In Satara during the Peshwa’s absence, Shahu often deferred taking decisions. In January 1736, when the Peshwa was on his way to meet Jaisingh, a letter from the Nizam awaited a reply. However, Shahu said a reply will be sent after the Peshwa returns. “Who knows?” Shahu said, “Bajirao might meet the sovereign (Badshah). They may discuss some things. Hence, let us first hear from the Peshwa.”
However, in his absence, domestic disputes were often blamed on the Peshwa. Chimaji, Mahadaji Purandare, Pilaji Jadhavrao and others had to keep Shahu contented with appropriate measures and explanations. Shahu waited for news from Bajirao during his campaigns; often this news reached him quite late. On the other hand, a string of complaints about the Peshwa reached his ears. When Sambhaji II of Kolhapur attacked Ichalkaranji, Vyankatrao Ghorpade’s base, that noble was away campaigning with the Peshwa. Chimaji, therefore, sent Ramchandra Hari Patwardhan to recapture it. Sambhaji II angrily wrote a complaint to Shahu that the Peshwa’s army was ravaging his territory. On hearing this, Shahu in open Durbar exclaimed, “When do the Prime Minister’s mischiefs end? One, he left for the north without asking me, now he will meet the sovereign and make plans. Earlier, he protected the Habshi at Janjira. He created a divide in the Angre family. Now he sends an army to fight my brother? Then he will not be deterred from fighting with me.” Reporting this, Pilaji Jadhavrao advised Chimaji to recall Ramchandra Hari and keep the Chhatrapati happy and contented.
Shahu and his courtiers were extremely afraid of this adventure. The Nizam was going full steam in his preparations for war. Similar such news reports arrived from the north to the Deccan. “If the Swami says that he would make Kamruddin Khan, the Badshah and all others stumble through surprise, then this plan itself is all-pervading. If thought through properly, it will be accomplished no doubt. But whatever you do, think carefully and completely and then act.” This was the frightened warning that Purandare gave. This shows, how people were afraid to even utter the word of fear in front of Bajirao.
Shinde, Holkar, Pawar and all Sardars were helping Peshwa and competing. “Raya’s virtues have grown so much, that if he takes Hastinapur’s kingdom and gives it to the Chhatrapati, it will also be favoured.” Such was the terror that had spread everywhere.
Seeing that the Peshwa was on a passionate campaign, the Rajput kings etc. were frightened to the core. “Presently Mahadev Bhat Hingne has come to Ranaji. Rajamal who had accompanied him was given goods worth five lakh rupees by Ranaji. He has invited Pradhanpant too urgently. Dado Bhimsen has gone to meet Khan Dauran. The negotiations go on through Ranoji Shinde and Ramchandrababa. The agreement that has been discussed with the Badshah is for twenty lakh rupees cash, forty lakhs worth Jagir in Malwa, and a regular income in the region of Bhopal’s owners.” This expresses the extent to which the Peshwa’s demands had been met.
At about the same time, his mother Radhabai reached Kashi from Mathura. The Peshwa was keen that she returned to Maratha-ruled regions before he embarked on his visit to Rajputana. He wrote to his mother on 25 January 1736, “I am without news about your whereabouts and whether you have returned to Bundelkhand. Complete the pilgrimage soon and return to Bundelkhand. I am waiting for your return even as I go past Lunwada and Dungarpur to Mewar. Days of campaigning are getting over. A major negotiation is on with Delhi. Nijabat Ali Khan from Khan Dauran and Aayamal from Jaisingh are coming and paying for expenses. After they come and a decision is made, I will convey it to you. The main thing is that the Prithvipati (Sovereign / Badshah at Delhi) is keen on a cordial relationship.”
Jaisingh’s Dewan Aayamal, Rajamal and Malji are all names of the same person.
The Peshwa travelled to Mewar via Songad, Dabhoi, Baswada and Dungarpur and reached Udaipur in early February 1736. Maharana Jagat Singh II of Udaipur, belonging to the Sisodia clan from which Chhatrapati Shahu traced his ancestry, came forth to receive the Peshwa. Udaipur had never allied with the Mughals and was considered preeminent among Rajput princes.
To be continued…
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