The Carnatic had seen a succession of rulers since the battle of Damalcheri in 1740. The rapid changes had led to the rise of ambitious chieftains who sensed an opportunity to profit from the instability and grab power for themselves. The rivalry between Chanda Saheb and Safdar Ali was followed by the rivalry between the latter and Murtuza Ali, and now after the murder of Safdar Ali and his son, a new entrant in the form of Anwaruddin Khan was on the scene.
Murarrao Ghorpade had been alert. But since it was not possible for him to survive in front of the Nizam, he had vacated Tiruchirappalli. Due to this Shahu became very sad. At this time, he had near him only two incapable men, Fatehsingh Bhosale and Babuji Naik. But they too could do nothing to take care of the Nizam. Babuji Naik was experienced a little in the Carnatic affairs, having run with Raghuji earlier. At this time, he convinced Shahu to write the Carnatic affairs in his name. But now, he did not have Raghuji’s support, the Peshwa was in opposition, and he did not have the capability within him to check the Nizam. Due to this, he was facing ignominy everywhere. Still, he somehow prepared on his own to attack the Nizam. In the month of September 1744, whatever events occurred at Satara in relation to the Carnatic, Purandare described it in detail to the Peshwa as follows, “Fatehsinghbaba’s style of work and prowess is already famous. All his preparations should be completed by the Peshwa, and then he would step out on the campaign. He does not find happiness at home, and becomes frustrated upon stepping out! However, since he is reined in, becomes useful at many times. There is no discussion whether to grant the Carnatic work to Raghujibaba. But Maharaj seems to be thinking that Abaji Naik should be made the leader and then Raghuji should be sent after. So, we must try and add Fatehsinghbaba to the mix. It is not correct to allow the Carnatic to be handed to that family. It is necessary that we foil this plan. Naik has some debt over the senior mansion (elder queen) for which he is following up. He (Fatehsingh) says, he gave the loan to the Naik, so the Carnatic affair belongs to him. Raghuji is in the junior queen’s party. He has also fallen over his mouth.” This shows the way various parties were competing against each other in this matter.
There were two primary parties in the Carnatic affairs, the Nizam and the Marathas. All the Nawabs there were not aligned with the Nizam. Many of them were behind their own selfish interests considering the gravity of the situation that befell them. This region was in the original scope of Kolhapur’s Sambhaji II. But Sambhaji II did not have the strength to fight with the Nizam and save the region. Shahu desired to make arrangements of many of his personal relatives in the Carnatic like the Pratinidhi, Babuji Naik, Fatehsingh and Yesaji Bhosale. But all these intentions would not succeed without inherent prowess. So, this game then passed into the Peshwa’s hands. Actually, the way Raghuji was in Bengal, Murarrao Ghorpade was capable to keep the Carnatic secure. The Peshwa should have given the administration of that province to him. But the Peshwa was not convinced, that Murarrao too would behave as per his policies. Besides, Shahu had not awarded the office of the Senapati to Murarrao. Therefore, he had become upset, and had begun his efforts to acquire the position of the Senapati of Sambhaji II. He went to Kolhapur in 1747 to try and secure this position through Queen Jijabai. Sambhaji II had some level of support from the Nizam. But Murarrao could not settle down at Kolhapur and the Peshwa through great tact took the Carnatic affairs in his own hands.
Raghuji Bhosale went on getting drawn deeper in the Bengal affair. On 31 March 1744, his Commander-in-Chief Bhaskarram and his twenty colleagues were murdered in a terrible fashion at Khatwa. Due to this, Raghuji had to dump the activities in other regions to save his prestige for years on end. Only Shahu’s younger queen would always have a soft corner for Raghuji. On the other hand, the elder queen Sakwarbai supported Babuji Naik. Babuji Naik owed her some debt, and she did not see any way to enable him to pay it back. Recognising these internecine dissensions, the Peshwa acted cautiously and tactfully established his control over the Carnatic. He did not allow Babuji to settle down there. He kept one eye on the Nizam’s activities and did not antagonise him too. He also allowed the conspiracies of Murarrao and Sambhaji II as well to take form. At the end of 1746, he decided to dispatch Sadashivrao Bhau to the Carnatic.
To be continued…