04-27-2006, 03:48 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Chapter 5 <b>JAISING KEEPS HIS WORD </b>
(i)The Nizam Plays Mischief :
The Sudden death of the able Peshwa in the prime of his age, was really felt to be a set back to the Maratha cause by all their well wishers. It was no wonder (1) that their foes at Delhi were over Joyed and wanted to profit by the dissension (they expected) created thereby. Sawai Jaysing informed (2) Chimaji that Nizam especially wanted to play mischief and create trouble and hence urged him to station the Maratha army in Malwa. But the arrangement had already been made and Vithaji Bule had already been kept and Pilaji Jadhao, Ranoji Shinde and Malharrao had been asked to remain in Malwa and probably all were to be there. Chimaji again remainded Jaysing to sent to promised 5 lakhs from the Emperor treasury immediately and the remaining 10 lakhs in the rainy season. Sawai Jaysing and the Marathas were completely in accord with each other this time. (1740 A.D.) Chimaji and the young Peshwa regarded him as an elderly person from their family and looked to him for guidence and moral support due to the sudden death of Bajirao. Even though all felt the loss of Bajiraoâs personality, the Marathas were well prepared for any task having their full loyalities with the young Peshwa. When it was known that Ajmal Khan (3) was to be deputed from Delhi by the Nizam to snatch away Malwa from the Marathas, Ranoji Shinde wrote to Mahadeo Bhat Hingne, âEven previously the servants of the Peshwa used to defeact the enemies, hence even now there is nothing to worry about, God is kind and whoever will come down here will be received happilyâ. Malharrao (5) wrote in the same manner. But the union
Of the three Hindu rulers of the North with the Peshwa from the South never took place. It seems that opportunity, once lost, never comes again, in the same agreeable from. The moment to assert the Hindu element for managing Patshahi and establishing (Hindu) religion in all â India politics departed forever. Soon Nizam came to Deccan to meet the threat of his rebellious son and even Sawai Jaysing (6) was involved in a quarrel with Abhaysing on the question of Bikaner.
(ii)The Young Peshwa at Work :
But the young Peshwa (7) did not even get the parental protection of his uncle Chimaji Appa for a long. The latter died on 17th of December 1740 A.D. (8) at Poona and followed his beloved brother within eight months.
Meanwhile the Nizam had hastened to Deccan, (August 1740 A.D.) to face the rebellion of his son Nasir Jang. As per the Peshwa, it was the time of the Nizam to lose all, as âNasir Jang was young and was backed by a strong army and guns and was confident of successâ. It was quite clear (9) that the side which the Peshwa would join, would only win and hence both sought his assistance. But the young and inexperienced Peshwa (age 19) decided to side with Asaf Jah on the childish ground thatâ. Had I helped him (Nasir Jang), after achieving success he would have boasted of his own velour and people would have thought that we had taken his side thinking that he was powerful. It was better for our prestige to help the weaker party and looking at the plight of Asaf Jah, I decided to help himâ. The effect was the complete discomfiture of Nasir Jang against such a powerful combination.
The letters (10)and the deeds of Nizam-ul-Mulk clearly reveal the fact that he had been a deadly opponent of the Marathas throughout his career. This fact must have been known to the Peshwa. He must have known that Bajirao had a mind to destroy the Nizam (11) completely. He was equally an opponent of the Rajputs and wanted to chastise (12) them. Again it was quite clear from the recent letter received from the envoy at Jaypur (13) that the Nizam was among those who were overjoyed at the sudden death of Bajirao and wanted to profit by the disadvantageous situation that they expected. He also knew that Bajirao and after his death Chimaji Appa had taken the side of the Rajputs especially against the Nizam. Leaving all this, the Peshwa sided with Asaf Jah. There is no wonder that the reception given by the Nizam to the Peshwa, âwas more grand than the ceremony of the meeting of the late Raoâ. But decisions of great political importance like this are hardly taken in the way the Peshwa had taken. Perhaps the young Peshwa was not mentally prepared to face the revolutionary situation that would have been created after the defeat of the Nizam, or perhaps the diplomacy of Nizam must have been more successful. But one thing is certain; that had the Peshwa not sided the Nizam the political career of the latter would have certainly come to an end. What the Peshwa ought to have done, was only neutrality, the rest of the work would have been performed by Nasir Jang himself.
(iii)The Nizam Open His Heart to the Peshwa :
One good turn creates expectation for another one. The Nizam once nearly freed from the home-trouble, thought of utilizing the favourable opportunity to his full advantage. He informed the Peshwa (14) through Baburao Malhar thus : âWhen I was at Delhi, I had in my mind the question of the re-establishment of the Emperorâs rule and I had written accordingly to Bajirao Peshwa, but (unfortunately) he had then few days to live. I also had to come to Deccan for (home) management. Due to your (Peshwaâs) help, the trouble has come to an end and everything being set right properly, no trouble is left now. I have grown old and wish once more to got to Delhi for the management of the Emperorâs administration. Afterwards, whatever may be in the store of the fate, may happen. You (Peshwa) are in debt, it must be paid off. Due to Nadir Shahâs invasion, the Emperorâs treasurty has been swept of it also needs attention along with the re-establishment of the Emperorâs authority. All this is in my mind. By re-establishment of authority I have in my mind, the Rajputs, who have since long grown wealthy out of the (illegal) acquisition of the Emperorâs territories. When the calamity of Nadir Shah befell the Emperor, he had a (vain) hope that the great armies of the Rajputs might reach him (in times of danger). I had also (up till then) heard much about the dexterity of their swordsmanship and desired to see its display (against Nadir Shah). With this object, I sent them letters of join forthwith. But nobody came, inbattle was lost due to Khan Dauran and Sadat Khan. But the Emperor has in his mind the treacherous conduct of the Rajputs. I have also a mind to recover the hoard of money from them to fill up the Emperorâs treasury. For al these things, if you and I combine, then nothing is impossible.â
The Nizam pormised the Peshwa, if he accepted the friendly proposal,
(1)To pay him 15 lakhs of rupees from the Emperorâs treasury and 5 lakhs more,
(2)To procure the Sanad for Malwa, the territory to the south of Chambal and the taluqas from Agra,
(3)To manage for the expected meeting of the Peshwa with the Emperor,
(4)To grant the jagir of Waranashi and
(5)To secure an order for the discontinuance of the collection of tax from the religious centre of Prayag, and
(6)To recover money from a few rich places to pay off the debt of the Peshwa.
Thus the Nizam once more promised to fulfill all the known demands of the Peshwa to secure his assistance to achieve supermancy at delhi.
(iv)The Peshwa Sticks to Rajputs Friendship:
But even though the Peshwa had helped the Nizam against his son, he knew his artful nature fully well (15) and refused to fall a victim to his enticing trap. This he did because the change of side from Sawai Jaysing to the Nizam was unthinkable for him. He had seen for years the existence of brotherly feeling in all their dealings between Sawai Jaysing and Bajirao. He still remembered the dutiful attitude of an affectionate son that Sawaiji exhibited towards the Peshwaâs mother while She was on her pilgrimage (in 1735-36 A.D.), and he had known thoroughly the common objects Sawaiji and Bajirao namely â the regeneration of the great Hindu centers of religion like Kashi and Prayag from the rule of the Yawanas (the Muslims), which was also the ideal of the young Peshwa. As for the practical gains, he believed that Jaysing was much more campetent to the Nizam, for the fulfilment of the Maratha demands through the Emperor.
(v)The Peshwa Proceeds to Meet Sawai Jaysing :
With this firm belief, rejecting the friendly overtures of the Nizam, he proceeded to meet Sawai Jaysing in the territory near about Orchha and Datiya and reached Nemad region in January 1741 A.D., with his full force. But the most urgent thing for him besides the procurement of the Sanads, was his pressing need of the money. The peshwa urged Sawai Jaysing, to manage to pay the promised 15 lakhs from the Emperorâs treasury and as it would take some time, requested him to provide the same, for the time being, from his own treasury to be adjusted later on.
Shinde and Holkar were already operating in Malwa. On 5th of Jauuary 1741 A.D., Malharrao Holkar captured Dhar(16) from the Mughal keeper. Malharrao then entered Rampura about which Sawai Jaysing complained (17) to the Peshwa. Holkar
Kar was accordingly told by the Peshwa, to crease troubles in Rampura as many things were to be got doen through Sawaiji and hence it was improper to displease him. (19)
Besides the pressing question of the recovery of 15 lakhs from the Emperorâs treasury, another question to be decided with Sawai Jaysing was of Ater. Jaysing had placed Humanizing on the throne of this principality with the consent of Bajirao who regarded this privilage of placing or dethroning any one to the South of Chambal, to be of the Marathas. Bajirao had a mind to acquire ½ of the territory worth 20-25 lakhs of rupees of Ater. But this question remained undecided during his remaining lifetime. Now after his death, Ajmulla Khan had replaced Bhimsing by certain Raysing. But since the new Peshwa was on his march with his army to the North, Sawaiji decided to place once more Bhimsing on the throne and accordingly the Peshwa, who took the occasion to put forth the previous demand of the ½ territory and the place of Ater for the Marathas.
The capture of Dhar by the Marathas, seriously upset the Emperor who once more thought of offering them armed opposition (18) . The Marathas had devastated Doab in the previous year and hence fearing that they would do the same this year too, the Emperor ordered all his Amirs, and Amir Khan, the Subha of Prayag and Mansur Ali Khan, the Subha of Ayodhya to co-operate with Sawai Jaysing to check the Marathas from crossing into Antarwed. Knowing of the plan, the Peshwa sent Awaji Kawade and Govind hari with detachment, by the South bank of Yamuna upto Prayag. This move effectively checked Mansur Ali Khan and Amir Khan from coming over to Jaysing. Sawai Jaysing who had come to Agra in fact wanted no quarrel with the Peshwa. Declaring that it was impossible for him to face the Marathas, he sent Ayamal to the Peshwa who came to Dhawalpur to the North of Chambal with Ranoji Shinde. Malharrao Holkar and Pawar. Infact the Emperor could neither displease Jaysing nor evade the Marathas. Mahadeo Bhat Hingne pressed the Maratha demand for the Subha of Gujarat and Malwa. Jaysing proceeded to Agra and met the Peshwa
Between Agra and Dhawalpur. The visit (20) lasted for a week from 12th to 19th of May 1741 A.D An agreement was reached on the following points viz.
(i)The Peshwa and Jaysing should act in complete friendship and help each other in all circumstances.
(ii)The Marathas should be strictly loyal towards the Emperor and
(iii)The grant of Malwa for the Peshwa should be secured by Sawai Jaysing within six months.
Having accomplished his objects, the Peshwa, returned to the South and reached Poona on 7th of July 1741 A.D
(vi) Closure of the Friendly Chapter
The âfamanâ was issued on 7th of September 1741 A.D entrusting the whole management of the Subha of Malwa to the Peshwa as Deputy to Shah Jada Ahmad, the Subhadar of Malwa (which was all nominal), including the civil and criminal jurisdiction. tHus from the first i.e. calling the Maratha in to Malwa, till the final grant of Subha of Malwa to the Marathas, Sawai Jaysing was connected with the affair. The manipulation for the grant of the Subha a Malwa for the Peshwa was the last act of Sawai Jaysing in favour of the Marathas.
This renowned ruler of Jaypur, for a along a great figure in Rajputana and Delhi, Court, the patron of Hindu-learning and religion, died on 23rd of September 1743 A.D at the age of 55. The death of Bajirao in 1740 A.D followed by the death of Sawai Jaysing within three years, mark the end of the epoch of the friendly relations between the Marathas and the Rajputs. With the change of personalities, there came a sudden change of political situation, with the result that the Marathas and Rajputs departed from their common aims to different directions never to meet again on the same plain of friendship.
When Sawai Jaysing called the Maratha armies (21) into Malwa in 1728 A.D, on behalf of the Emperor, he regarded them as not more than an auxiliary force. But with the knowledge of their political institutions (22) and the character and ideals of the personalities a work, a gradual understanding came about the Marathas with their persistant efforts to expand in all directions. The common background of religion and culture facilitated the development of social contacts which brought him nearer to the Marathas in general and the Peshwa family in particular.
In fact as a subordinate of the Emperor and the Subhadar of Malwa, Jaysing was duty-bound to oppose the Marathas. But he very skillfully changed the Phase of opposition into that of concilation and exerted to justify the same before the Emperor. The Marathas perfectly understood the situation in which Jaysing was placed and assisted him in his policies that were in fact favourable to them. This partiality of Sawai Jaysing towards the Marathas cost him the enmity of Sadat Khan and the Nizam. The former called him a traitor to the cause of the Emperor (23) and the latter was alwaysa claimant for the Subha of Malwa and disliked him thoroughly (24).
It is to be noted that from the murder of Farrukh Siyar till the end of his career, Sawai Jaysing exhibits complete independence of actions, though he had never severed his connections with the Emperor, on the contrary he was closely connected with him along with Khan Dauran. From the fact that even when he was asked to join the imperial forces against Nadir Shah, he remained aloof, it is quite clear that he had no attachment for the cause of the survival of the Mughal rule (25) . His attitude towards the shattering Mughal Empire in fact differed little from that of Bajirao and hence both had come closer together. Like the Marathas, he aimed at the enlargement of his dominions and wanted to retain the Subha of Malwa for himself. But when he saw that the powerful Marathas would not allow him its peaceful acquisition and having no strength and will to resist them, he sided with them in its possession, lest it Should fall in the hands of the crafty Nizam, who had been persistently trying for the same.
Certainly Sawai Jaysing had his political ends to meet behind his friendship with the Marathas. He was convinced that the days of the Mughal rule were numbered and was still convinced by 1736 A.D that the Marathas were the power to substitute it. He had no love lost for the ambitious Sadat Khan or the Turani party headed by Nizam-ul-Mulk (26) and Kamruddin Khan. The Emperor was a non-entity. In the intricate and changing power politics of Delhi, he wanted the Maratha force at his back to use it was a shield against the possible attacks of the powerful faction of the Court (27). Their moral support was definitely of use to him in 1736 A.D when Sadat Khan was expected to fall on him. Similarly after the invasion of Nadir Shah when all the remaining power of the Emperor had departed from him, when the Nizam created a threatening situation with Kamruddin Khan, (28) that was dangerous to the Emperor and himself alike, the choice of Bajirao to side with his party was of hearty relief for him (Sawai Jaysing). Inspite of their apparent marches even at the gates of Delhi, the role in general played by the marathas during 1724 A.D to 1740 A.D was that of a safeguard for Sawai Jaysing, Khan Dauran and even the Emperor and hence the letters calling Bajirao to the presence of the Emperor 29) or calling his forces in Malwa (30) and hence the Marathaâs pressing demands of payment at the treasury of the Emperor.
But political aspirations in the dealings of a king and a politician of the first mark like Sawai Jaysing are quite justificable
Be, for he was not a sage so as not to use the Maratha friendship for his own self when the Maratha themselves were profited by his taking their side.
But leaving this practical side, we have to admit that there was definitely more genuine, more sublime part in the attachment of Sawai Jaysing towards Bajirao and his family. Letters writen by Chimaji Appa (31) and Balaji Bajirao Peshwa do reveal to us that they had come from the heart where ever they touched to brotherly feeling that existed between Sawai Jaysing and Bajirao. There were certainly strong reasons besides political necessity, between the friendship of the Marathas and the Rajputs. Culturally and religiously they stood on the same plain. History must record that after the invasion of Nadir Shah there definitely had come into the minds of the Hindu Chiefs (32) of the North and the South, an idea of creating Hindu predominance at Delhi for the regeneration of Hindu ideas in the society. The premature death of Bajirao gave a blow to such ideas of mutual assistance. With all the Maratha raids in Rajputana during Bajiraoâs time, there existed nothing but a regard for the name and fame of Bajirao in the hearts of Rajputs, who looked to him as a tower of strength at the time of danger.
The political situation after Bajiraoâs death changed rapidly at Delhi. Sawaijiâs relations with Abhaysing were strained beyond repairs. Even though the Emperor (33) was constant in his favors towards him, he had really lost a supporter at Delhi in the death of Khan Dauran. Moreover, Bajiraoâs death certainly disabled him. Sawaijiâs last days were clouded with the apprehension of a civil war in Jaypur after his death on the question of the succession to the throne of Jaypur.
The friendly chapter in the relations of the Marathas and the Rajputs closes after the death of this apparently dependent but really independent Hindu Chief of Jaypur. It only stresses the point that personalaties do count in the course of history.
Foot Notes (Description)
(1) M.I.S. Vol. VI - 145.
(2) 'Hningne Daftar' I-17.
(3)."Tarikh-I-Hindi" in E.D. Vol. VIII, p. 67.
(4) 'Hingne Daftar' I - 18.
(5) 'Holkar Shahi' I - 48.
(6) 'Hingne Daftar' I - 17.
(7) Peshwa Balaji was invested with the robes of the office of Peshwa on 25th of June 1740. 'Purandare' I - 147.
(8) Ibid - 148.
(9) 'Hingne Daftar' I - 20.
(10) 'Eighteenth Century Deccan' pp. 135, 198.
(11) (I) "Bajirao marched upon Aurangabad in Jan. 1740 - to annihilate the Nizam in Deccan". M.I.S. Vol. II - 85. (ii)"If the king orders all the forces to join, it is the time, that Mughal (Nizam) would be destroyed completely.." - Bajirao. B.I.S.M. 6 - 'Purandare Daftar' I - 139.
(12) 'Hingne Daftar' I-13, 15, 19.
(13) Ibid - 17-18.
(14) 'Hingne Daftar' I-19, 23.
(15) "Behind his sweet words, it was his intention to take all the credit of the things, the Emperor was going to do for us, with his own accord". Hingne Daftar' I - 19.
(16) S.P.D. 13-4. 'New Hist.' I - p. 213.
(17) 'Hingne Daftar' I - 24, M.I.S. VOL. VI-151.
(18) 'Hingne Daftar' I - 21.
(19) S.P.D. 13-4.
(20) 'Purandare Daftar' I-149. M.I.S. Vol. VI, 152, 'New Hist.' Vol. II p. 214.
(21) S.P.D. 13-10.
(22) Deepchand's mission S.P.D. 10-66, also see Appendix B.
(23) S.P.D. 14-47.
(24) See Nizam's letter about Jaysing - 'Elighteenth century Deccan' p. 141.
(25) 'Hingen Dafter' I-19.
(26) The discomfiture of the Nizam of the hands of Nadir Shah highly pleased Sawai Jaysing - 'Itihas Sangraha, Ait Charitra' - letter of Dhondo Govind.
(27) (a) "he (Jaysing) wants the Marathas to be his allies. In this he has two aims, that disturbance should subside, and the Marathas should be shielded". - From the letter of Nizam, 'Eighteenth Century Deccan' p. 141. (b) "He desired to combine his duty to his sovereign with his friendship with the Marathas. He also wanted to use the latter as auxiliaries". - 'Central India' p. 88.
(28) 'Hingne Daftar' I-13-15.
(29)Â S.P.D. 15-pp. 87 to 89.
(30) S.P.D. 13-10, 'Hingne Daftar' - 17.
(31) 'Hingne Daftar' I-15, 17 and 19.
(32) 'Itihasa Sungraha, Ait. Chartra' - letter of Dhondo Govind, 'Hingne Dafter' I- 15, 'New Hist.'' - II-p-180-Shahu's letter in this respect.
(33) 'Fermans, Manshurs and Nishans', p. 61-43 and 44.
http://www.maratharajputrelations.com/5fp.html<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
(i)The Nizam Plays Mischief :
The Sudden death of the able Peshwa in the prime of his age, was really felt to be a set back to the Maratha cause by all their well wishers. It was no wonder (1) that their foes at Delhi were over Joyed and wanted to profit by the dissension (they expected) created thereby. Sawai Jaysing informed (2) Chimaji that Nizam especially wanted to play mischief and create trouble and hence urged him to station the Maratha army in Malwa. But the arrangement had already been made and Vithaji Bule had already been kept and Pilaji Jadhao, Ranoji Shinde and Malharrao had been asked to remain in Malwa and probably all were to be there. Chimaji again remainded Jaysing to sent to promised 5 lakhs from the Emperor treasury immediately and the remaining 10 lakhs in the rainy season. Sawai Jaysing and the Marathas were completely in accord with each other this time. (1740 A.D.) Chimaji and the young Peshwa regarded him as an elderly person from their family and looked to him for guidence and moral support due to the sudden death of Bajirao. Even though all felt the loss of Bajiraoâs personality, the Marathas were well prepared for any task having their full loyalities with the young Peshwa. When it was known that Ajmal Khan (3) was to be deputed from Delhi by the Nizam to snatch away Malwa from the Marathas, Ranoji Shinde wrote to Mahadeo Bhat Hingne, âEven previously the servants of the Peshwa used to defeact the enemies, hence even now there is nothing to worry about, God is kind and whoever will come down here will be received happilyâ. Malharrao (5) wrote in the same manner. But the union
Of the three Hindu rulers of the North with the Peshwa from the South never took place. It seems that opportunity, once lost, never comes again, in the same agreeable from. The moment to assert the Hindu element for managing Patshahi and establishing (Hindu) religion in all â India politics departed forever. Soon Nizam came to Deccan to meet the threat of his rebellious son and even Sawai Jaysing (6) was involved in a quarrel with Abhaysing on the question of Bikaner.
(ii)The Young Peshwa at Work :
But the young Peshwa (7) did not even get the parental protection of his uncle Chimaji Appa for a long. The latter died on 17th of December 1740 A.D. (8) at Poona and followed his beloved brother within eight months.
Meanwhile the Nizam had hastened to Deccan, (August 1740 A.D.) to face the rebellion of his son Nasir Jang. As per the Peshwa, it was the time of the Nizam to lose all, as âNasir Jang was young and was backed by a strong army and guns and was confident of successâ. It was quite clear (9) that the side which the Peshwa would join, would only win and hence both sought his assistance. But the young and inexperienced Peshwa (age 19) decided to side with Asaf Jah on the childish ground thatâ. Had I helped him (Nasir Jang), after achieving success he would have boasted of his own velour and people would have thought that we had taken his side thinking that he was powerful. It was better for our prestige to help the weaker party and looking at the plight of Asaf Jah, I decided to help himâ. The effect was the complete discomfiture of Nasir Jang against such a powerful combination.
The letters (10)and the deeds of Nizam-ul-Mulk clearly reveal the fact that he had been a deadly opponent of the Marathas throughout his career. This fact must have been known to the Peshwa. He must have known that Bajirao had a mind to destroy the Nizam (11) completely. He was equally an opponent of the Rajputs and wanted to chastise (12) them. Again it was quite clear from the recent letter received from the envoy at Jaypur (13) that the Nizam was among those who were overjoyed at the sudden death of Bajirao and wanted to profit by the disadvantageous situation that they expected. He also knew that Bajirao and after his death Chimaji Appa had taken the side of the Rajputs especially against the Nizam. Leaving all this, the Peshwa sided with Asaf Jah. There is no wonder that the reception given by the Nizam to the Peshwa, âwas more grand than the ceremony of the meeting of the late Raoâ. But decisions of great political importance like this are hardly taken in the way the Peshwa had taken. Perhaps the young Peshwa was not mentally prepared to face the revolutionary situation that would have been created after the defeat of the Nizam, or perhaps the diplomacy of Nizam must have been more successful. But one thing is certain; that had the Peshwa not sided the Nizam the political career of the latter would have certainly come to an end. What the Peshwa ought to have done, was only neutrality, the rest of the work would have been performed by Nasir Jang himself.
(iii)The Nizam Open His Heart to the Peshwa :
One good turn creates expectation for another one. The Nizam once nearly freed from the home-trouble, thought of utilizing the favourable opportunity to his full advantage. He informed the Peshwa (14) through Baburao Malhar thus : âWhen I was at Delhi, I had in my mind the question of the re-establishment of the Emperorâs rule and I had written accordingly to Bajirao Peshwa, but (unfortunately) he had then few days to live. I also had to come to Deccan for (home) management. Due to your (Peshwaâs) help, the trouble has come to an end and everything being set right properly, no trouble is left now. I have grown old and wish once more to got to Delhi for the management of the Emperorâs administration. Afterwards, whatever may be in the store of the fate, may happen. You (Peshwa) are in debt, it must be paid off. Due to Nadir Shahâs invasion, the Emperorâs treasurty has been swept of it also needs attention along with the re-establishment of the Emperorâs authority. All this is in my mind. By re-establishment of authority I have in my mind, the Rajputs, who have since long grown wealthy out of the (illegal) acquisition of the Emperorâs territories. When the calamity of Nadir Shah befell the Emperor, he had a (vain) hope that the great armies of the Rajputs might reach him (in times of danger). I had also (up till then) heard much about the dexterity of their swordsmanship and desired to see its display (against Nadir Shah). With this object, I sent them letters of join forthwith. But nobody came, inbattle was lost due to Khan Dauran and Sadat Khan. But the Emperor has in his mind the treacherous conduct of the Rajputs. I have also a mind to recover the hoard of money from them to fill up the Emperorâs treasury. For al these things, if you and I combine, then nothing is impossible.â
The Nizam pormised the Peshwa, if he accepted the friendly proposal,
(1)To pay him 15 lakhs of rupees from the Emperorâs treasury and 5 lakhs more,
(2)To procure the Sanad for Malwa, the territory to the south of Chambal and the taluqas from Agra,
(3)To manage for the expected meeting of the Peshwa with the Emperor,
(4)To grant the jagir of Waranashi and
(5)To secure an order for the discontinuance of the collection of tax from the religious centre of Prayag, and
(6)To recover money from a few rich places to pay off the debt of the Peshwa.
Thus the Nizam once more promised to fulfill all the known demands of the Peshwa to secure his assistance to achieve supermancy at delhi.
(iv)The Peshwa Sticks to Rajputs Friendship:
But even though the Peshwa had helped the Nizam against his son, he knew his artful nature fully well (15) and refused to fall a victim to his enticing trap. This he did because the change of side from Sawai Jaysing to the Nizam was unthinkable for him. He had seen for years the existence of brotherly feeling in all their dealings between Sawai Jaysing and Bajirao. He still remembered the dutiful attitude of an affectionate son that Sawaiji exhibited towards the Peshwaâs mother while She was on her pilgrimage (in 1735-36 A.D.), and he had known thoroughly the common objects Sawaiji and Bajirao namely â the regeneration of the great Hindu centers of religion like Kashi and Prayag from the rule of the Yawanas (the Muslims), which was also the ideal of the young Peshwa. As for the practical gains, he believed that Jaysing was much more campetent to the Nizam, for the fulfilment of the Maratha demands through the Emperor.
(v)The Peshwa Proceeds to Meet Sawai Jaysing :
With this firm belief, rejecting the friendly overtures of the Nizam, he proceeded to meet Sawai Jaysing in the territory near about Orchha and Datiya and reached Nemad region in January 1741 A.D., with his full force. But the most urgent thing for him besides the procurement of the Sanads, was his pressing need of the money. The peshwa urged Sawai Jaysing, to manage to pay the promised 15 lakhs from the Emperorâs treasury and as it would take some time, requested him to provide the same, for the time being, from his own treasury to be adjusted later on.
Shinde and Holkar were already operating in Malwa. On 5th of Jauuary 1741 A.D., Malharrao Holkar captured Dhar(16) from the Mughal keeper. Malharrao then entered Rampura about which Sawai Jaysing complained (17) to the Peshwa. Holkar
Kar was accordingly told by the Peshwa, to crease troubles in Rampura as many things were to be got doen through Sawaiji and hence it was improper to displease him. (19)
Besides the pressing question of the recovery of 15 lakhs from the Emperorâs treasury, another question to be decided with Sawai Jaysing was of Ater. Jaysing had placed Humanizing on the throne of this principality with the consent of Bajirao who regarded this privilage of placing or dethroning any one to the South of Chambal, to be of the Marathas. Bajirao had a mind to acquire ½ of the territory worth 20-25 lakhs of rupees of Ater. But this question remained undecided during his remaining lifetime. Now after his death, Ajmulla Khan had replaced Bhimsing by certain Raysing. But since the new Peshwa was on his march with his army to the North, Sawaiji decided to place once more Bhimsing on the throne and accordingly the Peshwa, who took the occasion to put forth the previous demand of the ½ territory and the place of Ater for the Marathas.
The capture of Dhar by the Marathas, seriously upset the Emperor who once more thought of offering them armed opposition (18) . The Marathas had devastated Doab in the previous year and hence fearing that they would do the same this year too, the Emperor ordered all his Amirs, and Amir Khan, the Subha of Prayag and Mansur Ali Khan, the Subha of Ayodhya to co-operate with Sawai Jaysing to check the Marathas from crossing into Antarwed. Knowing of the plan, the Peshwa sent Awaji Kawade and Govind hari with detachment, by the South bank of Yamuna upto Prayag. This move effectively checked Mansur Ali Khan and Amir Khan from coming over to Jaysing. Sawai Jaysing who had come to Agra in fact wanted no quarrel with the Peshwa. Declaring that it was impossible for him to face the Marathas, he sent Ayamal to the Peshwa who came to Dhawalpur to the North of Chambal with Ranoji Shinde. Malharrao Holkar and Pawar. Infact the Emperor could neither displease Jaysing nor evade the Marathas. Mahadeo Bhat Hingne pressed the Maratha demand for the Subha of Gujarat and Malwa. Jaysing proceeded to Agra and met the Peshwa
Between Agra and Dhawalpur. The visit (20) lasted for a week from 12th to 19th of May 1741 A.D An agreement was reached on the following points viz.
(i)The Peshwa and Jaysing should act in complete friendship and help each other in all circumstances.
(ii)The Marathas should be strictly loyal towards the Emperor and
(iii)The grant of Malwa for the Peshwa should be secured by Sawai Jaysing within six months.
Having accomplished his objects, the Peshwa, returned to the South and reached Poona on 7th of July 1741 A.D
(vi) Closure of the Friendly Chapter
The âfamanâ was issued on 7th of September 1741 A.D entrusting the whole management of the Subha of Malwa to the Peshwa as Deputy to Shah Jada Ahmad, the Subhadar of Malwa (which was all nominal), including the civil and criminal jurisdiction. tHus from the first i.e. calling the Maratha in to Malwa, till the final grant of Subha of Malwa to the Marathas, Sawai Jaysing was connected with the affair. The manipulation for the grant of the Subha a Malwa for the Peshwa was the last act of Sawai Jaysing in favour of the Marathas.
This renowned ruler of Jaypur, for a along a great figure in Rajputana and Delhi, Court, the patron of Hindu-learning and religion, died on 23rd of September 1743 A.D at the age of 55. The death of Bajirao in 1740 A.D followed by the death of Sawai Jaysing within three years, mark the end of the epoch of the friendly relations between the Marathas and the Rajputs. With the change of personalities, there came a sudden change of political situation, with the result that the Marathas and Rajputs departed from their common aims to different directions never to meet again on the same plain of friendship.
When Sawai Jaysing called the Maratha armies (21) into Malwa in 1728 A.D, on behalf of the Emperor, he regarded them as not more than an auxiliary force. But with the knowledge of their political institutions (22) and the character and ideals of the personalities a work, a gradual understanding came about the Marathas with their persistant efforts to expand in all directions. The common background of religion and culture facilitated the development of social contacts which brought him nearer to the Marathas in general and the Peshwa family in particular.
In fact as a subordinate of the Emperor and the Subhadar of Malwa, Jaysing was duty-bound to oppose the Marathas. But he very skillfully changed the Phase of opposition into that of concilation and exerted to justify the same before the Emperor. The Marathas perfectly understood the situation in which Jaysing was placed and assisted him in his policies that were in fact favourable to them. This partiality of Sawai Jaysing towards the Marathas cost him the enmity of Sadat Khan and the Nizam. The former called him a traitor to the cause of the Emperor (23) and the latter was alwaysa claimant for the Subha of Malwa and disliked him thoroughly (24).
It is to be noted that from the murder of Farrukh Siyar till the end of his career, Sawai Jaysing exhibits complete independence of actions, though he had never severed his connections with the Emperor, on the contrary he was closely connected with him along with Khan Dauran. From the fact that even when he was asked to join the imperial forces against Nadir Shah, he remained aloof, it is quite clear that he had no attachment for the cause of the survival of the Mughal rule (25) . His attitude towards the shattering Mughal Empire in fact differed little from that of Bajirao and hence both had come closer together. Like the Marathas, he aimed at the enlargement of his dominions and wanted to retain the Subha of Malwa for himself. But when he saw that the powerful Marathas would not allow him its peaceful acquisition and having no strength and will to resist them, he sided with them in its possession, lest it Should fall in the hands of the crafty Nizam, who had been persistently trying for the same.
Certainly Sawai Jaysing had his political ends to meet behind his friendship with the Marathas. He was convinced that the days of the Mughal rule were numbered and was still convinced by 1736 A.D that the Marathas were the power to substitute it. He had no love lost for the ambitious Sadat Khan or the Turani party headed by Nizam-ul-Mulk (26) and Kamruddin Khan. The Emperor was a non-entity. In the intricate and changing power politics of Delhi, he wanted the Maratha force at his back to use it was a shield against the possible attacks of the powerful faction of the Court (27). Their moral support was definitely of use to him in 1736 A.D when Sadat Khan was expected to fall on him. Similarly after the invasion of Nadir Shah when all the remaining power of the Emperor had departed from him, when the Nizam created a threatening situation with Kamruddin Khan, (28) that was dangerous to the Emperor and himself alike, the choice of Bajirao to side with his party was of hearty relief for him (Sawai Jaysing). Inspite of their apparent marches even at the gates of Delhi, the role in general played by the marathas during 1724 A.D to 1740 A.D was that of a safeguard for Sawai Jaysing, Khan Dauran and even the Emperor and hence the letters calling Bajirao to the presence of the Emperor 29) or calling his forces in Malwa (30) and hence the Marathaâs pressing demands of payment at the treasury of the Emperor.
But political aspirations in the dealings of a king and a politician of the first mark like Sawai Jaysing are quite justificable
Be, for he was not a sage so as not to use the Maratha friendship for his own self when the Maratha themselves were profited by his taking their side.
But leaving this practical side, we have to admit that there was definitely more genuine, more sublime part in the attachment of Sawai Jaysing towards Bajirao and his family. Letters writen by Chimaji Appa (31) and Balaji Bajirao Peshwa do reveal to us that they had come from the heart where ever they touched to brotherly feeling that existed between Sawai Jaysing and Bajirao. There were certainly strong reasons besides political necessity, between the friendship of the Marathas and the Rajputs. Culturally and religiously they stood on the same plain. History must record that after the invasion of Nadir Shah there definitely had come into the minds of the Hindu Chiefs (32) of the North and the South, an idea of creating Hindu predominance at Delhi for the regeneration of Hindu ideas in the society. The premature death of Bajirao gave a blow to such ideas of mutual assistance. With all the Maratha raids in Rajputana during Bajiraoâs time, there existed nothing but a regard for the name and fame of Bajirao in the hearts of Rajputs, who looked to him as a tower of strength at the time of danger.
The political situation after Bajiraoâs death changed rapidly at Delhi. Sawaijiâs relations with Abhaysing were strained beyond repairs. Even though the Emperor (33) was constant in his favors towards him, he had really lost a supporter at Delhi in the death of Khan Dauran. Moreover, Bajiraoâs death certainly disabled him. Sawaijiâs last days were clouded with the apprehension of a civil war in Jaypur after his death on the question of the succession to the throne of Jaypur.
The friendly chapter in the relations of the Marathas and the Rajputs closes after the death of this apparently dependent but really independent Hindu Chief of Jaypur. It only stresses the point that personalaties do count in the course of history.
Foot Notes (Description)
(1) M.I.S. Vol. VI - 145.
(2) 'Hningne Daftar' I-17.
(3)."Tarikh-I-Hindi" in E.D. Vol. VIII, p. 67.
(4) 'Hingne Daftar' I - 18.
(5) 'Holkar Shahi' I - 48.
(6) 'Hingne Daftar' I - 17.
(7) Peshwa Balaji was invested with the robes of the office of Peshwa on 25th of June 1740. 'Purandare' I - 147.
(8) Ibid - 148.
(9) 'Hingne Daftar' I - 20.
(10) 'Eighteenth Century Deccan' pp. 135, 198.
(11) (I) "Bajirao marched upon Aurangabad in Jan. 1740 - to annihilate the Nizam in Deccan". M.I.S. Vol. II - 85. (ii)"If the king orders all the forces to join, it is the time, that Mughal (Nizam) would be destroyed completely.." - Bajirao. B.I.S.M. 6 - 'Purandare Daftar' I - 139.
(12) 'Hingne Daftar' I-13, 15, 19.
(13) Ibid - 17-18.
(14) 'Hingne Daftar' I-19, 23.
(15) "Behind his sweet words, it was his intention to take all the credit of the things, the Emperor was going to do for us, with his own accord". Hingne Daftar' I - 19.
(16) S.P.D. 13-4. 'New Hist.' I - p. 213.
(17) 'Hingne Daftar' I - 24, M.I.S. VOL. VI-151.
(18) 'Hingne Daftar' I - 21.
(19) S.P.D. 13-4.
(20) 'Purandare Daftar' I-149. M.I.S. Vol. VI, 152, 'New Hist.' Vol. II p. 214.
(21) S.P.D. 13-10.
(22) Deepchand's mission S.P.D. 10-66, also see Appendix B.
(23) S.P.D. 14-47.
(24) See Nizam's letter about Jaysing - 'Elighteenth century Deccan' p. 141.
(25) 'Hingen Dafter' I-19.
(26) The discomfiture of the Nizam of the hands of Nadir Shah highly pleased Sawai Jaysing - 'Itihas Sangraha, Ait Charitra' - letter of Dhondo Govind.
(27) (a) "he (Jaysing) wants the Marathas to be his allies. In this he has two aims, that disturbance should subside, and the Marathas should be shielded". - From the letter of Nizam, 'Eighteenth Century Deccan' p. 141. (b) "He desired to combine his duty to his sovereign with his friendship with the Marathas. He also wanted to use the latter as auxiliaries". - 'Central India' p. 88.
(28) 'Hingne Daftar' I-13-15.
(29)Â S.P.D. 15-pp. 87 to 89.
(30) S.P.D. 13-10, 'Hingne Daftar' - 17.
(31) 'Hingne Daftar' I-15, 17 and 19.
(32) 'Itihasa Sungraha, Ait. Chartra' - letter of Dhondo Govind, 'Hingne Dafter' I- 15, 'New Hist.'' - II-p-180-Shahu's letter in this respect.
(33) 'Fermans, Manshurs and Nishans', p. 61-43 and 44.
http://www.maratharajputrelations.com/5fp.html<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->