05-02-2006, 10:35 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Chapter 2
THE JAIPUR EPISODE
(1) Ishwarising the King of Jaypur :
In Janurary 1744 A.D. the Peshwa sent the robes, elephant and horses for the occasion of âTikaâ for Ishwarising. He deputed Bapuji Mahadeo Hingne on his behalf to Jaypur. Ishwarising and Rajamalji had sent him letters (1)in which friendly feelings were expressed and assistance of army was sought. Peshwa was favourable to him and wrote to his Sardars in the North to take up the cause of Ishwarising (2) against his brother Madhaosing. Jagatsing, the Rana of Udaypur, had taken up the cause of Madhaosing and, with an intention of fighting, had marched upto Jamoli near Jahajpur at the end of 1743 A.D. There upon Ishwarsing had promised to give a fief to his brother Madhaosing.
As per the orders of the Peshwa, Rachandra Baba (3) and the Sardars asked Ranoji to handover Madhaosing to their care and promised to give him a fief worth five lakhs, besides Rampura and some cash (Janurary 1745 A.D.). But no settlement could be affected as Madhaosing was hardly satisfied over this much share. His ambition was to snatch away half of the kingdom from Ishwarising. His second attempt in 1745 A.D., also met with a failure and he and his maternal uncle had to save himself by running back to Udaypur.
(II)Malharrao Pleades for a Changes of Side :
Judging correctly (4) the strength of Ishwarsing in his friendship with the Marathas, the Maharana approached the right person for his cause among the Marathas, namely Malharrao Holkar who inclining favourably dispatched Keshao Pancholi, Jaysing Sekhavat from Ranajiâs side and Kaniram from Madhaosing to Peshwa to secure Maratha help to the side of Madhaosing (December 1747 A.D.).
But Ramchandra Babu, the Diwan of Shinde, was opposed to such a move of change of side. He wrote, âMadhaosingâs offer is false. There is no chance of getting any money from him. People here know that we have up till now supported Ishwarsing. It would now be scandalous to shift our groundâ.
But Malharrao had already committed himself to Madhaosingâs cause. Ranoji being already dead, he was the only elderly person left in Peshwaâs Sardars. With experience in warfare, and constant success he had grown over-confident and was in no position to hear such an opposition to his policy. He vehemently pleaded his case before the Peshwa. He wrote (5) to the Peshwa not to mind the writing of Ramchandra Baba since he was interested in Ishwarising. He further added that Ramchandra Baba was too proud of his own judgment, to care little for the Peshwaâs work even if it would be ruined thereby. He informed the Peshwa that Ranaji had promised him to pay 20 lakhs as âNazrâ if Madhaosing was assigned a jagir of 25 lakhs. He further assured the Peshwa that there was no chance of any trouble since all the Amirs of Delhi were favourable to Madhaosingâs cause and with the Hadas and the Rathods on their side, Ishwarising had no way but to come to terms. He also urged the Peshwa to take the cause of Umedsing the son of Budhsing of Bundi, so that the issue be not tackled successfully by Ishwarising himself, if they delayed to intervene in the matter.
Malharrao viewed the whole affair from practical point of view. He was sure of forcing a settlement (6) on Ishwarising of granting a fief of 25 lakhs to Madhaosing by sheer weight of combination. Thus the Marathas would get 20 lakhs of rupees by a mere show of force. It never entered in his mind that Ishwarising or the people of Jaypur would oppose the proposal of the partition of their kingdom. Sawai Jaysing never wished Madhaosing to be the king of Jaypur, inspite of his assurance at Pushkar (1709 A.D. to 1710 A.D.). Madhaosing has been all the while with his maternal uncle at Udaypur and Ishwarishing had already become the king of Udaypur. It was not only unjust but also immoral to force a partition on Ishwarising who had proved he to be a capable ruler. But practical Malharrao hinted to the Peshwa that if they neglected the chance of interference into the internal affair, the Rajput Chiefs would decide the matter amongst themselves and thus the Marathas would be not where. But if they only chose to take up the lead in the matter, not only they would be monetarily profitted, but the Rajputs would come under their influence.
He assured the Peshwa that he was capable enough to settle the issue between the brothers, Ishwarising and Madhaosing avoiding any possible mishap and for that he was ready to take a pledge. He urged the Peshwa not to be carried away by the writing of Ramchandra Baba who was trying his best to prove him a false man. He finally wrote that the Peshwa knew that he would stand for his pledge and that he should not take it to be a mere writing. (August 1747 A.D.)
Thus, as opposed to Ramchandra Baba (7) , Malharrao made Madhaosingâs affair a prestige point at the cost of rightful Ishwarising and plunged the State of Jaypur into a civil war making the Maratha name of to suffer for the first time in the North Indian politics. For all the affair-effects of this shortsighted policy, only Malharrao was responsible with his pride, his recklessness, his greed for money and his under-rating of the Rajput character, chivalry and valour.
(iii)The Role of the Peshwa :
Even though the Peshwa needed money badly to pay off the debt of Satara, he was not a greedy man like Malharrao who could not convince him of the justness of his policy. Infact Peshwa agreed fully with Ramchandra Baba. Malharrao, feeling that he was losing ground with the Peshwa, wrote finally (8) that it was not good for the Peshwa (9) to insult him by following the advice of Ramchandra Baba and that he had not undertaken Madhaosingâs cause for the destruction of the Maratha cause. Matters had reached the extreme limit. After all, the Peshwa could not displease Malharrao. He tried to soothe him by writing that there was no need of so much dejection (10) on his part. What they were expected to do was not to encourage any strife in the Kachhwah family by their actions. The Peshwa hinted that if the matter went to extremity, it was Malharrao in the long run, who would be obliged to settle the issue. He urged Malharrao to view Ranaji and Ishwarising in the same light. According to him, the problem needed to be solved thoughtfully and with due pressure. (January 1747 A.D.).
(iv)Malharrao Takes Up the Cause of Madhaosingh :
Malharrao viewed Madhaosingâs affair as a challenge to his capacity as a Sardar in the same way some forty years hence Mahadaji took up the challenge of the insignificant Jaypur Darbar.
Malharrao (11) effected a treaty with Ranaji by which it was settled that :
The paraganas of Tonk, Toda, Malpura and Newai with a total revenue of 18 lakhs were to be handed over to Madhaosing.
Bundi was to be given to Umedsing, who should be loyal to Ishwarising and pay the dues to the Marathas.
Nenwe, Samadhi and Karwar paraganas were to be with the Rao Raja and Pratapsing Hada.
With this understanding, he sent Khanderao Holkar to Ranoji and Nimbaji Khatke, Ramrao Munshi and Bakshi Ram to Ishwarising for soliciting his approval to the treaty.
Ishwarising was then engaged in a fight with Shivsing Sakhtawat but hearing of the designs of the Rana and Malharrao he effected a settlement with Shivsing and made him his adherent. He assambled all the Rajputs in his kingdom and prepared for the coming fight (February 1747 A.D.).
(V)The Battle of Rajmahal (1747 A.D.)
Ranaji sent his army under Bharatsing towards Jayspur. Khanderao joined thim army on the border of Jaypur and Mewad. The Chiefs of Kota and Shahapur were to join them soon. Ishwarising, hearing of it, sent Narayandas with full preparation to oppose the Ranaâs army and was to send Rayamalji on the Chiefs of Kota. But suddenly Rayamalji died (9th of February 1741 A.D.) causing a national grief. However this did not deter Ishwarising who asked Narayandas to fall upon the Ranajiâs army under Bharatsing before he go reinforcements. Raja Narayandas accordingly encamped 2 kos from the Ranaâs army with an intention to give a fight.
But dreading further complications, Narayandas decided to come to terms in order to avoid the battle. He went back to Jaypur and tried to convince Ishwarsing. He told that even Malharrao wanted amicable settlement and it was better to avoid the battle since Malharraoâs son had joined the Ranaâs army. Not only the Rana, but the Marathas would become their enemy, moreover no Rajput would lend a willing support and hence, he proposed that conciliation was the best possible way out. But Ishwarising had thought over the matter more perfectly and hence was not ready to succumb to any pressure. He said, âI should rule, if I am destined for it. Whatever may happen, a fight is essential. Rajamalji is dead, Vidyaadhar is confined to bed, Rajputs are lukewarm and you (Narayandas) advise me for a compromise. It clearly means that ultimately, I have to make myself ready to bear the burden and hence whatever may happen, I have to move.â Thus speaking he entered the tents and joined his army.
The fight (12) between the armies of Ishwarising and Ranaji was a severe one and continued for two days. Khanderao Holkar and Bhopatrao charne from Bundi had not taken any part in the fight, but when they tried to loot the baggage, the Shekhawats kept to guard the same, defended themselves successfully. Finally the Ranaâs army gave way and fled away. Not only the expectation of Malharrao, that Ishwarising would listen to his proposal thought sheer weight of the combination, had proved false, but also that he had won a battle in the presence of Khanderao to the opposite side. The matter had gone now beyond the reach of Malharrao since Maratha name was involved in the defeat.
(vi) âThe Kingdom is the Gift of godâ :
But the Peshwa (13) still wanted peaceful settlement and hence wrote his envoy (April 1749 A.D.) at Jaypur that he wished nothing but the well being of Ishwarising and hence desired that the would come to a peaceful settlement with the Sardars and end the dispute. Ishwarising there upon addressed Govind Tamaji thus, âThe friendly relations between the House of Jaypur and the Peshwa are hereditary and exceptional. Sawai Jaysing and Bajirao had been friends and Balajirao knows the things doen by Sawai Jaysing for the Srimant. Even now we value the word of Balajirao. But this is a family feud and moreover we are kings, we are bound by the policy followed through generations. This is a quarrel over land. How can it be given? I have given (go Madhaosing) whatever was possible in the name of service. If pressed for more, how can it be given without a fight? By handing over the territory to a younger brother, whole of my kingdom? Srimant and the Sardars are determined to give him more, but that will not take place. Kingdom is a gift of God. He alone will get it on which God bestows it. But the Marathas have changed side.â
Thus firm in his attitude, Ishwarising assembled his forces and destroying all the supplies so that they should not be of use to the Marathas, he go ready to receive them. Very soon the Peshwa (14) came to the North, in connection with his assistance to the Emperor against Abdali. On his way to Deccan, he halted at Newai (15) 39 miles south of Jaypur ( 21st may 1748 A.D.). Madhaosing met him there. But Ishwarising shut himself up in Jaypur feeling humiliated for his flight from Manpur, where he had gone to assist the imperial army against Abdali. He sent Keshaodas, son of Rajamal to the Peshwa. This proved to be his mistake, for it made Peshwa lean completely on the side of Madhaosing. Peshwa sent his agents to Jaypur and demanded 50 lakhs of rupees from Ishwarising and desired him to accept the demand of half the territory for Madhosing. Ishwarising was ready to pay 25 lakhs to the Peshwa, but was not ready to divide his kingdom as per the Peshwaâs demand, as he regarded the kingdom as the secred trust of his ancestors. No settlement (16) hence was possible.
(vii) Battle of Bagru-Ishwarising Defeated, (August 1748 A.D.) :
The Jaypur question now entered into the last phase. Malharrao (17) entered Jaypur in July 1748 A.D. and occupying Tonk, Toda and Malpura, handed the same to Madhaosing. He advanced further. Umedsing Hada and Durjansal Hada joined him. They met no opposition till they were faced by Ishwarising at Bagru, 23 miles east of Sambhar. Surajmal Jat was on the side of Ishwarising.
The battle raged for 6 days inspite of heavy rains. The Maratha cut the supplies of Jaypur force and Gangadhar Tatya lockaded the way towards Jaypur and looted the territory up to Sambhar. Ishwarising, being overpowered, took shelter in the fort of Bagru in distress. Though Keshaodas he agreed to give five paraganas for Madaosing and Bundi to Umedsing. He then met Holkar an 9th of August and pledged for friendship. The next day the Marathas and their allies returned to Malpur Todiya accompained by Ishwarisingâs men namely Harnathsing, Mahabatsing, Sawantsing Naruka to evacuate the places. Ishwarising went back to his capital.
(viii) The Triagic End of Ishwarising :
Bagru had convinced Ishwarising that he could not continue the fight against the combination for a long. As the opposition was gaining ground, frustration seized his heart. He grew suspicious. Meanwhile his mind was being poisoned by Hargovind Natani against Keshaodas, as he was jealous of the latter. Ishwarising was convinced that Keshaodas was the man of Malharrao. One day (18) he called Keshaodas to his persence and gave him poison to drink. Invain Keshaodas pleaded his innocence, but it was of no avail. At last uttering âGovind, Govindâ he drank the poison, immediately fainted and died. When the people of Jaypur knew about this incident (19) , they felt very much for the innocent minister. (August 1750 A.D.)
Keshaodas was a devoted minister who had served his master faithfully on many trying occasion. He was well acquainted with the Maratha way of living and according to the poet Suryamal he could speak Marathi very well.
The death of Keshaodas made the position of Ishwarising worst. Hardly any sagacious advisor was left with him. Vidyadhar (20) was nearly invalid, and Shivnath Bhayya was thrown into prison with his entire family, wives and children. He was nearly forsaken by all even by his prudence.
Malharrao in Deccan came to know about the death the Keshaodas from his commandar in the North, Rajerao. He determined to avenge the death of Keshaodas. Starting from Deccan, he reached Betwad (September 1750 A.D.) and halted there in expectation of the arrival of Jayappa Shinde. Maharao Durjansal (21) of Kota, sent his agent Veiram Bhat to see Malharrao, as the latter came on the Narmada. Malharrao then reached Indore and waited there for the rest of the Sardars to join him (October-November 1750 A.D.).
Ishwarisingâs position had grown weaker still. Deserted by all his allies, driven to desperation, he expected nothing but vengence at the hands of Malharrao over the death of Keshaodas.
On 19th of November 1750 A.D., (22) Malharrao and Gangadhar Tatya reached Mukundara Ghat. On 28th they seized Nenwe and turned it into a Maratha post by turning out the queen of the Chief, and handed it over to Balaji Shamraj Kamavisdar of Bundi. At Nenwe they halted for 10 days. From there they advanced towards Jaypur. When they were at a distance of three days march from Jaypur, Malharrao met the envoy of Isharising with two lakhs of rupees, but he was highly displeased at the little sum offered and paying no heed to the request resumed his march.
The frightened envoy wrote the king that Malharrao meant to avenge the death of Keshaodas. Now Hargovind Natani and Vidyadhar, previous ministers, who had been removed from their posts by the king, advised him to collect force and meet Malharrao either in the field or from the protected city. Ishwarising now was not his former self. He asked his men to pacify Malharrao by paying 4 to 5 lakhs of rupees. But nobody was ready to approach Malharrao for fear of being killed by hi in revenge for Keshaodasâs death. They implored the king to kill them but not to send them to Malharrao. This shows the dread Malharrao had created in the hearts of Ishwarisingâs supporters. The king felt helpless. He kept silence and began to brood over his lot.
On December 12 1750, news came by the evening that Malharrao was only 20 miles away from Jaypur. But Ishwarising had nothing to face the Maratha challenge. The sun that set in the West was the last one for Ishwarising to behold. His end was drawing near. It was impossible for him to humble himself before Malharrao. That was worse than death. He asked his servant to procure live Kobra and Somal-Khar to prepare medicine. In the dead of night, the king swallowed the poison and bit the kobra to himself. His three queens also drank the poison. Thus Ishwarising paid back for the life of Keshaodas and for the thoughtless pleadge of Sawai Jaysing given at Pushkar (1709-10 A.D.). The four corpses lay unheeded in the palace nearly for four âPraharsâ of the day. This was what Malharrao achieved by the pledge (23) he had given to Peshwa. Ishwarising had preferred death to accepting division of his territory. He thought like a true Rajput and died like a true Rajput. Malharrao had no business to interfere in his family affair.
There is no parallel example in the whole of Maratha History where Maratha influence-directly or indirectly-effected such an unlucky mishap. Malharrao knew only one thing and that was the force of the sword. He was hardly capable of going into the thought of Ishwarising who treated the kingdom as heavenly inheritance.
This hideous act from which the Marathas could never shake off their responsibility, had many repercussions in future in the Maratha-Rajput relations. It sealed forever the character of the Marathas in the eyes of the Rajputs. From hereafter common religion and culture played but a little part in their relationship. This was the starting point of the deadly enmity that the Rajputs bore towards the Marathas throughout the 18th century that resulted into cowardly murders and ruthless devastation. The brotherly feeling created by the first Peshwa was scarified for ever, as hereafter the Marathas had little time, chance, patience or foresight to heal up the wounds of the Rajput mind. The latter actions of Madhaosing and the Rajputs prove that they were acting, besides other things, under the spell of the tragic death of Ishwarising, who was a victim of Maratha aggession in the eyes of Kachhawa State.
(ix)Madhaosing Made the King of Jaypur :
On 13th of December 1750 A.D., the advance party of the Marathas under Khanderao Holkar and Gangadhar Tatya appeared before Jaypur and Malharrao with the rest of army encamped 6 miles away from the city. There was no reaction to the Marathas either from the king or his ministers till the noon. At last the servant revealed the truth of the suicide of the king and the whole city was plunged into grief. Hargoving and Vadyadhar pacified the people and went outside the city to meet the Maratha Chiefs. The sad new was despatched to Malharrao who came near the city from the camp by the evening. He sent his men to ascertain the truth. The corpses were still lying there, the next day till evening. Malharrao managed to send the required material for the funeral ceremony, which took place in the palace garden. With Ishwarising his three queens and 20 concubines burnt themselves on the funeral pyre.
Next day on 14th of December 1751, a courier was dispatched to Madhaosing immediately. On 29th of December, he came and was welcomed by Malharrao as the king of Jaypur and was carried to the palace on his own elephant.
Jayappa Shinde arrived with his army on 6th January 1751 A.D. it was agreed that the city should be given protection on receipt of money. But the Maratha demand (24) of one third or at least one fourth of Jaypur territory annoyed the king and his ministers. On the background of recent tragedy a feeling of retaliation seized the heart of Madhaosing. A big army of Shekhawats
Nothing (25) but a total destruction of the Marathas was what he aimed at. He persistently called the Maratha Chiefs for a dinner. At first Malharrao agreed but when Jayappa flatly declined, he also cancelled his going. It was a providential relief, and the Maratha were saved, for Madhosing had mixed poison with food as well as with drinking water.
Another trap to destroy the Marathas was hatched the next day. Madhaosing called the Maratha Chiefs including Gangadhar Tatya for a talk to his palace. It was pre-planned that as soon as the palankins were inside the city, the gates should be closed. But the Maratha Chiefs luckily came separately and this attempt also failed. But Madhaosing had still another scheme in his view and he succeeded, at last in bringing the Marathas in his trap.
(x)Massacre of the Marathas in Jaypur City :
Jaypur with its fine construction, beautiful temples and huge places was then a brilliant city in India. On 10th of January the Marathas entered the city gates, having no suspicion of any treachery, on the contrary, with a feeling of confidence, as it was Madhaosing on the throne of Jaypur, whom they had placed there. Treachery is highly successful when the victim is in complete ignorance of its existence. The unsuspected Marathas had come to have a leisurely look at the beauty of the city and to make purchases of horses, camels and the rest of articles of soldiers of this group belonged to Jayappa who had least connection with the fateful incident of 13th December. A few of these soldiers had palankins, that indicated their high ranks. There were young men as well as old, women as well as children, in the group.
All of a sudden, the doors of the rampart were closed at the instance of Madhaosing and a general massacre of the bewildered Marathas began, that continued for 12 hours, from midday to midnight. Madhaosing got ample satisfaction of revenge on those who had recently helped him to rise to the exalted position. About fifteen hundred (26) men were killed outright, one thousand were wounded, only seventeen returned safely. Most of the wounded had broken their limbs in their attempt to jump from the rampart. Among those who were killed, many were higher officers of Jayappâs army, about a hundred were Brahmans, many lady servants and there were even small children. A thousand fine horses, ornaments of gold, pearl necklesses and other valuables were lost to the plunderers.
If it was all in the name of revenge for Ishwarisingâs death, what was the punishment for Madhaosing himself whose hands were equally stained with the blood of Ishwarising? It Malharrao Holkar had been greedy and hasty in the affair; it was Ranaji and Madhaosing who forced him with alluring inducements to forsake the cause of Ishwarising. But, nevertheless, it was a lesson to Malharrao indeed. In opposition to Ramchandra Baba, he had placed Madhaosing on the throne of Jaypur and the latter had paid him in right coins for his short-sighted-policy.
(xi)The out come :
The reaction of the deadly on slought in the city was highly detrimental to the safety of the Marathas outside. As if a racial hatred seized the hearts of Rajputs. Roads were closed to them and their men (27) , carrying news letters were killed. After two days (i.e. on 12th of January 1751 A.D.) the Marathas leaving the vicinity of Jaypur, encamped 8 miles away from it. Madhaosing, sent his envoys to them, pleaded innocence and requested for a peaceful settlement. The Maratha Chiefs knew all but could do little to retaliate. They had no force sufficient to storm the city and hence they deemed it wise to consent to the request of Madhaosing and the settlement was effected on the following terms:
All the horses captured, should be returned to the Marathas.
All the plunder be returned.
The bankers of the city be asked to pay off the settled fund.
But Madhaosing was hardly sincere. He avoided the payment on this or that pretext for three weeks. Meanwhile as all supplies were cut off, the Maratha camp suffered from scaricity of grain.
At this time, Safdar Jang, the Wazir (28) was engaged in a fight with the Rohillas of the Doab, and was hard pressed by them. He had sent his envoys, Ram Narayan and Raja Jugal kishor, who were present in the Maratha camp and pressing them to start for the assistence (29) of Safdar Jang. On 7th of February Malharrao was 24 miles away (30) from Jaypur. After a few days (31) (12-2-1751 A.D.) he resumed his regular march towards Oudh.
The Kachhawas got a new king and the Marathas a new enemy. They got nothing out of the expected fund excepting 25 to 30 elephants and 50 to 75 horses that were carried in the Maratha camp after the suicide of Ishwarising (32) . The Kachhawas, the Hadas and the Rana united against them and a new chapter (33) began in the history of the Maratha-Rajput relations.
Foot Notes (Description)
(1)
'Hingne Daftar' I-28.
(2)
Ibid - 27.
(3)
Ibid - 29.
(4)
S.P.D. 21-27.
(5)
S.P.D. 27-18, 19.
(6)
S.P.D. 27-28.
(7)
S.P.D. 2-25
(8)
'Purandar Daftar' I-199.
(9)
S.P.D. 2-25.
(10)
S.P.D. 27-26.
(11)
S.P.D. 2-1, 3.
(12)
S.P.D. 21-24, S.P.D. 2-4.
(13)
S.P.D. 2-11.
(14)
S.P.D. 2-9, Purandare Daftar I-168.
(15)
S.P.D. 27-30, M.I.S. Vol. VI-190, 191, 581, Purandare Dafter I-168.
(16)
S.P.D. 27-35.
(17)
'Hingne Daftar' I-30, M.I.S. Vol, VI, 291, 648, 'Purandare' I-185, 196.
(18)
S.P.D. 21-34. S.P.D. 2-15, 19.
(19)
"????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
(20)
S.P.D. 2-15.
(21)
S.P.D. 21-34
(22)
S.P.D. 2-31.
(23)
S.P.D. 27-28.
(24)
S.P.D. 27-64.
(25)
S.P.D. 2-31
(26)
S.P.D. 27-64, M.I.S. Vol. VI-291, S.P.D. 27-65-Hari Vithal while reporting (12-2-1751) Bhausaheb, states the figure for 5 to 6 hundred. S.P.D. 27-67, Sardars also report to Antaji the figure to be from 500 to 1000.
(27)
S.P.D. 2-29, S.P.D. 2-3.
(28)
S.P.D. 27-65.
(29)
S.P.D. 21-38, 40, S.P.D. 2-26, 28, 30.
(30)
S.P.D. 27-64.
(31)
S.P.D. 27-65, 'Jaypur Kharitas' 7-2
(32)
S.P.D. 2-31.
(33)
S.P.D. 2-30, S.P.D. 27-67.
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THE JAIPUR EPISODE
(1) Ishwarising the King of Jaypur :
In Janurary 1744 A.D. the Peshwa sent the robes, elephant and horses for the occasion of âTikaâ for Ishwarising. He deputed Bapuji Mahadeo Hingne on his behalf to Jaypur. Ishwarising and Rajamalji had sent him letters (1)in which friendly feelings were expressed and assistance of army was sought. Peshwa was favourable to him and wrote to his Sardars in the North to take up the cause of Ishwarising (2) against his brother Madhaosing. Jagatsing, the Rana of Udaypur, had taken up the cause of Madhaosing and, with an intention of fighting, had marched upto Jamoli near Jahajpur at the end of 1743 A.D. There upon Ishwarsing had promised to give a fief to his brother Madhaosing.
As per the orders of the Peshwa, Rachandra Baba (3) and the Sardars asked Ranoji to handover Madhaosing to their care and promised to give him a fief worth five lakhs, besides Rampura and some cash (Janurary 1745 A.D.). But no settlement could be affected as Madhaosing was hardly satisfied over this much share. His ambition was to snatch away half of the kingdom from Ishwarising. His second attempt in 1745 A.D., also met with a failure and he and his maternal uncle had to save himself by running back to Udaypur.
(II)Malharrao Pleades for a Changes of Side :
Judging correctly (4) the strength of Ishwarsing in his friendship with the Marathas, the Maharana approached the right person for his cause among the Marathas, namely Malharrao Holkar who inclining favourably dispatched Keshao Pancholi, Jaysing Sekhavat from Ranajiâs side and Kaniram from Madhaosing to Peshwa to secure Maratha help to the side of Madhaosing (December 1747 A.D.).
But Ramchandra Babu, the Diwan of Shinde, was opposed to such a move of change of side. He wrote, âMadhaosingâs offer is false. There is no chance of getting any money from him. People here know that we have up till now supported Ishwarsing. It would now be scandalous to shift our groundâ.
But Malharrao had already committed himself to Madhaosingâs cause. Ranoji being already dead, he was the only elderly person left in Peshwaâs Sardars. With experience in warfare, and constant success he had grown over-confident and was in no position to hear such an opposition to his policy. He vehemently pleaded his case before the Peshwa. He wrote (5) to the Peshwa not to mind the writing of Ramchandra Baba since he was interested in Ishwarising. He further added that Ramchandra Baba was too proud of his own judgment, to care little for the Peshwaâs work even if it would be ruined thereby. He informed the Peshwa that Ranaji had promised him to pay 20 lakhs as âNazrâ if Madhaosing was assigned a jagir of 25 lakhs. He further assured the Peshwa that there was no chance of any trouble since all the Amirs of Delhi were favourable to Madhaosingâs cause and with the Hadas and the Rathods on their side, Ishwarising had no way but to come to terms. He also urged the Peshwa to take the cause of Umedsing the son of Budhsing of Bundi, so that the issue be not tackled successfully by Ishwarising himself, if they delayed to intervene in the matter.
Malharrao viewed the whole affair from practical point of view. He was sure of forcing a settlement (6) on Ishwarising of granting a fief of 25 lakhs to Madhaosing by sheer weight of combination. Thus the Marathas would get 20 lakhs of rupees by a mere show of force. It never entered in his mind that Ishwarising or the people of Jaypur would oppose the proposal of the partition of their kingdom. Sawai Jaysing never wished Madhaosing to be the king of Jaypur, inspite of his assurance at Pushkar (1709 A.D. to 1710 A.D.). Madhaosing has been all the while with his maternal uncle at Udaypur and Ishwarishing had already become the king of Udaypur. It was not only unjust but also immoral to force a partition on Ishwarising who had proved he to be a capable ruler. But practical Malharrao hinted to the Peshwa that if they neglected the chance of interference into the internal affair, the Rajput Chiefs would decide the matter amongst themselves and thus the Marathas would be not where. But if they only chose to take up the lead in the matter, not only they would be monetarily profitted, but the Rajputs would come under their influence.
He assured the Peshwa that he was capable enough to settle the issue between the brothers, Ishwarising and Madhaosing avoiding any possible mishap and for that he was ready to take a pledge. He urged the Peshwa not to be carried away by the writing of Ramchandra Baba who was trying his best to prove him a false man. He finally wrote that the Peshwa knew that he would stand for his pledge and that he should not take it to be a mere writing. (August 1747 A.D.)
Thus, as opposed to Ramchandra Baba (7) , Malharrao made Madhaosingâs affair a prestige point at the cost of rightful Ishwarising and plunged the State of Jaypur into a civil war making the Maratha name of to suffer for the first time in the North Indian politics. For all the affair-effects of this shortsighted policy, only Malharrao was responsible with his pride, his recklessness, his greed for money and his under-rating of the Rajput character, chivalry and valour.
(iii)The Role of the Peshwa :
Even though the Peshwa needed money badly to pay off the debt of Satara, he was not a greedy man like Malharrao who could not convince him of the justness of his policy. Infact Peshwa agreed fully with Ramchandra Baba. Malharrao, feeling that he was losing ground with the Peshwa, wrote finally (8) that it was not good for the Peshwa (9) to insult him by following the advice of Ramchandra Baba and that he had not undertaken Madhaosingâs cause for the destruction of the Maratha cause. Matters had reached the extreme limit. After all, the Peshwa could not displease Malharrao. He tried to soothe him by writing that there was no need of so much dejection (10) on his part. What they were expected to do was not to encourage any strife in the Kachhwah family by their actions. The Peshwa hinted that if the matter went to extremity, it was Malharrao in the long run, who would be obliged to settle the issue. He urged Malharrao to view Ranaji and Ishwarising in the same light. According to him, the problem needed to be solved thoughtfully and with due pressure. (January 1747 A.D.).
(iv)Malharrao Takes Up the Cause of Madhaosingh :
Malharrao viewed Madhaosingâs affair as a challenge to his capacity as a Sardar in the same way some forty years hence Mahadaji took up the challenge of the insignificant Jaypur Darbar.
Malharrao (11) effected a treaty with Ranaji by which it was settled that :
The paraganas of Tonk, Toda, Malpura and Newai with a total revenue of 18 lakhs were to be handed over to Madhaosing.
Bundi was to be given to Umedsing, who should be loyal to Ishwarising and pay the dues to the Marathas.
Nenwe, Samadhi and Karwar paraganas were to be with the Rao Raja and Pratapsing Hada.
With this understanding, he sent Khanderao Holkar to Ranoji and Nimbaji Khatke, Ramrao Munshi and Bakshi Ram to Ishwarising for soliciting his approval to the treaty.
Ishwarising was then engaged in a fight with Shivsing Sakhtawat but hearing of the designs of the Rana and Malharrao he effected a settlement with Shivsing and made him his adherent. He assambled all the Rajputs in his kingdom and prepared for the coming fight (February 1747 A.D.).
(V)The Battle of Rajmahal (1747 A.D.)
Ranaji sent his army under Bharatsing towards Jayspur. Khanderao joined thim army on the border of Jaypur and Mewad. The Chiefs of Kota and Shahapur were to join them soon. Ishwarising, hearing of it, sent Narayandas with full preparation to oppose the Ranaâs army and was to send Rayamalji on the Chiefs of Kota. But suddenly Rayamalji died (9th of February 1741 A.D.) causing a national grief. However this did not deter Ishwarising who asked Narayandas to fall upon the Ranajiâs army under Bharatsing before he go reinforcements. Raja Narayandas accordingly encamped 2 kos from the Ranaâs army with an intention to give a fight.
But dreading further complications, Narayandas decided to come to terms in order to avoid the battle. He went back to Jaypur and tried to convince Ishwarsing. He told that even Malharrao wanted amicable settlement and it was better to avoid the battle since Malharraoâs son had joined the Ranaâs army. Not only the Rana, but the Marathas would become their enemy, moreover no Rajput would lend a willing support and hence, he proposed that conciliation was the best possible way out. But Ishwarising had thought over the matter more perfectly and hence was not ready to succumb to any pressure. He said, âI should rule, if I am destined for it. Whatever may happen, a fight is essential. Rajamalji is dead, Vidyaadhar is confined to bed, Rajputs are lukewarm and you (Narayandas) advise me for a compromise. It clearly means that ultimately, I have to make myself ready to bear the burden and hence whatever may happen, I have to move.â Thus speaking he entered the tents and joined his army.
The fight (12) between the armies of Ishwarising and Ranaji was a severe one and continued for two days. Khanderao Holkar and Bhopatrao charne from Bundi had not taken any part in the fight, but when they tried to loot the baggage, the Shekhawats kept to guard the same, defended themselves successfully. Finally the Ranaâs army gave way and fled away. Not only the expectation of Malharrao, that Ishwarising would listen to his proposal thought sheer weight of the combination, had proved false, but also that he had won a battle in the presence of Khanderao to the opposite side. The matter had gone now beyond the reach of Malharrao since Maratha name was involved in the defeat.
(vi) âThe Kingdom is the Gift of godâ :
But the Peshwa (13) still wanted peaceful settlement and hence wrote his envoy (April 1749 A.D.) at Jaypur that he wished nothing but the well being of Ishwarising and hence desired that the would come to a peaceful settlement with the Sardars and end the dispute. Ishwarising there upon addressed Govind Tamaji thus, âThe friendly relations between the House of Jaypur and the Peshwa are hereditary and exceptional. Sawai Jaysing and Bajirao had been friends and Balajirao knows the things doen by Sawai Jaysing for the Srimant. Even now we value the word of Balajirao. But this is a family feud and moreover we are kings, we are bound by the policy followed through generations. This is a quarrel over land. How can it be given? I have given (go Madhaosing) whatever was possible in the name of service. If pressed for more, how can it be given without a fight? By handing over the territory to a younger brother, whole of my kingdom? Srimant and the Sardars are determined to give him more, but that will not take place. Kingdom is a gift of God. He alone will get it on which God bestows it. But the Marathas have changed side.â
Thus firm in his attitude, Ishwarising assembled his forces and destroying all the supplies so that they should not be of use to the Marathas, he go ready to receive them. Very soon the Peshwa (14) came to the North, in connection with his assistance to the Emperor against Abdali. On his way to Deccan, he halted at Newai (15) 39 miles south of Jaypur ( 21st may 1748 A.D.). Madhaosing met him there. But Ishwarising shut himself up in Jaypur feeling humiliated for his flight from Manpur, where he had gone to assist the imperial army against Abdali. He sent Keshaodas, son of Rajamal to the Peshwa. This proved to be his mistake, for it made Peshwa lean completely on the side of Madhaosing. Peshwa sent his agents to Jaypur and demanded 50 lakhs of rupees from Ishwarising and desired him to accept the demand of half the territory for Madhosing. Ishwarising was ready to pay 25 lakhs to the Peshwa, but was not ready to divide his kingdom as per the Peshwaâs demand, as he regarded the kingdom as the secred trust of his ancestors. No settlement (16) hence was possible.
(vii) Battle of Bagru-Ishwarising Defeated, (August 1748 A.D.) :
The Jaypur question now entered into the last phase. Malharrao (17) entered Jaypur in July 1748 A.D. and occupying Tonk, Toda and Malpura, handed the same to Madhaosing. He advanced further. Umedsing Hada and Durjansal Hada joined him. They met no opposition till they were faced by Ishwarising at Bagru, 23 miles east of Sambhar. Surajmal Jat was on the side of Ishwarising.
The battle raged for 6 days inspite of heavy rains. The Maratha cut the supplies of Jaypur force and Gangadhar Tatya lockaded the way towards Jaypur and looted the territory up to Sambhar. Ishwarising, being overpowered, took shelter in the fort of Bagru in distress. Though Keshaodas he agreed to give five paraganas for Madaosing and Bundi to Umedsing. He then met Holkar an 9th of August and pledged for friendship. The next day the Marathas and their allies returned to Malpur Todiya accompained by Ishwarisingâs men namely Harnathsing, Mahabatsing, Sawantsing Naruka to evacuate the places. Ishwarising went back to his capital.
(viii) The Triagic End of Ishwarising :
Bagru had convinced Ishwarising that he could not continue the fight against the combination for a long. As the opposition was gaining ground, frustration seized his heart. He grew suspicious. Meanwhile his mind was being poisoned by Hargovind Natani against Keshaodas, as he was jealous of the latter. Ishwarising was convinced that Keshaodas was the man of Malharrao. One day (18) he called Keshaodas to his persence and gave him poison to drink. Invain Keshaodas pleaded his innocence, but it was of no avail. At last uttering âGovind, Govindâ he drank the poison, immediately fainted and died. When the people of Jaypur knew about this incident (19) , they felt very much for the innocent minister. (August 1750 A.D.)
Keshaodas was a devoted minister who had served his master faithfully on many trying occasion. He was well acquainted with the Maratha way of living and according to the poet Suryamal he could speak Marathi very well.
The death of Keshaodas made the position of Ishwarising worst. Hardly any sagacious advisor was left with him. Vidyadhar (20) was nearly invalid, and Shivnath Bhayya was thrown into prison with his entire family, wives and children. He was nearly forsaken by all even by his prudence.
Malharrao in Deccan came to know about the death the Keshaodas from his commandar in the North, Rajerao. He determined to avenge the death of Keshaodas. Starting from Deccan, he reached Betwad (September 1750 A.D.) and halted there in expectation of the arrival of Jayappa Shinde. Maharao Durjansal (21) of Kota, sent his agent Veiram Bhat to see Malharrao, as the latter came on the Narmada. Malharrao then reached Indore and waited there for the rest of the Sardars to join him (October-November 1750 A.D.).
Ishwarisingâs position had grown weaker still. Deserted by all his allies, driven to desperation, he expected nothing but vengence at the hands of Malharrao over the death of Keshaodas.
On 19th of November 1750 A.D., (22) Malharrao and Gangadhar Tatya reached Mukundara Ghat. On 28th they seized Nenwe and turned it into a Maratha post by turning out the queen of the Chief, and handed it over to Balaji Shamraj Kamavisdar of Bundi. At Nenwe they halted for 10 days. From there they advanced towards Jaypur. When they were at a distance of three days march from Jaypur, Malharrao met the envoy of Isharising with two lakhs of rupees, but he was highly displeased at the little sum offered and paying no heed to the request resumed his march.
The frightened envoy wrote the king that Malharrao meant to avenge the death of Keshaodas. Now Hargovind Natani and Vidyadhar, previous ministers, who had been removed from their posts by the king, advised him to collect force and meet Malharrao either in the field or from the protected city. Ishwarising now was not his former self. He asked his men to pacify Malharrao by paying 4 to 5 lakhs of rupees. But nobody was ready to approach Malharrao for fear of being killed by hi in revenge for Keshaodasâs death. They implored the king to kill them but not to send them to Malharrao. This shows the dread Malharrao had created in the hearts of Ishwarisingâs supporters. The king felt helpless. He kept silence and began to brood over his lot.
On December 12 1750, news came by the evening that Malharrao was only 20 miles away from Jaypur. But Ishwarising had nothing to face the Maratha challenge. The sun that set in the West was the last one for Ishwarising to behold. His end was drawing near. It was impossible for him to humble himself before Malharrao. That was worse than death. He asked his servant to procure live Kobra and Somal-Khar to prepare medicine. In the dead of night, the king swallowed the poison and bit the kobra to himself. His three queens also drank the poison. Thus Ishwarising paid back for the life of Keshaodas and for the thoughtless pleadge of Sawai Jaysing given at Pushkar (1709-10 A.D.). The four corpses lay unheeded in the palace nearly for four âPraharsâ of the day. This was what Malharrao achieved by the pledge (23) he had given to Peshwa. Ishwarising had preferred death to accepting division of his territory. He thought like a true Rajput and died like a true Rajput. Malharrao had no business to interfere in his family affair.
There is no parallel example in the whole of Maratha History where Maratha influence-directly or indirectly-effected such an unlucky mishap. Malharrao knew only one thing and that was the force of the sword. He was hardly capable of going into the thought of Ishwarising who treated the kingdom as heavenly inheritance.
This hideous act from which the Marathas could never shake off their responsibility, had many repercussions in future in the Maratha-Rajput relations. It sealed forever the character of the Marathas in the eyes of the Rajputs. From hereafter common religion and culture played but a little part in their relationship. This was the starting point of the deadly enmity that the Rajputs bore towards the Marathas throughout the 18th century that resulted into cowardly murders and ruthless devastation. The brotherly feeling created by the first Peshwa was scarified for ever, as hereafter the Marathas had little time, chance, patience or foresight to heal up the wounds of the Rajput mind. The latter actions of Madhaosing and the Rajputs prove that they were acting, besides other things, under the spell of the tragic death of Ishwarising, who was a victim of Maratha aggession in the eyes of Kachhawa State.
(ix)Madhaosing Made the King of Jaypur :
On 13th of December 1750 A.D., the advance party of the Marathas under Khanderao Holkar and Gangadhar Tatya appeared before Jaypur and Malharrao with the rest of army encamped 6 miles away from the city. There was no reaction to the Marathas either from the king or his ministers till the noon. At last the servant revealed the truth of the suicide of the king and the whole city was plunged into grief. Hargoving and Vadyadhar pacified the people and went outside the city to meet the Maratha Chiefs. The sad new was despatched to Malharrao who came near the city from the camp by the evening. He sent his men to ascertain the truth. The corpses were still lying there, the next day till evening. Malharrao managed to send the required material for the funeral ceremony, which took place in the palace garden. With Ishwarising his three queens and 20 concubines burnt themselves on the funeral pyre.
Next day on 14th of December 1751, a courier was dispatched to Madhaosing immediately. On 29th of December, he came and was welcomed by Malharrao as the king of Jaypur and was carried to the palace on his own elephant.
Jayappa Shinde arrived with his army on 6th January 1751 A.D. it was agreed that the city should be given protection on receipt of money. But the Maratha demand (24) of one third or at least one fourth of Jaypur territory annoyed the king and his ministers. On the background of recent tragedy a feeling of retaliation seized the heart of Madhaosing. A big army of Shekhawats
Nothing (25) but a total destruction of the Marathas was what he aimed at. He persistently called the Maratha Chiefs for a dinner. At first Malharrao agreed but when Jayappa flatly declined, he also cancelled his going. It was a providential relief, and the Maratha were saved, for Madhosing had mixed poison with food as well as with drinking water.
Another trap to destroy the Marathas was hatched the next day. Madhaosing called the Maratha Chiefs including Gangadhar Tatya for a talk to his palace. It was pre-planned that as soon as the palankins were inside the city, the gates should be closed. But the Maratha Chiefs luckily came separately and this attempt also failed. But Madhaosing had still another scheme in his view and he succeeded, at last in bringing the Marathas in his trap.
(x)Massacre of the Marathas in Jaypur City :
Jaypur with its fine construction, beautiful temples and huge places was then a brilliant city in India. On 10th of January the Marathas entered the city gates, having no suspicion of any treachery, on the contrary, with a feeling of confidence, as it was Madhaosing on the throne of Jaypur, whom they had placed there. Treachery is highly successful when the victim is in complete ignorance of its existence. The unsuspected Marathas had come to have a leisurely look at the beauty of the city and to make purchases of horses, camels and the rest of articles of soldiers of this group belonged to Jayappa who had least connection with the fateful incident of 13th December. A few of these soldiers had palankins, that indicated their high ranks. There were young men as well as old, women as well as children, in the group.
All of a sudden, the doors of the rampart were closed at the instance of Madhaosing and a general massacre of the bewildered Marathas began, that continued for 12 hours, from midday to midnight. Madhaosing got ample satisfaction of revenge on those who had recently helped him to rise to the exalted position. About fifteen hundred (26) men were killed outright, one thousand were wounded, only seventeen returned safely. Most of the wounded had broken their limbs in their attempt to jump from the rampart. Among those who were killed, many were higher officers of Jayappâs army, about a hundred were Brahmans, many lady servants and there were even small children. A thousand fine horses, ornaments of gold, pearl necklesses and other valuables were lost to the plunderers.
If it was all in the name of revenge for Ishwarisingâs death, what was the punishment for Madhaosing himself whose hands were equally stained with the blood of Ishwarising? It Malharrao Holkar had been greedy and hasty in the affair; it was Ranaji and Madhaosing who forced him with alluring inducements to forsake the cause of Ishwarising. But, nevertheless, it was a lesson to Malharrao indeed. In opposition to Ramchandra Baba, he had placed Madhaosing on the throne of Jaypur and the latter had paid him in right coins for his short-sighted-policy.
(xi)The out come :
The reaction of the deadly on slought in the city was highly detrimental to the safety of the Marathas outside. As if a racial hatred seized the hearts of Rajputs. Roads were closed to them and their men (27) , carrying news letters were killed. After two days (i.e. on 12th of January 1751 A.D.) the Marathas leaving the vicinity of Jaypur, encamped 8 miles away from it. Madhaosing, sent his envoys to them, pleaded innocence and requested for a peaceful settlement. The Maratha Chiefs knew all but could do little to retaliate. They had no force sufficient to storm the city and hence they deemed it wise to consent to the request of Madhaosing and the settlement was effected on the following terms:
All the horses captured, should be returned to the Marathas.
All the plunder be returned.
The bankers of the city be asked to pay off the settled fund.
But Madhaosing was hardly sincere. He avoided the payment on this or that pretext for three weeks. Meanwhile as all supplies were cut off, the Maratha camp suffered from scaricity of grain.
At this time, Safdar Jang, the Wazir (28) was engaged in a fight with the Rohillas of the Doab, and was hard pressed by them. He had sent his envoys, Ram Narayan and Raja Jugal kishor, who were present in the Maratha camp and pressing them to start for the assistence (29) of Safdar Jang. On 7th of February Malharrao was 24 miles away (30) from Jaypur. After a few days (31) (12-2-1751 A.D.) he resumed his regular march towards Oudh.
The Kachhawas got a new king and the Marathas a new enemy. They got nothing out of the expected fund excepting 25 to 30 elephants and 50 to 75 horses that were carried in the Maratha camp after the suicide of Ishwarising (32) . The Kachhawas, the Hadas and the Rana united against them and a new chapter (33) began in the history of the Maratha-Rajput relations.
Foot Notes (Description)
(1)
'Hingne Daftar' I-28.
(2)
Ibid - 27.
(3)
Ibid - 29.
(4)
S.P.D. 21-27.
(5)
S.P.D. 27-18, 19.
(6)
S.P.D. 27-28.
(7)
S.P.D. 2-25
(8)
'Purandar Daftar' I-199.
(9)
S.P.D. 2-25.
(10)
S.P.D. 27-26.
(11)
S.P.D. 2-1, 3.
(12)
S.P.D. 21-24, S.P.D. 2-4.
(13)
S.P.D. 2-11.
(14)
S.P.D. 2-9, Purandare Daftar I-168.
(15)
S.P.D. 27-30, M.I.S. Vol. VI-190, 191, 581, Purandare Dafter I-168.
(16)
S.P.D. 27-35.
(17)
'Hingne Daftar' I-30, M.I.S. Vol, VI, 291, 648, 'Purandare' I-185, 196.
(18)
S.P.D. 21-34. S.P.D. 2-15, 19.
(19)
"????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
(20)
S.P.D. 2-15.
(21)
S.P.D. 21-34
(22)
S.P.D. 2-31.
(23)
S.P.D. 27-28.
(24)
S.P.D. 27-64.
(25)
S.P.D. 2-31
(26)
S.P.D. 27-64, M.I.S. Vol. VI-291, S.P.D. 27-65-Hari Vithal while reporting (12-2-1751) Bhausaheb, states the figure for 5 to 6 hundred. S.P.D. 27-67, Sardars also report to Antaji the figure to be from 500 to 1000.
(27)
S.P.D. 2-29, S.P.D. 2-3.
(28)
S.P.D. 27-65.
(29)
S.P.D. 21-38, 40, S.P.D. 2-26, 28, 30.
(30)
S.P.D. 27-64.
(31)
S.P.D. 27-65, 'Jaypur Kharitas' 7-2
(32)
S.P.D. 2-31.
(33)
S.P.D. 2-30, S.P.D. 27-67.
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