expect to be attacked by the French, on the west coast of India – Rugoba received by the English – Report of a general confederacy against the English – The British government acts as a principal in the negotiation with the Poona state, not as the auxiliary of Rugoba – War declared – Capture of Dubhoy – Alliance with Futih Sing Gaekwar – terms – Siege and Storm of Ahmedabad – Sindia and Holkar advance against Goddard – Policy of Sindia – Negotiation – Goddard partially surprises Sindia’s camp – Operations prolonged in Guzerat – reasons – Lieutenant-Colonel Hartley sent down to assist the troops in the Concan – Operations in that quarter – Capture and defence of Kallian – relieved by Colonel Hartley – Operations of Captain Popham’s detachment – Capture of Lahar – Surprise of Gwalior – Unsuccessful attempt on Mullungurh – Distress of the Bombay government – War with Hyder Ally – Admirable conduct of Governor Hornby – Hartley opens the campaign with great spirit – Siege of Bassein – The covering army is attacked by the Mahrattas – Battle of Doogaur – Reduction of Bassein – Memoir of Colonel Hartley – Extensive confederacy against the British government – Peace proposed to the Peishwa’s government, through Moodajee – who declines the mediation, in consequence of the success of Hyder – Proceedings at Bombay – Goddard injudiciously takes post at the Bhore Ghaut – Preparations of the Mali-rattan – they act vigorously on Goddard’s supplies – Goddard retreats to Panwell with heavy loss – Proceedings of the Bengal government – Operations of Lieutenant-Colonel Camac’s detachment – Camac is surrounded by Sindia – retreats – surprises Sindia’s camp – is joined by Colonel Muir – Negotiation opened by Sindia, through Colonel Muir – Moodajee Bhonslay sends an army into Kuttack – Warren Hastings purchases its retreat, and detaches Moodajee from the confederacy – Instructions to General Goddard for negotiating at Poona – Extensive plan proposed by Goddard for carrying on the war – Peace with Sindia – A general treaty of peace with the Mahrattas concluded at Salbye, through Mahadajee Sindia – Delay in its ratification – Baroach conferred on Sindia

Chapter XIV – From 1773 to 1784

Affairs at the imperial court – Nujeef Khan – Shujah-ud-dowlah – dies – is succeeded by his son Asoph-ud-dowlah – Mujd-ud-dowlah – his intrigues against Nujeef Khan frustrated – Nujeef Khan establishes a paramount authority, which he upholds tills his death – His adopted son, Afrasiab Khan obliged to relinquish the succession to Mirza Shuffee – disputed by Mohummud Beg Humadanee – Mirza Shuffee assassinated – Afrasiab Khan resumes his situation, and contests the succession with Mohummud Beg – Treaty of Salbye – reasons for the delay in its ratification explained – Mahadajee Sindia, and Nana Furnuwees their respective views – Hyder Ally – Proposal for invading Bengal – Sindia’s reasons for desiring the friendship of the English – Policy of Nana Furnuwees – Death of Hyder Ally – Ratification of the Treaty – Outrage committed by the Peishwa’s admiral – Capture of the English ship Ranger – Tippoo professes to acquiesce in the terms of the treaty, but continues the war against the English – Mahadajee Sindia threatens him in consequence – A separate treaty concluded between the English and Tippoo – disapproved – but confirmed by the Governor-General – The court of Poona affect to consider the separate pacification a violation of the treaty of Salbye – Views of the Poona and Hyderabad courts – A conference – claims discussed – Offensive alliance against Tippoo proposed – Seedee of Jinjeera – Tippoo insults Nizam Ally – Probability of a rupture – Hostilities postponed – Death of Rugonath Rao – Intrigues in favour of his son Bajee Rao – Mahadajee Sindia – his proceedings

Chapter XV – From 1784 to 1785

Factions at the imperial court – Escape of Mirza Jewan Bukht – Afrasiab Khan negociates with the English – Governor-General declines all interference – Afrasiab Khan has recourse to Mahadajee Sindia – Sindia’s progress since the treaty of Salbye – Benoit de Boigne – Sindia accepts the invitation of Afrasiab Khan – Marches to Agra – Afrasiab Khan assassinated – The whole power falls into the hands of Sindia – his policy in regard to the Peishwa – The Emperor confers on him the command of the army, &c – Mohomedan chiefs submit – The Dooab taken possession of – Agra and Aligarh taken – Effect of the news of these events at the Poona court – Sindia intoxicated by his success, prefers a demand on the British Government, for the Chouth of Bengal – effect – Determination of the acting Governor-General, to send an envoy to the Peishwa’s court – Sindia’s objections – Affairs in the Deccan

This collection transcribed by Chris Gage
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