CHRONOLOGY – CHHATRAPATI SHAHU MAHARAJ

It would be beneficial if a chronology of the events up to Shahu’s death is provided at this stage.

Date	Events
12 December 1721	Nanasaheb’s birth.
11 January 1730	Nanasaheb’s marriage with Gopikabai.
4 February 1740	Raghunathrao’s Upanayan ritual at Pune.
7 February 1740	Sadashivrao Bhau’s marriage with Parvatibai.
10 April 1740	Aliwardi Khan usurps power in Bengal from Nawab Sarfaraz Khan.
28 April 1740	Senior Bajirao dies.
20 May 1740	Battle of Damalcheri in the Carnatic.
26 May 1740	Nanasaheb departs from Colaba for Pune.
2 June 1740	Sambhaji II arrives at Jejuri.
3 June 1740	Kashibai’s arrival at Pune from the Narmada.
5 June 1740	Nanasaheb departs for Satara.
25 June 1740	Nanasaheb given the protocol robes of the office of the Peshwa.
16 November 1740	Nawab Safdar Ali enters into a secret agreement with the Marathas.
23 November 1740	Nanasaheb leaves for his first northern campaign to Sironj-Bhilsa.
17 December 1740	Chimaji Appa’s death.
24 December 1740	Birubai’s death at Satara.
25 December 1740	Marathas attack the Dutch at Porto Novo in the Carnatic.
December 1740	Tansheth Bhurke given the authority of the royal mint by Shahu.
5 January 1741	Shinde and Holkar capture the Dhar outpost.
7 January 1741	Nizam and Peshwa meet at Edlabad (Muktainagar).
16 January 1741	Tanjore’s Pratapsingh and Raghuji enter into a treaty.
3 March 1741	Nizam arrives at Puntamba to quell Naseer Jung’s revolt.
7 March 1741	Peshwa crosses the Narmada for the northern campaign.
21 March 1741	Battle of Manaparai, Bada Saheb killed.
26 March 1741	Raghuji captures Tiruchirappalli and hands over the control to Murarrao Ghorpade. Chanda Saheb and his eldest son is dispatched to Satara.
13-19 May 1741	Peshwa and Jaisingh meet at Dhaulpur.
27 June 1741	Raghuji felicitated at Satara for a successful Carnatic campaign.
June 1741	Chanda Saheb imprisoned at Satara.
7 July 1741	Nanasaheb returns from Sironj-Bhilsa campaign.
23 July 1741	Naseer Jung defeated at Aurangabad and imprisoned.
7 September 1741	Mughal Badshah issues Malwa grant-notification in favour of Marathas.
18 December 1741	Nanasaheb Peshwa embarks on Prayag-Bengal campaign in the north.
December 1741	Bhaskarram on campaign in Bengal.
11 January 1742	Sarkhel Sambhaji Angre dies.
12 January 1742	Gopikabai returns from Khandesh.
13 January 1742	Dupleix arrives in India.
February 1742	Peshwa cantoned at Chanda. Trimbak Vishwanath riots in Berar.
March 1742	Peshwa captures Gadhamandala.
15 April 1742	Bhaskarram surrounds Aliwardi Khan at Burdwan.
20 April 1742	Manaji Angre comes to Satara to meet Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.
April 1742	Shinde and Holkar attack Abhay Singh.
April 1742	Bapuji and Damaji attack Malwa.
4 May 1742	Raghuji complains about Peshwa’s incursions into his territories to Shahu.
6 May 1742	Mir Habib attacks Murshidabad with the Marathas.
28 May 1742	Kashibai returns from Rameshwar pilgrimage and embarks on the Kashi pilgrimage.
May-September 1742	Bhaskarram surrounds West Bengal.
29 June 1742	Peshwa encamped at Orchha.
July 1742	Yashwantrao Pawar installed at Dhar.
22 July 1742	Vishwasrao is born.
27 September 1742	Aliwardi raids Bhaskarram at Khatwa.
30 September 1742	Raghuji starts from Nagpur for Bhaskarram’s help.
5 October 1742	Murtuza Ali murders Safdar Ali and assumes the office of Nawab.
November 1742	Jyotiba Shinde and other Maratha Sardars killed in Orchha’s Veersingh’s rebellion.
8 November 1742	Peshwa marches off from Bundelkhand to Bengal.
December 1742	Naro Shankar avenges Orchha massacre. Jhansi established.
January-February 1743	Peshwa completes pilgrimage at Prayag-Kashi-Gaya. Tulaji Angre appointed as Sarkhel.
6 January 1743	Jiwaji Khanderao Chitnis dies.
1 February 1743	Nanasaheb at Prayag.
9 February 1743	Aliwardi Khan returns to Murshidabad after triumphant campaign against Bhosales.
10 March 1743	East India Company ship Winchester leaves from England towards India.
31 March 1743	Peshwa meets Aliwardi Khan.
March 1743	Nizam-ul-Mulk arrives at Arcot.
10 April 1743	Peshwa and Raghuji Bhosale clash at the Bend Pass.
4 May 1743	Raghuji clashes with Aliwardi Khan’s forces.
13 May-20 June 1743	Chhatrapati Shahu’s health concerns.
19 June 1743	Chhatrapati Shahu issues grant notification in Babuji Naik’s name.
30 July 1743	Peshwa returns from Prayag-Bengal campaign.
August 1743	Peshwa and Queen Sagunabai reconcile.
August 1743	British and French felicitate the Nizam.
29 August 1743	Murarrao hands over Tiruchirappalli to the Nizam.
31 August 1743	Peshwa and Raghuji meet at Satara and reconcile.
23 September 1743	Sawai Jaisingh dies. Succession dispute arises.
January 1744	Bhaskarram departs for Bengal.
16 January 1744	Peshwa enters into an instalment payment agreement with the Chhatrapati.
1 February 1744	Mahadevbhat Hingne murdered at Delhi.
30 March 1744	Bhaskarram and his 21 colleagues murdered brutally in Mankara camp.
31 May 1744	East India Company’s ship Winchester reaches Madras.
20 November 1744	Peshwa embarks on the Bhilsa campaign.
December 1744	Babuji Naik invades the Carnatic.
23 January 1745	Tulaji Angre captures Govalkot and Anjanvel.
February 1745	Raghuji embarks on the campaign to Bengal.
February 1745	Ishwari Singh defeats Madho Singh.
2 March 1745	Bhopal principal enters into an agreement to pay tribute to the Marathas.
11 March 1745	Ranoji captures Bhilsa station of the Bhopal’s principal.
16 May 1745	Cuttack fort and Odisha province captured.
20 June 1745	Mustafa Khan killed in Battle of Jagdishpur.
1 July 1745	Zakaria Khan, Subedar of Punjab dies.
3 July 1745	Ranoji Shinde dies.
1 August 1745	Peshwa returns from Bhilsa campaign.
21 December 1745	Raghuji defeated at Murshidabad and returns.
16 February 1746	Kashibai leaves Pune on another Kashi pilgrimage.
5 May 1746	Shinde and Holkar capture Jaitpur.
20 August 1746	Sambhaji II leaves for Kolhapur from Satara.
21 September 1746	The French temporarily occupy the city of Madras.
4 October 1746	Madho Singh, Jagat Singh and Umed Singh meet at Nathdwara.
28 October 1746	Peshwa enters into an agreement to install Arjun Singh in Bundelkhand.
31 October 1746	Additional French help marches-off from Pondicherry to help Madras garrison.
25 November 1746	Shripatrao Pratinidhi dies.
17 December 1746	Jagjivanram alias Dadoba Pratinidhi appointed on office. Yamaji Shivdeo appointed Mutalik.
25 December 1746	Amir Khan’s murder.
January 1747	Janoji embarks on campaign to Bengal.
January 1747	Raghuji meets the Nizam and Shahu.
January 1747	Jayappa and Ramchandrababa reconcile.
January 1747	Peshwa sends a warning letter to Chhatrapati Shahu.
January 1747	Sadashivrao Bhau wins his first battle at Ajra near Kolhapur.
January-March 1747	Nanasaheb deposed from the office of the Peshwa.
27 January 1747	Vitthal Shivdeo captures Antri.
9 February 1747	Jaipur’s Dewan Aayamal dies. Son Keshavdas appointed the Pradhan.
23 February 1747	Kashibai performs Shraadh ritual at Gaya.
1 March 1747	Battle of Rajmahal. Madho Singh defeated.
7 March 1747	Madho Singh sues for peace, temporary truce.
30 March 1747	Sadashivrao Bhau meets Murarrao Ghorpade on his Carnatic campaign.
7 March 1747	Peshwa meets Maharaj and submits offerings.
March 1747	Kashibai returns from the northern pilgrimage.
13 April 1747	Chhatrapati Shahu confers upon Nanasaheb the protocol robes and elephant and restores him to the office of the Peshwa.
15 April 1747	Chhatrapati Shahu visits the Peshwa’s camp and meets him.
1 May 1747	Raghuji arrives at Satara, Sagunabai presents him protocol garments.
3 May 1747	Shahu felicitates Tulaji Angre at Satara.
9 May 1747	Sadashivrao Bhau returns from the Carnatic campaign and meets the Peshwa at Jejuri.
24 May 1747	Nanasaheb arrives at Pune.
29 May 1747	Peshwa captures Manikgad fort belonging to Manaji Angre.
7 June 1747	Bajirao’s sister Bhiubai (Babuji Naik’s brother Aabaji Naik’s wife) dies.
19 June 1747	Nadir Shah’s murder, rise of Ahmedshah Abdali.
July 1747	Sheti Mallick secretly inquires about Nanasaheb’s behaviour.
25 October 1747	Naro Appaji appointed over Pune’s administration.
7-10 December 1747	Peshwa on Newai campaign.
10 December 1747	Tulaji captures the Mudagad fort belonging to the Peshwas.
25 December 1747	Yahya Khan, Punjab’s Subedar Zakaria Khan’s son escapes from Lahore.
1747	Najeeb Khan (Rohilla) arrives in Hindustan and starts serving Ali Ahmed.
1747	Construction of Parvati temple begins.
1748	Sabaji invades Bengal.
8 January 1748	Abdali on the outskirts of Lahore.
15 January 1748	Peshwa captures the Rajkot fortress at Chaul.
12 January 1748	Abdali captures Lahore.
February-March 1748	Pratinidhi etc. clash with Tulaji Angre at Mudagad.
10 February 1748	Mughal army reaches Panipat on its way to attack Abdali.
26 February 1748	Mughal army reaches Sirhind on its way to attack Abdali.
February 1748	Peshwa meets the Badshah at Delhi.
19 March 1748	Tulaji Angre meets Chhatrapati Shahu at Satara.
21 March 1748	Battle of Manupur begins, Abdali defeated by Ahmedshah and Safdarjung.
1 April 1748	Naro Rayaji Thakur defeats Tulaji Angre at Mudagad and captures the fort.
11 April 1748	Abdali halts at the River Indus on his retreat.
25 April 1748	Badshah Mohammedshah (Rangeela) dies.
28 April 1748	News of Badshah’s death reaches Ahmedshah at Panipat.
30 April 1748	Madho Singh meets Peshwa at Newai.
April 1748	Mir Mannu and Abdali defeated at Lahore.
12 May 1748	Abdali reaches back at Kandahar.
21 May 1748	Nizam-ul-Mulk Asafjah dies.
June 1748	Muzaffar Jung and Chanda Saheb meet at Satara. Chanda Saheb released from imprisonment.
9 July 1748	Peshwa returns from Newai campaign.
24 July 1748	Peshwa returns Manikgad to Manaji Angre.
10 August 1748	Holkar defeats Ishwari Singh at Wagru.
25 August 1748	Queen Sagunabai dies while at Jejuri.
30 November 1748	Vazir Safdarjung survives an assassination attempt at Delhi.
10 February 1749	Nanasaheb and Raghunathrao visit Satara to meet Chhatrapati Shahu.
9 March 1749	Vishwasrao’s Upanayan ceremony at Pune.
March 1749	Naseer Jung embarks on campaign to the north.
4 May 1749	Naseer Jung returns from the campaign to Delhi from the Narmada’s banks.
19 June 1749	Marwad’s ruler Abhay Singh dies.
3 August 1749	Battle of Amboor, Anwaruddin dies, Ali Ahmed Rohilla dies.
21 August 1749	Peshwa goes to Satara along with Shinde, Holkar and the army.
1 October 1749	Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj issues his own handwritten document about the future administrative system of the kingdom.
13 October 1749	Tulaji Angre carries off British ship Restoration.
October 1749	Chhatrapati Shahu invites Raghuji (to assume throne), but he declines.
22 November 1749	Qaim Khan Bangash dies, son Ahmed Khan assumes his throne.
15 December 1749	Chhatrapati Shahu dies at Shahunagar – Satara. Dadoba and Yamaji arrested.
30 December 1749	Sadashivrao Bhau departs Pune for Satara.
December 1749	Safdarjung captures Ballamgad belonging to the Jats.

To be continued…

THE POWER OF COURTESY

Ample correspondence involving the joys and sorrows in relation to various things is available. Shahu was very much interested in arranging marriages for his Sardars or servants and carrying them out himself. He was the one who proposed Nanasaheb Peshwa’s marriage with the daughter of the Raste family. “He arranged the marriage of his mansion resident Lingubai’s son with Kedarji Kesarkar’s daughter. He attended and celebrated the ceremony along with the usual imperial paraphernalia of horses and elephants.”

Many such incidents have been documented. He would acquire candles, incense, roses, knives, swords, tobacco, gunpowder etc. foreign goods through Kanhoji Angre. The ivory trade was flourishing. Shahu had a great interest in planting orange saplings and maintaining orchards of other fruits. There are many letters available containing matter like, “You take along twenty-thousand mango seeds every year for planting. Do submit an account of where all these seeds have been planted after preparing it through the local Patil. We have ordered mango orchards to be grown in the Pune province where they are lacking.”

Brahmendra Swami wrote about him, “That the Swami builds temples, wells, tanks, plants trees and bushes is indelibly famous. We are much satisfied about it.” This and other such reports make us aware about Shahu’s personal life.

The Shloka in Shahu’s seal expresses his general feeling about life and state.

वर्धिष्णुर्विक्रमो विष्णोः सामूर्तिरिव वामनी।

शंभुसूनोरसौ मुद्रा शिवराजस्य राजते॥

The deeper meaning of this sentence i.e. even the smallest human being, is a part of that Supreme Being (God), which was expressed in a large measure in his administration and behaviour. Whatever differences of opinion and misconceptions exist about his capability, but there is no doubt that Shahu was one of the greatest persons in the Maratha history. Again, there is no doubt, that the expansion of the Marathi kingdom occurred to a large extent because of his generous and selfless policy. However, amongst the general public as well as in students of history, many misunderstandings and misleading ideas abound in this respect. Some believe, that Shahu grew up in the Badshah’s luxurious lifestyle. Therefore, his nature became a bit sheepish and passive. Some others say, he did not understand politics at all, and he did not understand how to judge a man’s character. He gave unreasonable importance to the Konkanasth Brahmin family of the Peshwas and brought weakness over the kingdom. Instead of securing and perfectly managing the original Deccan stronghold, he accepted the huge program of the northern Hind and brought about destruction of the kingdom. Nizam continued to live in his neighbourhood, whom he could not finish-off. Thus, Shahu’s administration was disorderly. Countless such conjectures are prevalent about him. Such conjectures are mostly imaginary and they do not have any support in contemporary documents. Shahu and Sawai Jaisingh grew up together under Aurangzeb. Later, through letters and diplomats their communication continued until the end of their lives. During the period of decline of the Mughal Empire, these two rulers worked together and fulfilled their national responsibilities. They negotiated the path of the benefit of the nation by working together with the Badshah, his Umraos, other Rajput rulers, Bajirao and the Nizam. Considering this, it is evident, that they cultivated friendly relations between Hindus and Muslims, and founded their politics on the basis of a common ground between the two communities. Shahu spread his kingdom from Tanjore up to Delhi. This achievement was not possible for a sheepish or inactive person. Deep Singh had informed his opinion to the Nizam saying, “Shahu Raja is sound, wise, discerning, and acts with deliberation. Therefore, his kingdom runs smoothly.”

That assessment should be considered apt. One can see that because the Marathi kingdom was blessed with a magnanimous, strategic and sympathetic king like him after Aurangzeb’s death, the kingdom could flourish, expand, and the glorious history of today was created. It is necessary to bring in front of today’s readers, the nature and capability of such historical figures appropriately. Later in India, the path of non-violence was propounded much. Even from that perspective, one can say that Shahu followed the same path to an extent. A cruel assassination of his father, Aurangzeb’s captivity thereafter, the huge war he mounted, the terrible desolation the country fell into due to that war, and numerous calamities that had fallen upon Shahu himself, were experiences that very few have to face in their lives in this world. These experiences gave a completely new direction to his life afterwards. The moment he got the throne, mercy became the theme of his behaviour, and he was blessed with a deep sense of satisfaction at the end of his life.

The objectives for the Maratha kingdom and the ways to accomplish them were decided by Shahu in his long reign. His influence was visible on Maharashtra until the very end. He zeroed in on these objectives through his inherent inspiration and nature, and taught a lesson of courtesy to this nation. This objective was not limited to selfish interests, but was about cleansing one’s heart. His feelings were not tied in specificities of religion and his nature inclined towards respecting all religions equally. He gave this specific direction to the whole nation and kept it detached from cruel tendencies. Whatever wars and battles did occur, never acquired the cruel and violent nature like the contemporary or modern European wars. The examples of this non-violent nature of Shahu are evident in numerous instances. Shahu’s behaviour has also expressed the way he suppressed the emotions of vengeance and resistance.

To be continued…

CONTEMPORARY PUBLIC OPINION

There are many general references to Shahu Maharaj’s qualities and virtues in erstwhile documents. Some of them are provided below, “(Maharaj) graced and called everybody his own. He made them his own and kept them attached to the cause. Everybody felt that he graced them more than everybody else. He used the usual tools available to him including various appointments, assignments, land-parcels, Inam grants etc. If a person was found to be useful in a particular activity, but had some demerit, Maharaj had the good grace to tactfully cover-up for that demerit, and wean the person away from it. He would encourage them to express their good qualities, and allow them to grow. He took good care of everybody. He realised that this way, he had to make his kingdom rise, grow, and expand. He was conscious of the common perception that his father was blamed for hurting our own people, killing them, allowing the workshops and industries to degenerate, through these allowing the kingdom to be lost, and finally having committed the sin of killing Brahmins. Because of all this, he had an unwavering faith in various deities and Brahmin preceptors. He would always keep wise people around, would always listen to their tactics, intellectual advice, and would always act after discussing with them.

“(Maharaj) continued various Inams, worship-rights, arrangements for daily worships and offerings etc. for various deities and Brahmins. Wherever such arrangements were not made before, he made new ones. His servants and assistants began working with utmost loyalty, without dishonouring his orders even slightly. Whatever task he assigned to someone, and they proceeded to carry it out, they always achieved success in it. Whoever wanted to participate in the expansion of the kingdom, began working towards it this way.

“Many good and renowned people had left for foreign kingdoms previously due to the problematic situations they had faced. They were brought back into the Swarajya and were provided permanent benefices. Whenever the poor brought to him any grievances, he would make the palanquin stop while on march, or listen carefully to them when at court, and immediately issue the relevant resolution orders. If he had to issue instructions for the judicial arm, he would do so, and be ready to listen to their response. If he had to send some instructions to the Tehsil or district officials, he would ensure they were sent. He would ensure that whatever the reasonable resolution, was implemented without harming anybody else. He would never order any harsh punishments. If anybody deserved capital punishment, due to proven injustice, after detailed investigation and judgment, he would send the convict to Kanhoji Angre and whatever the punishment would be implemented by Angre.” In those times, the capital punishment would be implemented at the Colaba fort by pushing the convict down a cliff.

Nizam-ul-Mulk’s grandson Muzaffar Jung had uttered the following words for Shahu, “Like Nizam-ul-Mulk in the Mughal Empire, Shahu was an equivalent in the Maratha kingdom. Such men would never be born again. Shahu entrusted the whole kingdom to the Peshwa. He administered the kingdom perfectly. He was Ajatshatru (one without enemies).”

These words were uttered after his death, which proves that even Muslim rulers have considered him to be a person who treated everybody equally being true to the epaulet Ajatshatru.

“Since the time he made Satara as the place of his throne, he carried out all the state’s administrative activities through his servants in many campaigns and battles using huge armies. He was very clever in his planning. All his kingdom had been subsumed by the Mughal Empire, which he freed through his plans. He kept his flock together with his authority and created new renowned and powerful men, allowed them to grow. Whichever older men aligned with him, he allowed them to continue to enjoy their erstwhile positions and benefices. He used to act as per the advice imparted by wise and mature people. He used to get his work accomplished through trusted lieutenants. He would never keep company of mean, inebriated, addicted, alcoholic people, and ran his administration through his diplomats. He engaged the Marathas in soldierly responsibilities. He freed the northern realms and fulfilled the objective of the senior Maharaj. The boundaries of the kingdom extended to the east and south, met the four seas, the kingdom on all four sides began getting driven through a unified command structure.

“He decided that in the month of Shravan every year, he would examine the Brahmins in their acumen in Vedic Shastras and rituals, and initially at Talegaon through the Dabhades, and later at Pune, he would engage in charitable donations amounting to four to five lakh rupees. His fame spread everywhere, and lakhs of intellectuals, ascetics, great men would converge upon these places from all directions. Satara and Pune attained a status of a university almost like Kashi. He gave a sovereignty to the kingdom so that nobody would dare to disobey a straight order. He took good care of his subjects through judicious policy. He remained sympathetic towards the poor and orphans, and allayed their miseries. The subjects faced absolutely no trouble. Monsoons favoured the land as usual, which produced ample food-grains and abundance prevailed everywhere.”

To be continued…

IN A FLUX

The failure of Babuji Naik was not just due to his own faults. He had detractors from within the Maratha fold, including the Peshwa himself. Not only did the Peshwa prove to be sufficient for Babuji Naik and Sambhaji II, but he also rendered powerful men like Raghuji Bhosale and Murarrao Ghorpade completely harmless. The Peshwa’s trusted lieutenants were working on this task sitting at their courts continuously. Whether it was Raghuji or Murarrao, both realised the situation correctly, did not allow anybody outside to fathom their hearts, and kept behaving as the events unfolded. Since they completely recognised the Peshwa’s strength, they never took it upon themselves to oppose him.

Nanasaheb returned to Satara in August 1748. By then, two stalwarts on the Indian scene had departed from the scene. Mohammedshah died before the victorious army from Manupur could return to Delhi. His son Ahmedshah was declared the new Badshah, with Mansoor Ali Khan Safdarjung appointed as the new Vazir. The Nizam-ul-Mulk died on 21 May 1748 at Burhanpur. He had, in twenty-four turbulent years in the Deccan, managed to survive and control the narrative of the politics in the peninsula. Despite the strength of the Marathas and their victories over him, he had astutely avoided being removed from his perch. The crisis during Nadir Shah’s invasion had placed him in real danger. However, with his cleverness and patience, he had extricated himself from the most difficult situations. His death, however, threw up yet another succession dispute after Jaipur.

On his way back from the north, Nanasaheb met Naseer Jung, perhaps in July or August 1748. A letter from the Nizam’s court to Sadashivrao Bhau dated October 1748 gives more details, “The Nizam has met Rajashree Pradhanpant. The Nawab has given four lakh rupees to him for expenses. Treasure laden on thirty camels came to the Pradhanpant.”

After Nizam-ul-Mulk died, in the month of October 1748, Nanasaheb met Naseer Jung and established friendly relations with him. The death of rulers of Jaipur and Hyderabad unleashed a race for succession due to a surfeit of claimants. In the case of the Marathas, Shahu not having a legitimate son, and getting on in years, had not found an answer to the vexed question of succession. His queens, and the dowager queen Tarabai – now nearing seventy and living at Satara – and a host of Maratha Sardars and intriguing ministers began to influence the succession. The struggle involved a concern for the royal lineage, the house of Kolhapur, the caste-divide of the Brahmins, Marathas and other castes, and to top it all, a descendant of the royal house of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj brought up in obscurity. Eventually, this was to occupy two full years of Nanasaheb’s reign when huge political changes were sweeping over the rest of the country.

On hearing the death of Mohammedshah and the Nizam, Dupleix felt the Marathas would grow stronger. He said to Ananda Ranga Pillai, “There will be war and the Marathas will grow still stronger. Since the Nawab of Bengal died, the Marathas have seized his brother and are ruling the whole of Bengal. They will do the same here. These things are pre-ordained; the Badshah at Delhi has died and many have perished for no reason at all and there is confusion. We shall see the same things in these parts next.”

Ananda Ranga replied, “Is so much evil awaiting us?”

The coming years would answer Ananda Ranga Pillai’s question.

The Peshwa had consolidated his plans outside by excellently maintaining all his external relations. Bhausaheb had established a permanent bond of friendship with Murarrao in the Carnatic campaign. The Pratinidhi, Sawants etc. fought with Tulaji Angre at Mudagad. In it, Sambhaji II insisted with Murarrao to help Tulaji. But he did not play any role in that affair. Overall, each and every influential person stayed glued to their spot towards Shahu’s end of days.

The discerning people all over the kingdom were watching what plan Shahu decided. A general feeling spread everywhere, that nobody could control the kingdom like the Peshwa, and it was appropriate to seek his refuge. It was clearly evident that Sadashivrao Bhau went to the Carnatic and blew Babuji Naik away. This event portrayed Sadashivrao Bhau’s character in sharp relief, even more aggressive than Nanasaheb.

To be continued…

INTERNAL-EXTERNAL HURDLES

Since Babuji Naik had collected some tribute in Sambhaji II’s realms, Sambhaji II had come to Satara and sat there for five to six months in order to complain against Naik. Meanwhile, when the Peshwa stood guarantor, Sambhaji II left. Accordingly, after Sambhaji II left, Babuji Naik came to Satara for meeting Maharaj. Shahu protested against him, “Due to this, he began fasting sitting on the Swami’s doorway. Because of that, Maharaj became very angry. The mediators keep falling at the Swami’s feet daily. Don’t know what result God has appointed.”

Babuji’s plight brought a letter from the Peshwa’s grandmother Radhabai asking him to do whatever was necessary to save the lives of the Naik brothers. Babuji himself would not come before Maharaj. Eventually, the Peshwa compensated Sambhaji II. Over time, Babuji was given some compensation and he withdrew his fast.

In the month of May 1747, Raghuji came to Satara. In the initial two to three months of the same year, Shahu had become upset with the Peshwa and he had been removed from the office for a short while. One can speculate from this, that Shahu suggested taking away the Peshwa office, and that Raghuji manage the complete administration. But Raghuji and the Peshwa discussed this proposal, and Raghuji did not accept the burden of the administration. At this time, Kanhoji Bhosale’s son Rayaji and Raghuji were struggling with each other. A report says on 1 May 1747, “Raghujibaba was presented protocol clothes by the younger queen. But he is still here. His attention is drawn towards Rayaji Bhosale’s benefices. Once that is resolved, Raghuji will leave.”

This bickering between Sambhaji II and Babuji Naik lasted until Shahu’s end. On 7 June 1747, Bajirao’s sister Bhiubai (Anubai), Aabaji Naik’s wife died, due to which, the relation between the Peshwas and the Naiks came to an end.

After leaving Tiruchirappalli, Murarrao Ghorpade had been staying at Gutti. Sambhaji II and Jijabai invited him to Kolhapur in the month of December 1747 with an intention to break the back of the numerous disputes that prevailed in their realms. Arjoji Jadhav had been sitting pretty with stations like Wadgaon etc. under his control. Murarrao taught him a sound lesson, and settled down Jijabai’s control everywhere. He had three-and-a-half-thousand cavalrymen and three cannons. One of the erstwhile scribe reports, “Previously, at the time of Bajirao Peshwa, the Nizam had supported Panhala’s Maharaj and raised the heat. Similar plan seems to be afoot again. Murarrao’s sweet-talk has influenced Sambhaji II and Jijabai. Baisaheb is extremely scheming. She does not have a quiet mind.”

In 1747, the news about Mahadaji Ambaji Purandare’s betrayal reached Shahu. Kohlapur was rife with such big or small conspiracies. Without engaging in them much, Murarrao went back to the Carnatic in the month of March 1748.

The Nizam summoned Anwaruddin Khan from Arcot, and in a battle against the combined armies of the Nizam and the Nawab’s of the Carnatic, Babuji faced a defeat at Basavapattan. In the process, Babuji had lost the bulk of his wealth in defending the territory between the Krishna and Tungabhadra that Shahu had given him to administer.

The Nizam began his activities to collect tributes from Bednoor, Savnoor etc. Naik, Peshwa etc. people were trying to accomplish their objectives through the Nizam’s approval, without opposing the Nizam or giving him battle. The Nizam dispatched his son Naseer Jung to the Carnatic, but he could not achieve much. The Nizam was getting old and Maratha presence in the south had reduced over the last few years. Since around this time, the Nizam’s health went on deteriorating day-by-day, and he died later. Due to this, the Peshwa began succeeding in the Carnatic.

Babuji Naik’s last attempt to fight for the Carnatic was in June 1748. The situation had changed by then as Chanda Saheb had been released by the Marathas for a ransom and a fresh Maratha army under Fatehsingh and Raghuji had gathered at Akkalkot, ready to march towards the Carnatic. A message from Satara that reached Ananda Ranga Pillai at Pondicherry describes Babuji’s anguish, “The messenger from Satara tells me that Fatehsingh and Raghuji Bhosale have assembled their troops at a place called Akkalkot, 180 miles this side of Satara, and are marching this way. When Babuji Naik, who has lost fifty lakh rupees, heard that Fatehsingh and Raghuji Bhosale had been sent to the Carnatic instead of himself, he set fire to his tents and goods, and has been lying at Shahu Raja’s gate for the last 20 days in the garb of an ascetic, with his wife and another person, threatening to poison himself. Chanda Saheb has taken leave, saying that he will return when he has recovered Tiruchirappalli.”

To obtain some compensation, Babuji Naik had, on one occasion, actually consumed poison to put the blame of ‘Brahma-Hatya’ (death of a Brahmin) on Maharaj. It was an extreme form of Dharna to press Shahu for retiring his debts. Shahu’s biographer says, “When Maharaj learnt of this he said, ‘Babuji did this after I said I will take care of his debts. Give him milk.’ The king then gave him milk and the effect of the Somal (poison) was overcome.”

There is another reference from the month of June 1748, “Babuji Naik (and probably the family members) had consumed poison. Out of all, Aabaji and his senior wife recovered. But Babuji Naik is not recovering. Situation seems difficult.”

To be continued…

BABUJI NAIK MEETS NIZAM

The situation at Shahu’s court was as mentioned before. The Angre brothers had been engaging in whatever they wished like in the Konkan. Kolhapur’s Sambhaji II and Queen Jijabai II had taken help from Murarrao Ghorpade, and had readied themselves up to pounce upon Satara. Murarrao was desirous of acquiring the office of the Senapati with Shahu. Raghuji Bhosale was also extremely shrewd. If the situation arose, he was desirous of acquiring the office of the Chhatrapati for his son. Shinde and Holkar had brought over them a new risky proposition by intervening in the Rajput war in the north. Nizam-ul-Mulk and his sons had been keeping busy in the enterprise to keep an eye out for the Maratha side to fall weak, and when they could take advantage of the same. Shahu himself had to lie down in his bed, and hearing all the news report from various places, would get frightened to the core. The worry that the Peshwa should not move away from him even for an hour, if he went away, he would not survive, would not allow him to stay calm.

So many people had begun requesting Shahu about the Carnatic, that he fell into complete consternation in resolving their disputes. The Peshwa began a project through his secret plan to flatly deny anybody else any benefit from the Carnatic. Since both the queens insisted for their own candidates, the affair became further complicated. Babuji Naik had not given up his quest for a foothold in the Carnatic, went on a protest fast, and generated sympathy for himself in Shahu’s heart. Since all of them complained against the Peshwa, Shahu too opposed him.

Towards the end of 1745, Babuji Naik embarked on the second campaign to the Carnatic with Maharaj’s permission. From December 1745 onwards, the Nizam began getting news about the progress of this army. He sent some of his lieutenants to face the challenge, and the early months of 1746 were spent in this manner. To arrest Naik’s advance, the Nizam dispatched his forces towards the Carnatic under his son Naseer Jung. By the end of February 1746, Babuji began seeking help to face the Nizam’s armies marching against him. Naik established friendship with the Pratinidhi and secured his help. The Peshwa’s assistants Nago Ram stayed at Aurangabad, Raghunath Ganesh stayed with the Nizam’s army campaign, and kept trying to foil Naik’s activities. After the onset of the monsoon, a meeting was arranged between Babuji and the Nizam. Naik met the Nizam and demanded the control over Arcot, which had not been handed over before.

In the month of April 1746, the Peshwa wrote to Ramchandrababa, “We and the whole army remained at home in the current year. Constantly faced the creditors. If we thought of taking out a fresh loan, nobody had the money. So, collect the annual revenues and quickly dispatch some money. You are already aware of the overall status of things here. About reports at court, it is only the first day today. Sambhajiraje has got stuck on the issue of Babuji Naik. So, Rajashree Swami ordered us to stand guarantor. We have accepted it. Sambhajiraje was given leave to depart on 20 August 1746. He was given two elephants, five horses, one sword, and four protocol garments. He will march-off in one or two days.”

A Marathi letter of July 1746 from Nago Ram to the Peshwa’s cousin Sadashivrao Bhau shows the state Babuji was in at that time, “Babuji and Aabaji (his brother) met the Nizam and said that they had not received the Chauth of Arcot and asked for at least a lakh of rupees. They also asked the Nizam to grant a Jagir and they will render service in lieu of it.  They also asked for the income from the Carnatic for the following year, in advance.

“Then the Nawab replied that the Arcot amount will be paid there itself. He said that he will give orders for other payments, however, they too will be paid at those places. And how could he pay the amount due for next year from the Carnatic? The Nizam told them to go to Satara and obtain entitlements, then he will do the needful. ‘You have many enemies at Satara’, he told them. in this manner, he spoke sweet words. Babuji was extremely disappointed. On return to his camp he thought he will severely remonstrate and obtain something from the Nizam. He thought he will perform same kind of Dharna he performed at Pune and Satara. Then, a few counselled him saying, you will only make a spectacle of yourself. He is extremely stressed due to lack of funds. He is unable to get any loans. He sold some utensils to raise money. He is giving bonds to his debtors on the income of Arcot. The income is just over three lakhs, but he has already issued bonds of over six. In this manner, he spends his days.”

On the way back, Babuji looted some Parganas of Chhatrapati Sambhaji II of Kolhapur, and this was the reason in 1746 that Sambhajiraje had come to Satara seeking compensation. The Peshwa, who was in Satara, was asked to resolve Sambhaji II’s complaint against Babuji. Sambhaji II stayed at Satara for five to six months. In that period, Sambhaji II came to know about the discussions taking place there with respect to the future setup, and the investigations for an heir in Ramraja. In this relation, since the secret agreement between Sambhaji II and the Peshwa had still held, due to which Sambhaji II and Jijabai were carefree. In many of the letters they wrote to the Peshwa in the next ten years, they seem to have reminded him of this same agreement. Queen Sakwarbai already favoured Sambhaji II. At that time nobody much anticipated that Tarabai would prop-up Ramraja in a completely unexpected move. But in due course of time, due to this introduction of Ramraja the other claimants fell behind. At the time of Shahu’s death too, while Sakwarbai was committing Sati, she instructed everyone passionately to install Sambhaji II on the throne, and not bring about a completely foolhardy appointment.

To be continued…

SHADOW OF DEPRESSION

In his later years, Shahu suffered from a degree of loneliness. Gangadhar Swami Chafalkar died while staying at Satara on 26 November 1734. His son Lakshmanbaba became the chief of the monastery. Maharaj himself went to Chafal to attend the Ramnavami festival to resolve the disputes that arose at the time. He resolved the problems there, halted for a few days, partook in the Prasad (offering blessed by the deity distributed to devotees as a blessing) and returned.

The failure of Babuji Naik in the Carnatic rankled Maharaj. But in his old age, he was not able to resolve the growing dissensions within the Maratha fold. His own household was equally divided as his queens quarrelled with each other. Shahu’s elder queen was Sakwarbai and the younger was Sagunabai. They both contested for the attention of Maharaj, who, with advancing years was quite unable to resolve their mutual disputes. Shahu sorely missed Birubai, who although not his married wife, had looked after his household for long and kept the two queens in check. Birubai fell ill and died on 24 December 1740. Her death was a major loss to him. Since then, the ‘senior Wada (mansion)’ and the ‘junior Wada (mansion)’ of the two queens began to jockey for greater influence in the administrative and political fields.

Jiwaji Khanderao Chitnis had already died on 6 January 1743. This way, the whole previous generation had slowly vanished due to which Shahu grew more and more depressed.

Maharaj had a favourite elephant named Madari. Even while he remained in a rut all the time, he would never harm anybody. This way, he was a virtual precious stone for the kingdom. He escaped one night, went outside, fell into a well in the Shanwar area of the city and died. Maharaj became very sad on this account. He felt utterly despondent that his fortunes had turned, he was old, without a child, Sambhajiraje (Kolhapur) too had grown old, and he too did not have any child.

Shahu’s health had further deteriorated since 1743. At that time, he was 61 years old. In the summer of that year from 13 May 1743 up to 20 June 1743, his disease had especially worsened. Due to this reason, the Peshwa had to immediately return to Satara from his Prayag campaign. But this ailment was completely cured very soon. On 25 May 1743, “(Maharaj) attended court for the first time, when many people presented him with gifts.”

People were satisfied. Still, this illness was an initial indication of Shahu’s failing health. Even though Shahu got a fresh lease of life for six more years, he did not have an heir. Due to this, he himself and the overall Maratha leadership became extremely concerned hereafter about the future arrangement, and everybody’s attention was drawn towards deciding the future set up. Of course, to that extent, the external activities of the Peshwa and other Sardars outside Maharashtra saw a decline. This period was of a unified administration. The kingdom’s fortunes, good or bad, depended upon the capability of one chief executive. Therefore, since 1743-44 up to one or two years after Shahu’s death, the attention of his Sardars was drawn to the internal events taking place at the capital. This certainly caused the kingdom’s growth some harm in a small measure. Nanasaheb’s own heart fell into a dilemma due to Shahu’s failing health, and secret conspiracies at the capital, and the flights of fancy his courage had achieved in the Prayag campaign, became a lot softer in the following nine to ten years. His external activities again saw a high-tide from 1752-53. From this perspective of external affairs, the period from 1743 up to 1752 should be considered silent. Many huge events occurred during this period. Nadir Shah died, due to which Ahmedshah Abdali grew in stature. Delhi’s Badshah and Nizam-ul-Mulk died. But the Peshwa did not have the freedom to make correct use of these opportunities. Shinde and Holkar intervened in the Rajput disputes, due to which the friendly relations between the Marathas and the Rajputs were permanently broken. Overall, the set up that Bajirao had established in the northern administration, Nanasaheb could not take care of the same, the balance was disturbed, and it finally resulted in the battle of Panipat.

There was a huge difference between the situations that Bajirao and Nanasaheb faced. During Bajirao’s time, Shahu’s health was excellent, and most of the activities in the kingdom used to be done with his orders. But as mentioned above, since 1746, Nanasaheb was chased down by a huge concern about Shahu’s health and the future probable events, apart from the ones already on his plate about the external affairs. Due to reasons like Shahu’s failing health, the disputes amongst his queens, the conspiracies that Tarabai engaged in, and the secret schemes of other Sardars etc. Nanasaheb’s heart remained in such an agitated state, that if there was any common person in his place, he would not have survived these difficulties. But like Nanasaheb had such powerful competitors, he also had assistants who would lay down their lives for him like Purandare, Shinde, Holkar, Chitnis etc. Through their help and through his inherent astuteness, Nanasaheb resolved all these difficulties, and even in his situation, he displayed much success in the overall administrative affairs. For this, however, one needs to understand the complications that had occurred at court.

To be continued…

NANASAHEB’S INTERVENTION

The entire affair was a piece of chicanery to resolve a dispute and achieve one’s ends by obtaining funds for the growing needs of the Empire. Nanasaheb thereby tried to strike a balance between the two brothers. In reality, it poured more fuel into the fire. There was also a divide between Jayappa Shinde and Malharrao Holkar that the Peshwa felt would be harmful to the Empire. Holkar and Ramchandrababa i.e. Shinde took opposing sides. Due to this, the Maratha prestige was damaged.

On 7 March 1747, the Peshwa wrote to Ramchandrababa, “Ranaji’s emissaries have come here. They are presenting the case of Madho Singh. In it, the main point is, Ishwari Singh had promised to hand over a Jagir worth twenty-four lakhs to Madho Singh. But you hurried to his help and he succeeded. Since the Sardars (Shinde-Holkar) disturbed the administration and negotiations, Madho Singh lost the claim. You convinced Madho Singh to accept region worth three lakh rupees only. But this has been a source of constant concern. Both of them are Sawaiji’s sons. It is not as if Ishwari Singh only should rule, and Madho Singh is incapable and undeserving. If we help place Madho Singh on the throne, they would also help us. However, we are not giving them an opportunity as Ishwari Singh is dear to us. But Ishwari Singh had agreed to hand over the region worth twenty-four lakhs, which he should comply with. Presently, Ranaji’s emissaries are agreeing to hand over the authority of the region worth fifteen lakh rupees. They are saying, ‘Whatever we ought to present to the Swami (Peshwa), we would.’ So, we should convince Ishwari Singh to honour the agreement and hand over the region worth twenty-four lakh rupees. So, do write your considered and final opinion about this matter. In our opinion, Ishwari Singh should hand over the region to Madho Singh as per their agreement. From Madho Singh, we should extract twelve, fourteen or even more lakhs if possible. In this, both parties would fulfil their objectives. Our own ends are also met.”

Upon this, Ramchandrababa informed the Peshwa, “Madho Singh’s political claim is weak, it does not have strength. We will not earn any money in it. People are under the impression that the Swami initially supported Ishwari Singh. This proposal goes against that.”

While in the Newai campaign, the Peshwa noticed the germs of discord between Shinde and Holkar. The next letter from April 1747 displays the Peshwa’s consternation and the real state of affairs, “Ranaji began negotiating with the Mughal Amirs and then submitted the request to Malharji. In this matter, Malharji insisted with us in various ways that, ‘The claim is worthwhile. If both parties act reasonable, the dispute can be resolved. The Swami would earn money.’ This way he has written insistently. Malharba takes special pride in this. It is not as if you (meaning Jayappa by application) hold any specific side’s affection in your heart. You have been serving loyally so far. You have always done whatever the master desired, benefited from or increased his prestige. Only because of that everything went on nicely and the service of the Swami occurred. Presently Malharba has picked up a side. If you pick up Ishwari Singh’s side, you will become an opponent for him. He will live up to his word and stand in opposition. We heard news reports from many people that mutual conflicts between you and Malharrao Holkar have increased. We should not have differences in our own household amongst the Sardars. In a family, there will be such differences. But so far there was no mutual animosity. Everybody had been working with common mindset, and kept working on the plans to maintain the master’s benefit and prestige. Through God’s grace and our forefathers’ virtues, whatever they aimed for, they could accomplish. You yourself have accomplished so many successful objectives. Extraordinary prestige and fame spread everywhere. This might spread everywhere in Hindustan and might harm our work. The unity displayed till today will be disturbed. Great and noble plans will be side-tracked and the British would get a chance to engineer splits amongst ourselves. This is what we feel would happen. Therefore, do not obstinately hold to your position, do not display our internal disagreement, ensure Malharba’s desire is respected, and do what will grow our already achieved success. There should be no wavering from that path. In future also you will execute many things for the Swami. You two are the pillars of this state in all respects. I have no doubt you will do what is right. Both of you have so far taken our advice into consideration and have always planned consensually, you should continue to act accordingly. But there should be absolutely no discord amongst family members. Even before, Malharba has complied with your suggestions, while you have accomplished his intentions. Therefore, the glory has grown. The army that follows one principle, remains unified. There have been no disagreements. Presently, many renowned people are discussing whatever they feel like about the mutual differences amongst the two houses, whether it is in our own kingdom or the imperial realms. It is not like we are happy in the prosperity of one. But through our forefathers’ hard work, our army has been excellent, all the Sardars have been united, brave, capable men, and even if the sky falls down there won’t be any mistake in their valour and courage, so it has been in the past. Everybody praises their manliness and magnanimity. We desire this utmost.

“Presently, Malharba is going to stay back at Indore, and will go to meet Ranaji (of Udaipur). We have heard that you will come to Deccan. So, if he remained back home, and you alone come here, how will this appear to the people? Our enemies discuss about engineering a split amongst our Sardars and wish that their plans succeed after that, that would become possible. Raghuji Bhosale and Babuji Naik met Asafjah at Aurangabad. They are discussing plans to cause problems for us. The Nawab is not capable, but they are just telling him sweet lies, and agreeing with him just to keep him entertained. They say that Rajashree Swami is in debt and they must repay it. For this, they demand money, whatever they wish for. We cannot approve whatever they ask for. Therefore, they speak about utmost discord outside. This too causes people to become happy and they too engage in many discussions about this. Nawab Asafjah is known for his deceit. He makes one person run and sends the other to chase him! You are aware of this very well. Instead, he should be shown some spark to force him to reconcile. Secondly, you ought to think about Rajashree’s debts. We wrote to you often to come and meet us, but so far you have not been able to come. However, in the months of Ashwin and Kartik we shall meet. Let us meet, discuss the future plans, and then execute our plans. In summary, we feel that both of you should come, whatever plans we feel appropriate, internal or external, should be discussed in everybody’s presence. So, convince Malharba appropriately and bring him along. He would give many excuses to avoid coming here. But you should satisfy him in various ways and must bring him along. Once all are together, we will cleanse his polluted heart, the bitterness will disappear, and you and him would behave as before. Meanwhile, we won’t be concerned because through God’s grace you would not think otherwise. Main thing is, there should be no internal differences between our Sardars, and our power should not diminish. Another problem is, Rajashree desires to secure a new loan from us amounting to fifteen to twenty lakh rupees. Since he has not been able to get it, he has grown unhappy. The problems in the senior mansion (elder queen) is always growing. Since we captured Manaji Angre’s fort Manikgad, the erstwhile grace from the junior mansion (younger queen) has also dried up. If such problems and internal dissensions arise, we could still resolve them through God’s grace.

“Reason we have written in detail is, Malharba has obstinately stuck to his position. If we don’t accept it, he will feel sad. He will insist upon leaving you. Therefore, do convince Malharba in all respects, and bring him along for achieving our objectives. The army is sitting at home for two years and new loans had to be raised by ten to fifteen lakhs. It is absolutely necessary that we carry out a campaign this year. That too came about only because Rajashree provided his approval and farewell. We all must meet at one place quickly and then execute our plans. This does not mean that you ought to be told your tasks in writing. You have greyed your hair in all this. In summary, the external people should not witness our domestic disputes. Our internal discord should not become a blocker for the growth of the kingdom. Therefore, request you to ensure the name does not get besmirched due to these rumours of internal discord, and act accordingly. Howsoever that plan comes to fruition, do that quickly, convince Malharba and bring him along. You too are our longest lasting friend. What further detail to write! You clear the suspicions in Malharba’s heart and come quickly along with him. Whatever can be done to resolve this issue, I request you to do and bring them forward for a good cause. Secondly, when it was agreed that Ranaji would give the region of fifteen lakh revenue, then it is not correct to display obstinacy.”

To be continued…

WAR OF JAIPUR THRONE

After the murder of Jyotiba Shinde in Bundelkhand in 1743, the forces of Shinde and Holkar stayed in Malwa for the monsoon to control the province. Nanasaheb dealt with some issues on the west coast and took a couple of hill forts near Junnar belonging to the Nizam. The Nizam, therefore, sent his officer Sayyed Lashkar Khan to meet the Peshwa. This became a nagging issue between the two and Nanasaheb’s departure to the north was delayed until December 1744. By this time, Shinde and Holkar had subdued the Pathan Nawab of Bhopal, who then agreed to pay his annual tribute. They next laid siege to the fort of Bhilsa (Vidisha). In March 1745, the fort was captured and the treaty with the Nawab of Bhopal led to a cession of fifteen districts to the Peshwa besides a yearly payment of tribute. The ruler of Orchha was made to pay a tribute in money and elephants, and half of his territory was annexed. In his third campaign to the north in 1745, Nanasaheb stationed himself at Vidisha and began sorting out minor revolts in that area.

Ishwari Singh of Jaipur opened discussions with Shinde and Holkar, paid them the army expenses, and brought them to help him. In the month of February 1745, he defeated Madho Singh with this help. The Peshwa and his Sardars both kept up the policy of acquisition of money and did not pay attention to justice. Meanwhile, Ranoji Shinde died in the month of July 1745. After that, some estrangement occurred between his son Jayappa and his steward Ramchandrababa. Due to that the unanimity in the northern policy was disturbed.

In August 1746, Malharrao Holkar had written to the Peshwa about an evolving crisis in the Jaipur succession. He wrote that there was an agreement with the Rana of Udaipur by which Madho Singh was to receive a share of twenty-five lakh rupees, but Jaipur’s incumbent ruler Ishwari Singh was blocking it. Holkar advised the Peshwa that nobody from Delhi would join Ishwari Singh or object to any action against him, and that even nobles like Mansoor Ali Khan and Aamir Khan were in favour of Madho Singh. The letter reveals Holkar’s aim as early as 1746 to help Madho Singh gain the kingdom of Jaipur, which he claimed by virtue of being the son of an Udaipur princess.

Madho Singh and his uncle Jagat Singh did not quit the pursuit of their objectives. Meanwhile, Bundi’s Umed Singh Hada also lost his kingdom and he joined Madho Singh. On 4 October 1746, meeting at Nathdwara, they discussed many plans. They opened discussions with Malharrao Holkar and sought his help.

Along with the Jaipur dispute, the Maratha operations in the Gwalior region continued under Vitthal Shivdeo Vinchurkar. On 27 January 1747, he wrote to Shinde and Holkar that he had captured the fort of Antri, just south of Gwalior after a siege of a month and a half and was now working to capture the Narwar fort.

Malharrao sent his son Khanderao and attempted to broker some kind of compromise. But that could not get implemented, and the affair came to a head. Jaipur’s experienced and hereditary Dewan Khatri Aayamal, who has also been referred to in the documents with names Rajamal or Malji, died on 9 February 1747, and his son Keshavdas assumed the office of Jaipur’s Pradhan. Since then, the Maratha relationship with the Jaipur throne fell into disrepair.

The Rana of Udaipur sent his own envoy to meet the Peshwa to canvas for the cause of Madho Singh. The Peshwa was informed that Ishwari Singh had failed to hand over the promised territory to his brother. The Peshwa had taken Ishwari Singh’s side before this. Opposing that, Malharrao now took up Madho Singh’s side in hope of securing some money. The Peshwa fell into a dilemma.

Ishwari Singh was joined by Jayappa Shinde while Madho Singh was supported by Malharrao Holkar. The two Maratha Sardars were now in an open confrontation with each other. Ishwari Singh’s two commanders, Narayandas and Hargovind, attacked Madho Singh and the Rana on the battlefield of Rajmahal. The battle began on 1 March 1747, and went on for two days. “Ishwari Singh emerged victorious. He captured much plunder from Madho Singh’s contingent. Ranaji’s force ran away. Many people died on both sides. Khanderao Holkar was standing to a side. He was killed by Narayandasji.”

Ishwari Singh, supported by Shinde defeated Madho Singh with Holkar’s army and claimed the throne. After this, Jagat Singh sued for peace, which was accepted by Ishwari Singh, and he returned to Jaipur after the roaring success. A terrible famine was going on this year in the north. Due to this failure, Maharana became extremely dejected, and began pressing Malharrao for help.

To be continued…

BHAU’S SUCCESS, NAIK’S ENVY

The Peshwa did not stray very far from Satara. He went to Waduth, about twenty kilometres away and camped there on the bank of the river Krishna. The temple of Shakuntaleshwar built by him a few years later was possibly a favourite camping site. From Waduth, Nanasaheb wrote to Pilaji Jadhavrao on 24 March 1747 to come and meet him from his base at Wagholi. Pilaji was a veteran, but not keeping well. Yet, one finds the Peshwa urging, “I am at Waduth. Come immediately. I am waiting for you. Even if you are unwell, you should come. I will not detain you for long. This is an important matter about a campaign.”

The matter involved Pilaji’s advice about events in Satara as well as the news that the Nizam was marching on Bhau’s army in the Carnatic. Again, he wrote, “You should definitely come. The Nizam is heading for Savnoor and Bednoor. Naturally, he will cross Bhau. Naik is also accompanying him. This complication must be resisted. This is Bhau’s first campaign. He should preserve his good name. The elder queen has begun to increase Maharaj’s anger driven by the expectation of marginal profit. The Nawab intends to keep his feet planted over both the boats. Bhau has captured the Kittur station. Now he is on his way to Sondhe. Emissaries have been dispatched to Bednoor. The Portuguese are under pressure. If Naik comes, we are thinking of blowing him away. I am waiting for you.” These letters of March 1747 were the culmination of a prolonged period during which Maharaj was displeased with the Peshwa.

The Nizam dispatched Naseer Jung in Carnatic behind Sadashivrao Bhau. Meanwhile, the Peshwa established contact with Murarrao Ghorpade and began foiling Naik’s plans.

On 30 March 1747, Bhau met Murarrao. Amicable discussions took place. But Murarrao did not join the campaign. He was in discussions with Kolhapur. On 3 May 1747, Bhau camped at Saundatti. Bhau roughed up and brought under his control the whole region from Patshahpur up to Harihar, Basavapattan. Here, Shahu also got angry with the Peshwa and had removed him from the office of the Pradhan for a short while. Sadashivrao’s campaign was a success, and after a four-month period, towards the end of May 1747, Bhau returned from the north Carnatic with enough tribute to take care of some of Shahu’s debts. The successful campaign brought Bhau centrestage and the Kolhapur Chhatrapati even offered Bhau the post of the Peshwa at his court. Nanasaheb soon foreclosed that option by designating Bhau as his own Dewan – a post that Chimaji Appa held in Bajirao’s time.

Sadashivrao Bhau met the Peshwa near Pandharpur. The Peshwa seems to have himself described the overall outcome of the campaign, “In the Carnatic campaign, one has to survive on grass. Less income and more spend.”

However, Sadashivrao Bhau got the first valuable experience to show his prowess, and his brilliance came afore. It was not a small thing that this campaign gave rise to a man with unmatched aggression.

Due to Peshwa’s actions, Babuji Naik became miserable. He thought about camping in the Carnatic. But because he did not have any money, he faced privations. Facing countless problems, he began grovelling in front of the Nizam. “We wrote, ‘If we go back to Satara, we would not live. Nawab should save us. If you agree to keep us in your service along with our contingent, we would happily serve you, but please do not send us back.’ But you (Nizam) replied, ‘Return back. Do not stay with me.’ Since that day, both have not had any food to eat, and are fasting. Nawab has sent some mangoes, jackfruit, and coconuts. He left and marched off to return. At the Kanmadi fort, Naik clashed with Murarrao. Naseer Jung encamped at Shire.”

Due to the competition between the Peshwa and Naik, Sadashivrao’s campaign could not achieve expected success. Since he returned a failure, Naik lost all his prestige with the Maharaj. Both the queens began following-up with him for repayment of loans. “Maharaj posted guards in front of his house. They behaved strictly. Both the brothers fasted until the evening. Aabaji Naik took a poison pouch in his hands. Babuji began searching for a dagger to hurt himself in his stomach. Aatmaram Joshi came there and took away the poison pouch. Both of them went to the extreme and sat in front of Shri Siddheshwar. Raghuji Bhosale came there and tried to reason with him saying, that he would help them to secure the revenue rights in the Carnatic. After that, Naik brothers marched off and went to Manoli via Nargund. They are thinking if Maharaj sends strong ministers and take them back by honouring them with protocol presents, then they would go.”

The Peshwa had a firm resolve to not allow Babuji Naik settle down in the Carnatic. Many others tried very hard to foil this objective. “To ensure that the Peshwa should not be able to set up his own principalities (in the Carnatic), the senior queen, Fatehsingh Baba, Raghuji Bhosale, Yashwantrao Potnis etc. people had been trying hard to convince Murarrao. Babuji Naik had also sent his emissaries there.”

But towards the end of 1747, and the year after that, Shahu lost his attention over the administration. His health and heart grew weak. Seeing that it was impossible for anyone else except the Peshwa to carry the burden of the kingdom successfully, he handed over the full responsibility of the Carnatic to the Peshwa by the end of that year. The Peshwa informed his emissary, “The Carnatic province has been awarded to us through God’s own wish.”

Babuji Naik was driven away from the region. He tried really hard in that relation. But since his chief master himself later died, Naik did not have a strong support any more. Ramraja assumed the throne after Shahu, but he did not wield that much power. In the arrangements decided at Sangola, the Carnatic province was given to the Peshwa with the Chhatrapati’s orders. Naik later also participated in the revolt that Tarabai and Damaji Gaikwad raised against the Peshwa. But he could not survive in front of the Peshwa.

The Portuguese were well aware that Nanasaheb kept a close watch on their activities. On 7 October 1748, the Viceroy wrote in a letter, “Nana is on watch with open eyes to see if we march to the North. He not only made many adjustments to the forts taken from us but also fortified the islands of Arnala, Karanje and many other ports, indicating the use of everything in their defence.”

To be continued…