From Bundelkhand, Nanasaheb wrote an extraordinary letter to Nana Purandare on 26 December 1742, and opened his heart about what he saw and what he wished to achieve. A striking example of excellent Marathi prose of the times, the letter also reveals the Peshwa’s mind. In it, the Peshwa’s blythe, tasteful nature, intellectual and hopeful demeanour is expressed perfectly. Nanasaheb wrote about the regions in the north, “’To Chiranjeev Rajashree Nana (Purandare) from Balaji Bajirao Pradhan, many blessings. In this province, the ancient Hindu kings are proficient in Sanskrit, deplore the company of courtesans and liquor, are wealthy for seven generations, are well-versed in the arts, have consorts from their own castles, who are also experts and have won over their senses. They seem slightly more in control of their bodily demands too. Their style is a bit inclining towards becoming connoiseurs of art forms; extending courtesies to Gods and Brahmins, just observing it, any non-religious person would also be inspired towards spirituality. The singers here, sing in their unwavering voices, strictly as per the scriptural teachings, they know their Vedas and Shastras well too. The rulers are devoid of any selfish expectations; nursing almost an aversion to enjoyment of the fruits of their prosperity; numerous are their disciples; if one observes from an intellectual and close perspective, these seem to be our greatest brothers in this country; however observing at a high level, they might seem a little uninteresting.
“The gardens and flowers and lotuses here, one cannot count. Seeing their bright appearance, one feels one should pray that they come to our own country. However, perceiving our land to be alien to theirs, even after our prayers, they do not agree to come.”
Nanasaheb Peshwa was known for his writing skills, often using metaphors to make a point and convince his addressee to do his bidding. The letter now goes on to – again metaphorically – narrate not just his vision for making Pune a better place but lays out a plan on how this can be achieved and what difficulties he might face: “The rivers in this region are like those of elixir, which, by their waters make the land prosperous and give the travellers happiness and the kingdom revenue. In comparison, our demon-like rivers cannot even be called canals. In the northern regions, all people are fair, just describing one Ramchandra and Krishna as dark was enough to make our poets miserable! Everything here could be confused with dark water-bearing clouds (someone who always gives); but from a religious perspective, equivalent to the Hansas. Here, everybody is well-mannered, has an income that is more than expenditure, more are religious than irreligious, Shaivites-Vaishnavites-Lingayats, people of all creeds hold their own opinions with pride. In terms of courage, only deficient than Nayamars (Nairs), all intellectual warriors. All this you should see. Instead, you have discarded all pomp, got married, and gone, you did not do right! At least in the future you should come and see this land. If I come here with you, we shall together see all the items of beauty and adornment.”
Moving to items of governance and revenue, once again in a metaphorical vein, the Peshwa continues, “Speaking of our duties as the rulers, like Bhagirath, the departed father (Bajirao), for twenty-four years ensured the flow of the river of gold from the north to the south. Due to his efforts, while it keeps flowing even now in its growing flows; it has naturally and completely satisfied the rulers of kingdoms, leaders of militaries, and all members of general public. This flow of gold has, however, increased one particular thirst. In the past, Raghuji and Fatehsinghbaba brought the river of gold from the south, but on the way, it seeped into the soil. For some time then, the southern river did not flow. Through God’s wishes, this year too the flow of funds has been excellently and abundantly available on this campaign. But on its way to Pune, the land is extremely arid, and it will all seep away in the dry earth. For once in our life, the rivers of gold from the north and the south, both have their confluence in the ocean-like unfathomable reservoir at Pune, without seeping into the soil on the way, and cause a flood – which would repay all our debts, then our labours will have been rewarded in this world and the next. Bhagirathi was born for the Sagara (sea), but it uplifts the entire universe. Similarly, in this age, the rivers of north and south will be beneficial for many along the way. All the rivers go and meet the sea in their torrents. Only the Kaveri, people have been able to exploit. This river of resources should likewise be used for benefitting the people, and not allowed to perform its main duty (of joining the ocean). Whether this is just or unjust, the intellectuals should introspect about; by some means the aridity in Pune should be done away with, and the task that it should not seep into the soil on the way here, should be accomplished. This will be appropriate. What else to write? My blessings.”
The Deccan had none of the wealth and pomp of the north. Now that the Maratha power, of which he was the custodian and guardian, was the paramount power, he wished his own region and people to emerge from the hard lives they had led and enjoy the comforts that were due to them. And for this to happen, it was necessary for the wealth of these prosperous regions to reach Pune through the metaphorical rivers of gold. His mention of the seepage in the soil on the way alludes to the pilferage of earnings by various agencies along the way, so that only a small portion of the realised proceeds from a campaign finally reached the treasury of the Peshwa’s Government at Pune.
To be continued…
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