05-02-2006, 10:41 PM
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Chapter 4
The MARWAD AFFAIR
(i) Ramsing Seeks Maratha Help :
Abhaysing of Jodhpur died on 10th of June 1749 A.D., leaving his son Ramsing to succeed him to the throne. Bakhtsing, the brother of Abhaysing, was the king of Nagor and was far away from friendly terms with thim while he was living (1), and now after his death, determined to capture the throne of Jodhpur and for that started a civil war with Ramsing. In December 1749 A.D., a battle (2) was fought between the two near Medta in which Ramsing was victorious. Bakhtsing then sought the help of Salabat Khan, Mir Bakshi of the Emperor, whereas Ramsing called Ishwarising to his side. But as both the supporters had little interest (3) in the cause, nothing came out of it (September 1750 A.D.).
Nevertheless, Bakhtsing (4), being powerful as compared to Ramsing, was successful in capturing Jodhpur and Ajmer and was crowned as the king of Jodhpur. Most of the Rathod chiefs joined him and Ramsing was left with a force of 3 to 4 thousand at Medta (July 1751 A.D.).
Ramsing, being legally the King of Jodhpur, was not prepared to leave his cause unattempted. Ranaji (5) of Udaypur was inexperienced having just come to the throne and hence to seek help from him was out of question. Madhaosing, had no desire to follow the policy of Ishwarising towards Jodhpur, Bakhtsingâs Wakil was already in his Court and the approach of Ramsingâs Wakil to him for help was totally a disagreeable thing for him. Delhi had little interest in this strife and would have acknowledged any one who would have been victorious, as the king of Jodhpur. The only power capable to help him, was the Marathas, who had just saved the Wazir from the clutches of the Rohillas. But they had not yet freed themselves from the Rohilla-affair. He sent his Wakil-Purohitji- to them promising daily expenses for 10 thousands force, with an advance of expenses for 2 months, for their help to his cause.
There could be no other agreeable offer to the Marathas than this. Ramsingâs cause was taken up by Jayappa as he wa specially interested in Ajmer Subha. But as he was busy in carrying Gaziuddin to Deccan, he sent a small contingent of 6 thousand under Sabaji Shinde and Ranoji Bhoite to Ramsingh. But it was easily routed by Bakhtsing at Ajmer. The Marathas then returned from Marwad. Meanwhile Bakhtsing died on 21st September 1752 A.D. and was succeeded by his equally able son Vijaysing.
The Marathas (6) came up again to the North, at the invitation of the Emperor, to help him against his Wazir. Raghunathrao, the Peshwaâs brother, entered Jaypur (7) territory in November 1753 A.D. At Kharopada, Madhaosingâs envoy Hargovind, met him (16th December 1753 A.D.), in respect of the arrears he had to pay the Marathas. Madhaosing, in fact, had no desire (8) to pay his dues and only wanted to evade the demand and Raghunathrao could little afford to go deep into the matter. At Nayke, near Jaypur, Ramsing met him on 26th December 1753 A.D. (9) and requested him to help him. Raghunathrao assured him to help after the Jat affair at hand was over.
(ii) Jayappa in Marwad :
After concluding the Jat affair, the Marathas went to Delhi On 1st of June, 1754, Waziri was given to Gaziuddin II, and a new Emperor Alamgir II (10) , was installed on the throne deposing the previous Ahmad Shah, on 30th June 1754 A.D. Jayappa then left Delhi for Marwad. Malharraoâs attack on the Jats (January 1754 to May 1755 A.D.) and Jayappaâs attack on Marwad (1754-1755 A.D.) taking the cause of Ramsing, were initiated by the same desire i.e. for bringing the Subhas of Agra and Ajmer grated to them by the âtreaty of Kanauj (1752 A.D.), into the Maratha-possession.
Success seemed to crown Jayappa from the very beginning. On 12th July he reached Narnol, on 25th he reached Sambhar. Leaving Ajmer, which was far off from his territory, Vijaysing had fallen back on Medta on the border of Marwad. Hence laying siege to Ajmer, and capturing Kishangadh, 18 miles north-east of Ajmer, Jayappa, with Ramsing, reached Medta on 6th August 1754 A.D. Raghunathrao had given ten to twelve thousand Hujarat force with him. At Medta, Shivsing Rathod from Kota, joined him with a thousand men.
The siege of Medta commenced. Vijaysing gallantly defended the place. On 15th of September, a free battle raged from morning till night in which Vijaysing was completely defeated. He then left Medta for Nagor (33 miles away to the north-west of Medta). Jayappa and Ramsing entered Medta on 17th of September (11). Jayappa then marched to Nagor forthewith and besieged it.
(iii )Peshwa Cautions Jayappa :
Peshwa (12) enquired Jayappa on 3rd September 1754 A.D. about his progress, the strength of his opponent, the general Rathod support to Ramsing whose cause he had taken, and cautioned him that the Marwad affair as if had burst all of a sudden on him. It was a grave affair as the Marwadi Rajputs were extremely proud and had not been yet humbled by the Marathas. But, (the Peshwa further wrote) âby the grace of God, you are a brave soldier and a born commander and know how to bring pressure for getting the things done. I am sure you will achieve what looks impossible. If they are ready to cede half of Jodhpur kingdom, accept it.â In the last, he cautioned him to be alert always, and to use force only when it was essential, for it was the policy of the great.
Peshwaâs anxiety was to avoid repetition of what took place at Jaypur in 1751 A.D. Moreover (13) he could not afford a sardar like Jayappa to be entangled at one place. Those were the days of Maratha success and many a works needed immediate attention. Rana of Gohad had siezed territory in Gwalior region, he needed to be chastised. The Rohillas had grown again powerful in Doab, they were to be looked at, Safdar Jang of Oudh had recently died. That afforded a chance to recover large sum from his son Shujauddaula and the release of the holy places like Kashi, Prayag on which the Peshwa had set his heart from years together.
(iv) Jayappaâs March to Victory :
But Jayappa (14) himself knew the situation very well and was cautious. In fact, it was impossible that Vijaysing could have accepted the division of Jadhpur kingdom with Ramsing. But about this Jayappa had no reason to be anxious. He was concious of his own strength. Unlike Malharrao in Madhaosingâs case, his cause was just. Ramsing was the rightful master of Jodhpur and a faction of Rathods was on his side.
Along with Nagor (15) , Jodhpur also was invested by the men of Ramsing and the Marathas under Jagannath Purohit and Santaji Wabale. All supplies of the besieged places were stopped. A tank at Nagor dried up and there remained only one tank there. Articles of daily use became scarece. Grain and salt were sold at a very high cost. Opium, which was badly needed by the Rajputs, was sold 20 rupees a seer. Fuel was used up. People began to desert the town. Zalor, 100 miles to the south west of Jodhpur, where the hereditary treasury of the Rathods was stored, was the centre of severe struggle. It was again recaptured by the Rajputs. On 21st of January, a section of Maratha army attacked Ajmer fort.
Peshwa (16) was happy to receive the news of the success of Jayappa. He complimented Jayappa for having nearly completed the work of placing Ramsing on the throne of Jodhpur by defeating Vijaysing and his Marwadis who were famous swordsmen. He gave the credit of this success to the devotion of Jayappa to the cause of his master. He asked Jayappa to arrange for the meeting of Ramsing with the prominent Rajput chiefs and to free himself from the complicated affair. He further wrote that if he determined to root out Vijaysing, it would take considerable time, as it was a serious affair. Raghunathrao had not much force with him and hence it was better for him to handover that part of Jodhpur kingdom of Abhaysing, to Ramsing. Then after conciliating them with each other, he should look to the Maratha profit from Vijaysing, and recover the amount from Ramsing as per the settlement. Thus getting himself relieved he should join Raghunathrao as early as possible as all his hopes were with him (15th November 1754 A.D.).
But it was impossible for Jayappa to relieve himself from his job so easily. Vijaysing (17) was not ready to cede anything, far from accepting Nagor which was the kingdom of Bakhtsing. Moreover complete success seemed not far away. The siege of Nagor was pressed to extremity. It was expected that it could not be held long. The problem of water with the Marathas was solved by capturing Usar, a place near Nagor, where water was in plenty. Jagannath Purohit and Santaji Wable were investing Malharrao were on their way to Marwad after finishing their work at Delhi. It was generally held that the important Subhas of Ajmer was captured by Jayappa. Madhaosing in alarm was collecting all his forces. Udaypur had grown powerless due to the internal strife with Nathaji. Ranaji was warned by the Marathas to comply with the terms settled in respect of Nathaji and even though money was spent the trouble was not over. In Marwad, the Rathods were on the verge of collapse. Delhi had not cleared the dues towards the Marathas, but Maratha rule was virtually established in parts in four paraganas of the Empire. Rupnagar was very soon to be converted into a Maratha post. In Sambhar Mukasdar from Rathod (Ramsing) had been placed. After the expected division of territory, the Mahals from Marwad were to come under the Maratha possession and by the yearly coming of the Maratha forces; probably Ajmer was to be the centre of Maratha camp. With Ajmer in Maratha possession, not only Malwa, but Gujarat and the rest of the Provinces of the North would be dominated by the Deccanis. Such was the anxiety of Madhaosing (18) .
The Peshwaâs letter (19) , advised Jayappa not to entangle himself further in the affair by carrying it to extremity and to conclude it in whatever possible way, and to join Raghunathrao. Jayappa answered that Ajmer was captured (21st February 1755 A.D.) and that influential persons were trying for a compromise which would not take much time. Raghunathrao had reached Pushkar and was 25 kos from him.
After effecting a settlement with the Emperor and the Wazir (beginning of March 1755 A.D.) Raghunathrao entered Jaypur (20) territory through Rewadi. Madhaosing sent 4 to 5 lakhs of rupees with Kaniram to save his territory from devastations. Raghunathrao then marched through Narnaul and reached Lohgadh as per the request of Madhaosing, but warned him that unless the dues were paid in full, he would not leave(21) Jaypur territory. Madhaosing had to pay rupees sixteen and a half lakh (22) (February end, 1755 A.D.)
Malharrao Holkar (23) and Sakharampant came to Sambhar (February end) and were about to proceed to Nagor to help Jayappa but he informed them that his work was nearly finished and hence instead of coming to Nagor, they should take up the work of Rupnagar in their hand. Jayappa was determined not to give any scope to Malharrao in Marwad affair.
Meanwhile Raghunathrao also reached Sambhar. Here, Vijay-Bharati, from Vijaysing met him in connection of the settlement-talks. Hearing him, Raghunathrao decided to end the Marwad affair by establishing Ramsing on the throne of Jodhpur and conciliating Vijaysing with Jayappa and with this intention he started for Pushkar, and wrote to Malharrao Holkar to join him there. But when he reached Pushkar (3-3-1755 A.D.), he received a letter from Jayappa informing him the news of recent victories. That, Ajmer was made Maratha post, and the fort of Zalor, wherein lay the hereditary treasury of the Rathods and for the defence of which Vijaysing had tried hard, was captured by the men of Ramsing. Nagor was about to fall and thus finishing the work there, he would join him soon and till then he should take up the task of punishing the Chief of Rupnagar. Accordingly, Raghunathrao gave up the idea of going to Nagor and proceeded to Rupnagar. Meanwhile, seeing that he could not escape from paying the dues this time, Madhaosing sent Diwan Kamiram to Raghunathrao (24) .
Sakharam Bapu (25), rightly cautioned Jayappa not to be hasty, as haste would have only killed the people. He again remineded him not to be entagled in the affair like Kumbher, for in that case the work would be spoilt.
After concluding (26) his work at Rupnagar by the end of March 1755 A.D., Raghunathrao started for the Deccan via Bundi Kota. In the middle of April he was in Kota state, in June in Malwa, by the 1st week of July he had reached the Narmada, by July end he had reached Nashik Trymbak and on 10th of August, he had reached Poona.
Even though Vijaysingâs cause was nearly ruined as accepting Nagor he had lost all, he held on still. After making it sure that the main Maratha army had definitely reached Deccan, he now decided to swoop down (27) on the Marathas by collecting all his forcces. The talks of negotiating peace terms were continuing still, but that was only as a part of his scheme. The question involved was not of giving Ramsing his rightful share of the kingdom, but handing over the possession of the whole of Ajmer Subha to the Marathas and to this the Rahods as well as Kachhawahas were not prepared. Feelings ran so high, that when Jayappa (28) demanded Madhaosing 22 lakhs of rupees and warned him that if he failed to send the sum, he would have to march straight to Jaypur to recover it, Madhaosing replied in the same tone that he need not take that much trouble for he himself was coming over there (to Nagor). Vijaysing at last had found out a stratagem to make a short work of the oppressive Marathas.
The Rathod envoys were often coming and going from the fort of Nagar to Jayappaâs camp on peacock lake (Taus-sar), about seven miles from Nagor, for peace talks. On the morning of Friday, 25th of July (Ashadh Vadya 2 ) the Jodhpur Vakil Vijay Bharati Gosavi accompanied by Rajsing Chauhan and Jagneshwar came with armed and disguised assassins as beggars to Jayappaâs camp and held long discussions over the terms. Rawat Jaitsing Sisodiya Vakil of Udaypur, who used to be in the camp was also rows. About 11 oâclock in the morning, as it was time for a bath, Jayappa went out and finished it in open, seated on a wooden stool and was drying his hair with a towel as usual. Suddenly two assassins, dressed as beggars, who had been loitering there on the pretext of picking up the horse grain, got the opportunity for which they were waiting, stabbed, wounding (29) him mortally.
A great cry was raised and the ambassadors and the members of the party were at once cut to pieces. In confusion that ensued, the innocent Vakil of Udaypur, Rawat Jaitsing was also killed. All the Rajputs of the camp were held as suspects and killed. Sardarsing of Rupnagar only could save himself. Before his death, Jayappa gave full instructions to his brother Dattaji and son Jankoji for avenging the wrong without being disheartended due to his death.
Leaving Jayappa (30) in his wounded condition, the Marathas had to rush to the flag, for the Rathods had marched on them to make the best use of the critical moment, Killing two to three thousand Rathods, the Maratha forced them back into the fort. Meanwhile Jayappa had died. Dattaji and Jankoji coming from the field performed his funeral ceremony. Thus ended the valiant Dattaji, a true soldier till last, due to the foul play (31) of the Rajputs.
(v) The Rajput Reactions :
As soon as the news of Jayappaâs murder (32) reached Jaypur, Madhaosing imprisoned Govind Tamaji, Peshwaâs Vakil at Jaypur in his house and kept his guards on it. To save himself from dishonour, the Vakil ended his life by swallowing poison. Madhaosing (33) then sent his Vakil to Delhi and informed the Emperor that he had killed the Maratha (Govind Tamaji). He urged the Wazir and the Emperor to encamp outside Delhi so that he would join them, there. When the Wazir expressed his inability, as he had yet to pay his soldiers, Madhaosing assured them that if they only encamped outside the capital, he would pay the expenses for the campaign on the Marathas.
It fell on Dettaji and Jankoji to carry on Jayappaâs work to completion. They rose to the occasion and carried on the way still more vigorously. Wrote Jankoji (34) to Hingne brothers (August 1755 A.D.) âJayappa wanted to place both the Rathods (Ramsing and Vijaysing) in Marwad. But Vijaysing treacherously committed a foul act. I have determined to destroy Nagor in revenge. God will help me in this.â
(vi) The Peshwaâs Anxiety to Rescue Dattaji :
It was a great blow for the Peshwa to hear of the treacherous murder of Jayappa. He consoled Ramji (35) Anant the Diwan of Shinde in the following way, âGod had done great injustice and there is no remedy for it. It was never expected that a Sardar like Jayappa would meet his death by such foul means. Be it so. Dattaji Shinde is brave and capable and you all are safe and sound. Console Dattaji and carry on the task under taken by Jayappa to successful completion by crushing the enemy. Dattaji is a soldier and hence his actions in anger at times would be a cause of further trouble. But guide him properly at such times. If the Rajputs are read for a treaty on the lines they were speaking to Appa, accept it. But they must have been now puffed up and hence be cautious in every way. Even if they march on you with 25 to 40 thousand men, face them by guerilla tactics for three months, till the armies reach there. By the grace of God, everything will be set right.â
To Dattaji (36) , while assuring him his sincere interest in the cause of late Jayappa, he gave some practical hints in the following way, âThe distance (of Marwad) is great (from here). The troops from hindusthan come here after two years. It takes time to prepare and send them for another expedition. It is no time now for collecting the troops and the way is long, hence there will be (some) delay in sending you reinforcements. But by the grace of God, within a month and a half, a force of 5 to 6 thousand will reach there. After wards Khasa (from Peshwaâs family) would come there with an army of 20 thousand. We have full interest in the work you have undertaken. Appa, as if destined in spite of my cautioning letters, entangled himself in the affair, and met his death as soldier. But he failed as a Sardar. After he had won a great battle like Bhara-war, had he accepted a treaty, taking into consideration the danger involved, he could have relieved himself and could have been useful by releasing the territories like Kashi, Prayag, Khechiwada etc. to the profit of the Government. But there is no remedy for what has taken place. You have also behaved till now like a soldier. Now look to the affairs like a Sardar and manage the business successfully with prudence. Show bravery as a soldier, only when it is essential. God is ready to help you and I am blessed by Him. He will never fail to help you. The members of your family have been the faithful servants (of the Government) for three generations. If will never happen that you would be neglected and especially when your services (to State) are highly essential. Be at ease on that score. Take decisions thoughtfully as the occasion would demand. The armies from here will reach there without delay. The Vakil of Vijaysing was ready to pay 50 lakhs of rupees and some place for Ramsing for his maintenance. But after the (foul) deed was done, we informed leave to depart. The Rajputs might have adopted hightone, and since the middlemen were killed, in the scuffle, no body might be forthcoming for the job (of negotiating peace settlement). But even now, if they are ready to cede territory worth 15 to 20 lakhs of rupees for Ramsing, and are ready to pay 10 lakhs besides the affair. This is befitting a diplomat. Act as the occasion demands. We are sending the army for your help. What more?â (18th September 1755 A.D.)
As the Peshwa had rightly judged from the South, the murder of Jayappa had emboldened the Rajputs in general. Madaosing was busy in collecting all the forces in the North India that were opposed to the Marathas. Letters (37) were sent, besides the Emperor to the Jat Chief, the chiefs of Karoli, Kota, Bundi and the Chiefs of Malwa. As a result, Nagarmal son of Jat Chief and Gopalsing of Karoli reached Jaypur with armies. Wazir (38) was already displeased with the Marathas for seizing the territory in Antarwad. He was contemplating to assign a jagir of 18 lakhs to the Jats, to hire their help against the Marathas. Thus the general jealousy felt by the North Indian potentates for the Marathas, added with the persistent efforts of Madhaosing bore and the Emperor (39) and the Wazir encamped outside Delhi. As there was no Maratha force then near Delhi, the allied forces intended to march towards Nagor to drive away Dattaji from Marwad. (September 1755 A.D.)
Peshwa got the news of these movements in the South. He strived hard from Deccan to save Dattaji and at the same time to crown his expedition with success. What appeared a moment of complete dominance(40) over the North had turned, as if, with a foul stroke to be a critical time for the Maratha army in Marwad. All those powers, that bore hatred towards the Marathas due to the strength of their army, had got a chance to unite and strike a blow. The Peshwa wrote Hingne (41) to use his personal friendship with the Jats to refrain him from joining Madhaosing. He asked him to remind the Jat that it was unbecoming of him to assist Madhaosing against the brother of Jayappa who had saved him at the time of Kumbheri (1754 A.D.). He also asked him (Hingne) to inform Madhaosing that all his misdeeds would be kept in mind and that he would not be spared after the Maratha forces reached the north. He also suggested to him to speak at length with the Wazir and to remind him of the assurances of friendship he had givne to Dada (Raghunathrao) and to tell him that (as a friend) it was expected that he should help Dattaji a (42) *** gainst Madhaosing and the rest of Rajputs. He informed Hingne that Samsher Bahadur and Yashwantrao Pawar had been sent to the succor would be coming with sufficient army to the North. Finally he asked him to watch the situation till the armies reached the North and see to it that the opposite forces were not united to create trouble for Dattaji and be writing to him often about the situation.
To Ramji Anant and Dattaji he informed that Antaji Mankeshwar had been dispatched for his help and Samsher Bahadur, and Yashwantrao Pawar had been sent with a force of 10 thousand and that they would reach Marwad without delay. âKhasaâ was also preparing to come over there. He advised further, âAmong the Rajputs, the Jats should be kept conciliated. Some should be kept on friendly terms with sweet tongue, while others are on inimical terms. All should not be made enemies at one time.â
Jayappaâs murder had shaken the Peshwa. Hence he tried diplomacy, tact, prestige and force alike to save Dattaji in Marwad from Deccan. In 1755 A.D., the Maratha strength was a reality. No force was equal to them in India. The Shinde were courageous and brave soldiers. With a watchful and interested master at the back, they rose to the occasion and destroyed the Rajputs even before reinforcements had reached Marwad.
(vii) Madhaosing Crippled:
Vijayram Purohit (43) from Vijaysing was sent to Madhaosing for requesting him to sent help. Madhaosing there-upon had assembled his army at Ramgadh under Jagannath Saha and under Aniruddhsing at Narayangadh. But hearing of the poor strength of the on coming Marathas under Ranoji Bhoite, Aniruddhsing went to Ramgadh and united there all the Rajput forces. All the Sardars of Madhaosing Shekhawants, Rajawants, narukas, Kubhawanis, Nathawants, Chauhans had gathered there under Aniruddhsing. They were further joined by men of Umedsing of Shahapur, men of Bahadursing of Rupnagar, men of Gopalsing of Karoli, Deepsing Hada-brother of Umedsing of Bundi, men from Gaud Sopar, Bakhtwarmal Diwan of Bikaner and men from Vijaysing. All told a host of 25 to 30 thousand marched towards Nagor to drive away Dattaji from Marwad (15th October 1755 A.D.). Hearing of the Rajput strength, Narsingrao Shinde, Kanhoji Jadhao and Sawai Ram Bhandari from Ramsing were sent by Dattaji to reinforce Ranoji Bhoite.
They faced the Rajput force as it entered the Marwad territory on 16th October early in the morning. In spite of the heavy fire from the enemy, the Marathas boldly marched on and silencing the guns, cut down about seven to eight hundred Rajputs by sword. About twelve hundred horses, two guns and eighty camels were carried by them as spoil. The casualties on the Maratha side were 53 men killed, 43 wounded, 25 horses killed and 45 horses wounded. It was grand victory for them.
Aniruddhsing then leaving the way to Nagor, proceeded to Didwana (44) , protecting his men with his guns. The Marathas harrassed them at every step and carried away bullocks, and carts. Hence the Rajputs could march only 5 miles a day with great difficulty. On the way, the wells were filled in and the tanks were held by the Marathas and hence many men, horses, oxen and camels from the Rajput side perished due to thirst.
The Marathas then attacked the exhausted army for the second time. Three to four hundred Rajputs were killed and one hundred (45) and twenty-five horses were carried away by the Marathas. On the Maratha side two men were killed, and twenty-three were wounded, twenty-five horses, were killed, and thirty-five horses wounded. Aniruddhsing could save complete destruction only by entering Didwana (20th of October 1755 A.D.). Vijaysing;s men from Didwana and Dipalpur, total of 5 thousand joined him. But he lost all courage to proceed further. The Marathas completely blockaded them. All supplies were cutdown. Supplies coming from Bikaner were looted at Daulatpur 6 miles to the South-East of Didwana. 100 men from the party were killed and the rest ran away to Daulatpur. Grain and foddere became scarce at Didwana. Letters from Aniruddhsing and Bakhtwarmal Diwan of the king of Bikaner were intercepted. They revealed the miseries the Rajputs were put to. Aniruddhsing had no strength to proceed further or to go backward. When he learnt that the Marathas were to assault him for the third time with guns, with hundred men he saw the Maratha Chiefs and sued for peace.
Thus Dattaji on his own strength had destroyed the force of Madhaosing that had marched on him with high hopes. No way was hence left for Vijaysing but to surrender. He had fared ill on other front too.
(viii) Collapse of Vijaysing and Treaty of Nagor :
It was the strategy of Vijaysing to attack the Marathas from all sides at once so as to destroy them by dividing their strength before any reinforcements reached them. While Aniruddhsing was marching on Nagor, another (46) army marched on Jodhpur under Bhatis of Jaisalmer, men of Pokharan with men of Vijaysing from Zalor. Hearing of the approach of the Rajputs, Santaji Wable, Malji Shinde, the Hujarat of Shinde, men of Jiwaji Pawar and Tukoji Pawar marched to meet them keeping Jagannath Purohit, Janrao Wable, and Satwoji Bande at Jodhpur. They met the enemy at Godawar, 32 miles north-east of Zalor. Defeating them completely they were forced into Godawar. Guards were placed around the place and all the supplies were stopped. Grain was sold two seers a rupee. While the Rajput army was thus locked into Godawar, Jodhpur was held by Jagannath Purohit, Janrao Wable and Satwoji Bande.
Siege of Nagor continued with usual vigour whereas the Marathas were successful in crushing the Rajputs wherever they tried to raise their heads. Thus Dattaji and Jankoji proved more than match for the Rajput combination (November 1755 A.D.). Jayappaâs murder could help Vijaysing in no way.
Antaji Mankeshwar (47), who was at Kalpi, started for the succor of Shinde with a force of ten thousand as per the orders of the Peshwa and urgent letters of Shinde. It was a feat in itself to march to Marwad avoiding the forces of the Jat and Madhaosing that barred his way to Marwad. By forced marches of 12 kos at a time by way of Indragadh, Khatoli and through mountainous region of Lakheri, Antaji entered Jaypur territory avoiding them near Niwai and devastating Jaypur territory reached Didwana. With his coming Dattajiâs position grew stronger. Vijaysing had left Nagor on 12th of November at 300 foot and 100 horse intending to join Kachhwahas at Didwana, but seeing that place surrounded by the Maratha, he drew back and ran to Bikaner. There also he could do nothing.
Maratha strength had prevailed at least. Vijaysing had tried to oust them in everyway. He had sent 5 lakhs as Nazar to the Emperor and asked him and his Wazir to come to Ajmer, promising 10 thousand rupees per day for expenses. He had also called the son the Mansur Ali (Suja-Uddaula) and the Pathan and the Rohillas to help him. He had sent letters to the Chiefs of Bundi, Kota and those of Malwa and Bundelkhand. He had also sent his Vakil to Abdali at Lahor, calling his aid on payment of expenses.
But all these efforts were of little use for Vijaysing. Finally he bowed down to the inevitable and in January 1756 A.D. met Dattaji and sued for peace. By February end (48) , the Marwad expedition of the Shindes was over by the treaty of Nagor (49) by which :
Fort of Zalor with half of Marwad went to Ramsing.
Vijaysing agreed to pay 50 lakhs of rupees to the Marathas, out of which 25 lakhs were to be paid in cash and the remaining 25 lakhs were to be paid in next 2 years and
Ajmer was given to the Marathas.
After realising money Dattaji (50) and Jankoji went to Rupnagar (51) (March, April 1756 A.D.). Samsher Bahadur sent by the Peshwa joiined them there. They laid siege to the forth. After placing the Chief Samantsing of his choice and realising dues, Dattaji then went to Ujjain (beginning of June 1766 A.D.). But before that he had visited Kota (52) and realised substantial Khandani from that State on the occasion of the new Chief on the throne of Kota.
The two-year expedition of Jayappa and Dattaji produced nothing but the death of Jayappa, deadly enmity with the Rathods and Kachhwahs, loss of money and men and the differences between (53) the Shinde and Holkar. Ajmer (54) had come under the Maratha possession no doubt, but with the fear of Abdaliâs invasion looming large over North India, the Maratha held on Rajasthan in 1756 A.D. was all but precarious.
Foot Notes (Description)
(1)
'Proceedings of the Indian Hist. Congress,' 1949, p. 196 - Letter of Bakhtsing to Khan Dauran, 'Hingne Daftar' I-32.
(2)
S.P.D. 2-15.
(3)
S.P.D. 2-16, 17, 22, S.P.D. 21-25, 27, 32.
(4)
'Hingne Daftar' I-59. 'Holkar Shahi' I-143.
(5)
Pratapsing II, succeeded Rana Jagatsing on 6th June 1751 A.D.
(6)
'Jaypur Kharitas' 3-40.
(7)
S.P.D. 27-70
(8)
'Jaypur Kharitas' 3-40, 41, 42, 'Hingne Daftar' I-83.
(9)
Sardesai and Sarkar both state '17th December' as the date of this meeting. But as per the itinerary of Raghunathrao (S.P.D. 27- P. 73) the date seems to be 26th December 1753.
(10)
'Hingne Daftar' I-93, S.P.D. 21-60, 85.
(11)
'Patre Yadi' - 143
(12)
'Patre Yadi' - 125.
(13)
'Shinde Shahi' - 3-59, 61, 'Patre Yadi' - 141.
(14)
'Shinde Shahi' - I-117.
(15)
S.P.D. 21-66, 67, 69.
(16)
'Patre Yadi' - 131.
(17)
'Shinde Shahi' I-117.
(18)
A general picture of the Sound position of the Marathas in North reported by Govind Tamaji, Peshwa's envoy at Jaypur (February 1755 A.D.), S.P.D. 27-106.
(19)
Ibid - 105.
(20)
'Jaypur Kharitas' 3-52, 55., S.P.D. 27-p. 75.
(21)
Ibid - 105.
(22)
S.P.D. 27-18, 'Jaypur Draft Kharitas' 5-47.
(23)
S.P.D. 27-107, 'Hingne Daftar' I-145, 'Shinde Shahi' I-131.
(24)
Jaypur Darbar was to pay Rs. 16,50,000 being the total arrears of Khandani. Even after the settlement Rs. 16,25,000 remained to be paid, which means that Raghunathrao go actually in cash Rs. 1,25,000 - 'Jaypur Draft Kharitas' 5-47, of ±b¼á P¯£a 2, P}. 1810.
(25)
'Patre Yadi' - 135.
(26)
S.P.D. 27-PP. 77 and 78.
(27)
Ibid - 112.
(28)
S.P.D. 2-48.
(29)
S.P.D. 27-116, S.P.D. 2-48, 52, M.I.S. Vol. III-152 'Hingne Daftar' I-161, 'Shinde Shahi' I-140, 141, 'Shinde Shahi' III-320, 'New Hist.' Vol. II, p. 398.
(30)
Patre Yadi - 143.
(31)
"Sir Jadunath's efforts to prove (Fall II, p. 129) that the murder was not plotted deliberately in advance, but was the effect of Jayappa's insolent utterness during the discussion, based on Tod, 'Vamsha Bhaskar', are all in vain. The presence of armed and disguised assassins in the party of the ambassadors is a complete refutation of the defense." - 'Marathai Riyasat' Vol. VI P. 280.
(32)
'Hingne Daftar' I-169, S.P.D. 21-27, M.I.S. Vol. III-152.
(33)
S.P.D. 21-73.
(34)
'Hingne Daftar' I-161.
(35)
'Patre Yadi' - 139.
(36)
'Patre Yadi' - 141.
(37)
S.P.D. 27-119.
(38)
Ibid - 129, 'Hingne Daftar' I-157, 167.
(39)
Ibid - 159, 163, 171.
(40)
S.P.D. 27-106.
(41)
'Hingne Daftar' I-171, 172, 177.
(42)
S.P.D. 27-120.
(43)
S.P.D. 21-74, 77 S.P.D. 2-50, 51, 54 55, S.P.D. 27-117, 'Shinde Shahi' I-p. 129, 'Patre Yadi' - 143
(44)
Didwana is 38 miles to the west of Ramgadh and 55 miles to the North east of Nagor.
(45)
S.P.D. 2-55. (Jankoji gives this figure as four hundred) 'Shinde Shahi' I-143.
(46)
S.P.D. 2-49.
(47)
S.P.D. 2-52, 54, 56, S.P.D. 21-70, 79, S.P.D. 27-119, 'Patre yadi' - 143.
(48)
Writing from Rupnagar Antaji Mankeshwar on 29-3-1756 A.D. clearly states that it was one month before, that the treaty of Nagor was effected - S.P.D. 21-83.
(49)
S.P.D. 27-127, 128, S.P.D. 2-58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 'Hingne Daftar' I- 189,
(50)
S.P.D. 21-82 and 83. (50) 'Marathi Riyasat' Vol. VI p. 285.
(51)
S.P.D. 2-63, S.P.D. 21-85, 'Shinde Shahi' I -136.
(52)
S.P.D. 2-65 and 66, 'Shinde Shahi' I-179.
(53)
'Marathi Riyasat Vol. VI, p. 285. 'New Hist.' II, p. 400.
(54)
'Jaypur Kharitas' 3-65.
http://www.maratharajputrelations.com/4sp.html<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Chapter 4
The MARWAD AFFAIR
(i) Ramsing Seeks Maratha Help :
Abhaysing of Jodhpur died on 10th of June 1749 A.D., leaving his son Ramsing to succeed him to the throne. Bakhtsing, the brother of Abhaysing, was the king of Nagor and was far away from friendly terms with thim while he was living (1), and now after his death, determined to capture the throne of Jodhpur and for that started a civil war with Ramsing. In December 1749 A.D., a battle (2) was fought between the two near Medta in which Ramsing was victorious. Bakhtsing then sought the help of Salabat Khan, Mir Bakshi of the Emperor, whereas Ramsing called Ishwarising to his side. But as both the supporters had little interest (3) in the cause, nothing came out of it (September 1750 A.D.).
Nevertheless, Bakhtsing (4), being powerful as compared to Ramsing, was successful in capturing Jodhpur and Ajmer and was crowned as the king of Jodhpur. Most of the Rathod chiefs joined him and Ramsing was left with a force of 3 to 4 thousand at Medta (July 1751 A.D.).
Ramsing, being legally the King of Jodhpur, was not prepared to leave his cause unattempted. Ranaji (5) of Udaypur was inexperienced having just come to the throne and hence to seek help from him was out of question. Madhaosing, had no desire to follow the policy of Ishwarising towards Jodhpur, Bakhtsingâs Wakil was already in his Court and the approach of Ramsingâs Wakil to him for help was totally a disagreeable thing for him. Delhi had little interest in this strife and would have acknowledged any one who would have been victorious, as the king of Jodhpur. The only power capable to help him, was the Marathas, who had just saved the Wazir from the clutches of the Rohillas. But they had not yet freed themselves from the Rohilla-affair. He sent his Wakil-Purohitji- to them promising daily expenses for 10 thousands force, with an advance of expenses for 2 months, for their help to his cause.
There could be no other agreeable offer to the Marathas than this. Ramsingâs cause was taken up by Jayappa as he wa specially interested in Ajmer Subha. But as he was busy in carrying Gaziuddin to Deccan, he sent a small contingent of 6 thousand under Sabaji Shinde and Ranoji Bhoite to Ramsingh. But it was easily routed by Bakhtsing at Ajmer. The Marathas then returned from Marwad. Meanwhile Bakhtsing died on 21st September 1752 A.D. and was succeeded by his equally able son Vijaysing.
The Marathas (6) came up again to the North, at the invitation of the Emperor, to help him against his Wazir. Raghunathrao, the Peshwaâs brother, entered Jaypur (7) territory in November 1753 A.D. At Kharopada, Madhaosingâs envoy Hargovind, met him (16th December 1753 A.D.), in respect of the arrears he had to pay the Marathas. Madhaosing, in fact, had no desire (8) to pay his dues and only wanted to evade the demand and Raghunathrao could little afford to go deep into the matter. At Nayke, near Jaypur, Ramsing met him on 26th December 1753 A.D. (9) and requested him to help him. Raghunathrao assured him to help after the Jat affair at hand was over.
(ii) Jayappa in Marwad :
After concluding the Jat affair, the Marathas went to Delhi On 1st of June, 1754, Waziri was given to Gaziuddin II, and a new Emperor Alamgir II (10) , was installed on the throne deposing the previous Ahmad Shah, on 30th June 1754 A.D. Jayappa then left Delhi for Marwad. Malharraoâs attack on the Jats (January 1754 to May 1755 A.D.) and Jayappaâs attack on Marwad (1754-1755 A.D.) taking the cause of Ramsing, were initiated by the same desire i.e. for bringing the Subhas of Agra and Ajmer grated to them by the âtreaty of Kanauj (1752 A.D.), into the Maratha-possession.
Success seemed to crown Jayappa from the very beginning. On 12th July he reached Narnol, on 25th he reached Sambhar. Leaving Ajmer, which was far off from his territory, Vijaysing had fallen back on Medta on the border of Marwad. Hence laying siege to Ajmer, and capturing Kishangadh, 18 miles north-east of Ajmer, Jayappa, with Ramsing, reached Medta on 6th August 1754 A.D. Raghunathrao had given ten to twelve thousand Hujarat force with him. At Medta, Shivsing Rathod from Kota, joined him with a thousand men.
The siege of Medta commenced. Vijaysing gallantly defended the place. On 15th of September, a free battle raged from morning till night in which Vijaysing was completely defeated. He then left Medta for Nagor (33 miles away to the north-west of Medta). Jayappa and Ramsing entered Medta on 17th of September (11). Jayappa then marched to Nagor forthewith and besieged it.
(iii )Peshwa Cautions Jayappa :
Peshwa (12) enquired Jayappa on 3rd September 1754 A.D. about his progress, the strength of his opponent, the general Rathod support to Ramsing whose cause he had taken, and cautioned him that the Marwad affair as if had burst all of a sudden on him. It was a grave affair as the Marwadi Rajputs were extremely proud and had not been yet humbled by the Marathas. But, (the Peshwa further wrote) âby the grace of God, you are a brave soldier and a born commander and know how to bring pressure for getting the things done. I am sure you will achieve what looks impossible. If they are ready to cede half of Jodhpur kingdom, accept it.â In the last, he cautioned him to be alert always, and to use force only when it was essential, for it was the policy of the great.
Peshwaâs anxiety was to avoid repetition of what took place at Jaypur in 1751 A.D. Moreover (13) he could not afford a sardar like Jayappa to be entangled at one place. Those were the days of Maratha success and many a works needed immediate attention. Rana of Gohad had siezed territory in Gwalior region, he needed to be chastised. The Rohillas had grown again powerful in Doab, they were to be looked at, Safdar Jang of Oudh had recently died. That afforded a chance to recover large sum from his son Shujauddaula and the release of the holy places like Kashi, Prayag on which the Peshwa had set his heart from years together.
(iv) Jayappaâs March to Victory :
But Jayappa (14) himself knew the situation very well and was cautious. In fact, it was impossible that Vijaysing could have accepted the division of Jadhpur kingdom with Ramsing. But about this Jayappa had no reason to be anxious. He was concious of his own strength. Unlike Malharrao in Madhaosingâs case, his cause was just. Ramsing was the rightful master of Jodhpur and a faction of Rathods was on his side.
Along with Nagor (15) , Jodhpur also was invested by the men of Ramsing and the Marathas under Jagannath Purohit and Santaji Wabale. All supplies of the besieged places were stopped. A tank at Nagor dried up and there remained only one tank there. Articles of daily use became scarece. Grain and salt were sold at a very high cost. Opium, which was badly needed by the Rajputs, was sold 20 rupees a seer. Fuel was used up. People began to desert the town. Zalor, 100 miles to the south west of Jodhpur, where the hereditary treasury of the Rathods was stored, was the centre of severe struggle. It was again recaptured by the Rajputs. On 21st of January, a section of Maratha army attacked Ajmer fort.
Peshwa (16) was happy to receive the news of the success of Jayappa. He complimented Jayappa for having nearly completed the work of placing Ramsing on the throne of Jodhpur by defeating Vijaysing and his Marwadis who were famous swordsmen. He gave the credit of this success to the devotion of Jayappa to the cause of his master. He asked Jayappa to arrange for the meeting of Ramsing with the prominent Rajput chiefs and to free himself from the complicated affair. He further wrote that if he determined to root out Vijaysing, it would take considerable time, as it was a serious affair. Raghunathrao had not much force with him and hence it was better for him to handover that part of Jodhpur kingdom of Abhaysing, to Ramsing. Then after conciliating them with each other, he should look to the Maratha profit from Vijaysing, and recover the amount from Ramsing as per the settlement. Thus getting himself relieved he should join Raghunathrao as early as possible as all his hopes were with him (15th November 1754 A.D.).
But it was impossible for Jayappa to relieve himself from his job so easily. Vijaysing (17) was not ready to cede anything, far from accepting Nagor which was the kingdom of Bakhtsing. Moreover complete success seemed not far away. The siege of Nagor was pressed to extremity. It was expected that it could not be held long. The problem of water with the Marathas was solved by capturing Usar, a place near Nagor, where water was in plenty. Jagannath Purohit and Santaji Wable were investing Malharrao were on their way to Marwad after finishing their work at Delhi. It was generally held that the important Subhas of Ajmer was captured by Jayappa. Madhaosing in alarm was collecting all his forces. Udaypur had grown powerless due to the internal strife with Nathaji. Ranaji was warned by the Marathas to comply with the terms settled in respect of Nathaji and even though money was spent the trouble was not over. In Marwad, the Rathods were on the verge of collapse. Delhi had not cleared the dues towards the Marathas, but Maratha rule was virtually established in parts in four paraganas of the Empire. Rupnagar was very soon to be converted into a Maratha post. In Sambhar Mukasdar from Rathod (Ramsing) had been placed. After the expected division of territory, the Mahals from Marwad were to come under the Maratha possession and by the yearly coming of the Maratha forces; probably Ajmer was to be the centre of Maratha camp. With Ajmer in Maratha possession, not only Malwa, but Gujarat and the rest of the Provinces of the North would be dominated by the Deccanis. Such was the anxiety of Madhaosing (18) .
The Peshwaâs letter (19) , advised Jayappa not to entangle himself further in the affair by carrying it to extremity and to conclude it in whatever possible way, and to join Raghunathrao. Jayappa answered that Ajmer was captured (21st February 1755 A.D.) and that influential persons were trying for a compromise which would not take much time. Raghunathrao had reached Pushkar and was 25 kos from him.
After effecting a settlement with the Emperor and the Wazir (beginning of March 1755 A.D.) Raghunathrao entered Jaypur (20) territory through Rewadi. Madhaosing sent 4 to 5 lakhs of rupees with Kaniram to save his territory from devastations. Raghunathrao then marched through Narnaul and reached Lohgadh as per the request of Madhaosing, but warned him that unless the dues were paid in full, he would not leave(21) Jaypur territory. Madhaosing had to pay rupees sixteen and a half lakh (22) (February end, 1755 A.D.)
Malharrao Holkar (23) and Sakharampant came to Sambhar (February end) and were about to proceed to Nagor to help Jayappa but he informed them that his work was nearly finished and hence instead of coming to Nagor, they should take up the work of Rupnagar in their hand. Jayappa was determined not to give any scope to Malharrao in Marwad affair.
Meanwhile Raghunathrao also reached Sambhar. Here, Vijay-Bharati, from Vijaysing met him in connection of the settlement-talks. Hearing him, Raghunathrao decided to end the Marwad affair by establishing Ramsing on the throne of Jodhpur and conciliating Vijaysing with Jayappa and with this intention he started for Pushkar, and wrote to Malharrao Holkar to join him there. But when he reached Pushkar (3-3-1755 A.D.), he received a letter from Jayappa informing him the news of recent victories. That, Ajmer was made Maratha post, and the fort of Zalor, wherein lay the hereditary treasury of the Rathods and for the defence of which Vijaysing had tried hard, was captured by the men of Ramsing. Nagor was about to fall and thus finishing the work there, he would join him soon and till then he should take up the task of punishing the Chief of Rupnagar. Accordingly, Raghunathrao gave up the idea of going to Nagor and proceeded to Rupnagar. Meanwhile, seeing that he could not escape from paying the dues this time, Madhaosing sent Diwan Kamiram to Raghunathrao (24) .
Sakharam Bapu (25), rightly cautioned Jayappa not to be hasty, as haste would have only killed the people. He again remineded him not to be entagled in the affair like Kumbher, for in that case the work would be spoilt.
After concluding (26) his work at Rupnagar by the end of March 1755 A.D., Raghunathrao started for the Deccan via Bundi Kota. In the middle of April he was in Kota state, in June in Malwa, by the 1st week of July he had reached the Narmada, by July end he had reached Nashik Trymbak and on 10th of August, he had reached Poona.
Even though Vijaysingâs cause was nearly ruined as accepting Nagor he had lost all, he held on still. After making it sure that the main Maratha army had definitely reached Deccan, he now decided to swoop down (27) on the Marathas by collecting all his forcces. The talks of negotiating peace terms were continuing still, but that was only as a part of his scheme. The question involved was not of giving Ramsing his rightful share of the kingdom, but handing over the possession of the whole of Ajmer Subha to the Marathas and to this the Rahods as well as Kachhawahas were not prepared. Feelings ran so high, that when Jayappa (28) demanded Madhaosing 22 lakhs of rupees and warned him that if he failed to send the sum, he would have to march straight to Jaypur to recover it, Madhaosing replied in the same tone that he need not take that much trouble for he himself was coming over there (to Nagor). Vijaysing at last had found out a stratagem to make a short work of the oppressive Marathas.
The Rathod envoys were often coming and going from the fort of Nagar to Jayappaâs camp on peacock lake (Taus-sar), about seven miles from Nagor, for peace talks. On the morning of Friday, 25th of July (Ashadh Vadya 2 ) the Jodhpur Vakil Vijay Bharati Gosavi accompanied by Rajsing Chauhan and Jagneshwar came with armed and disguised assassins as beggars to Jayappaâs camp and held long discussions over the terms. Rawat Jaitsing Sisodiya Vakil of Udaypur, who used to be in the camp was also rows. About 11 oâclock in the morning, as it was time for a bath, Jayappa went out and finished it in open, seated on a wooden stool and was drying his hair with a towel as usual. Suddenly two assassins, dressed as beggars, who had been loitering there on the pretext of picking up the horse grain, got the opportunity for which they were waiting, stabbed, wounding (29) him mortally.
A great cry was raised and the ambassadors and the members of the party were at once cut to pieces. In confusion that ensued, the innocent Vakil of Udaypur, Rawat Jaitsing was also killed. All the Rajputs of the camp were held as suspects and killed. Sardarsing of Rupnagar only could save himself. Before his death, Jayappa gave full instructions to his brother Dattaji and son Jankoji for avenging the wrong without being disheartended due to his death.
Leaving Jayappa (30) in his wounded condition, the Marathas had to rush to the flag, for the Rathods had marched on them to make the best use of the critical moment, Killing two to three thousand Rathods, the Maratha forced them back into the fort. Meanwhile Jayappa had died. Dattaji and Jankoji coming from the field performed his funeral ceremony. Thus ended the valiant Dattaji, a true soldier till last, due to the foul play (31) of the Rajputs.
(v) The Rajput Reactions :
As soon as the news of Jayappaâs murder (32) reached Jaypur, Madhaosing imprisoned Govind Tamaji, Peshwaâs Vakil at Jaypur in his house and kept his guards on it. To save himself from dishonour, the Vakil ended his life by swallowing poison. Madhaosing (33) then sent his Vakil to Delhi and informed the Emperor that he had killed the Maratha (Govind Tamaji). He urged the Wazir and the Emperor to encamp outside Delhi so that he would join them, there. When the Wazir expressed his inability, as he had yet to pay his soldiers, Madhaosing assured them that if they only encamped outside the capital, he would pay the expenses for the campaign on the Marathas.
It fell on Dettaji and Jankoji to carry on Jayappaâs work to completion. They rose to the occasion and carried on the way still more vigorously. Wrote Jankoji (34) to Hingne brothers (August 1755 A.D.) âJayappa wanted to place both the Rathods (Ramsing and Vijaysing) in Marwad. But Vijaysing treacherously committed a foul act. I have determined to destroy Nagor in revenge. God will help me in this.â
(vi) The Peshwaâs Anxiety to Rescue Dattaji :
It was a great blow for the Peshwa to hear of the treacherous murder of Jayappa. He consoled Ramji (35) Anant the Diwan of Shinde in the following way, âGod had done great injustice and there is no remedy for it. It was never expected that a Sardar like Jayappa would meet his death by such foul means. Be it so. Dattaji Shinde is brave and capable and you all are safe and sound. Console Dattaji and carry on the task under taken by Jayappa to successful completion by crushing the enemy. Dattaji is a soldier and hence his actions in anger at times would be a cause of further trouble. But guide him properly at such times. If the Rajputs are read for a treaty on the lines they were speaking to Appa, accept it. But they must have been now puffed up and hence be cautious in every way. Even if they march on you with 25 to 40 thousand men, face them by guerilla tactics for three months, till the armies reach there. By the grace of God, everything will be set right.â
To Dattaji (36) , while assuring him his sincere interest in the cause of late Jayappa, he gave some practical hints in the following way, âThe distance (of Marwad) is great (from here). The troops from hindusthan come here after two years. It takes time to prepare and send them for another expedition. It is no time now for collecting the troops and the way is long, hence there will be (some) delay in sending you reinforcements. But by the grace of God, within a month and a half, a force of 5 to 6 thousand will reach there. After wards Khasa (from Peshwaâs family) would come there with an army of 20 thousand. We have full interest in the work you have undertaken. Appa, as if destined in spite of my cautioning letters, entangled himself in the affair, and met his death as soldier. But he failed as a Sardar. After he had won a great battle like Bhara-war, had he accepted a treaty, taking into consideration the danger involved, he could have relieved himself and could have been useful by releasing the territories like Kashi, Prayag, Khechiwada etc. to the profit of the Government. But there is no remedy for what has taken place. You have also behaved till now like a soldier. Now look to the affairs like a Sardar and manage the business successfully with prudence. Show bravery as a soldier, only when it is essential. God is ready to help you and I am blessed by Him. He will never fail to help you. The members of your family have been the faithful servants (of the Government) for three generations. If will never happen that you would be neglected and especially when your services (to State) are highly essential. Be at ease on that score. Take decisions thoughtfully as the occasion would demand. The armies from here will reach there without delay. The Vakil of Vijaysing was ready to pay 50 lakhs of rupees and some place for Ramsing for his maintenance. But after the (foul) deed was done, we informed leave to depart. The Rajputs might have adopted hightone, and since the middlemen were killed, in the scuffle, no body might be forthcoming for the job (of negotiating peace settlement). But even now, if they are ready to cede territory worth 15 to 20 lakhs of rupees for Ramsing, and are ready to pay 10 lakhs besides the affair. This is befitting a diplomat. Act as the occasion demands. We are sending the army for your help. What more?â (18th September 1755 A.D.)
As the Peshwa had rightly judged from the South, the murder of Jayappa had emboldened the Rajputs in general. Madaosing was busy in collecting all the forces in the North India that were opposed to the Marathas. Letters (37) were sent, besides the Emperor to the Jat Chief, the chiefs of Karoli, Kota, Bundi and the Chiefs of Malwa. As a result, Nagarmal son of Jat Chief and Gopalsing of Karoli reached Jaypur with armies. Wazir (38) was already displeased with the Marathas for seizing the territory in Antarwad. He was contemplating to assign a jagir of 18 lakhs to the Jats, to hire their help against the Marathas. Thus the general jealousy felt by the North Indian potentates for the Marathas, added with the persistent efforts of Madhaosing bore and the Emperor (39) and the Wazir encamped outside Delhi. As there was no Maratha force then near Delhi, the allied forces intended to march towards Nagor to drive away Dattaji from Marwad. (September 1755 A.D.)
Peshwa got the news of these movements in the South. He strived hard from Deccan to save Dattaji and at the same time to crown his expedition with success. What appeared a moment of complete dominance(40) over the North had turned, as if, with a foul stroke to be a critical time for the Maratha army in Marwad. All those powers, that bore hatred towards the Marathas due to the strength of their army, had got a chance to unite and strike a blow. The Peshwa wrote Hingne (41) to use his personal friendship with the Jats to refrain him from joining Madhaosing. He asked him to remind the Jat that it was unbecoming of him to assist Madhaosing against the brother of Jayappa who had saved him at the time of Kumbheri (1754 A.D.). He also asked him (Hingne) to inform Madhaosing that all his misdeeds would be kept in mind and that he would not be spared after the Maratha forces reached the north. He also suggested to him to speak at length with the Wazir and to remind him of the assurances of friendship he had givne to Dada (Raghunathrao) and to tell him that (as a friend) it was expected that he should help Dattaji a (42) *** gainst Madhaosing and the rest of Rajputs. He informed Hingne that Samsher Bahadur and Yashwantrao Pawar had been sent to the succor would be coming with sufficient army to the North. Finally he asked him to watch the situation till the armies reached the North and see to it that the opposite forces were not united to create trouble for Dattaji and be writing to him often about the situation.
To Ramji Anant and Dattaji he informed that Antaji Mankeshwar had been dispatched for his help and Samsher Bahadur, and Yashwantrao Pawar had been sent with a force of 10 thousand and that they would reach Marwad without delay. âKhasaâ was also preparing to come over there. He advised further, âAmong the Rajputs, the Jats should be kept conciliated. Some should be kept on friendly terms with sweet tongue, while others are on inimical terms. All should not be made enemies at one time.â
Jayappaâs murder had shaken the Peshwa. Hence he tried diplomacy, tact, prestige and force alike to save Dattaji in Marwad from Deccan. In 1755 A.D., the Maratha strength was a reality. No force was equal to them in India. The Shinde were courageous and brave soldiers. With a watchful and interested master at the back, they rose to the occasion and destroyed the Rajputs even before reinforcements had reached Marwad.
(vii) Madhaosing Crippled:
Vijayram Purohit (43) from Vijaysing was sent to Madhaosing for requesting him to sent help. Madhaosing there-upon had assembled his army at Ramgadh under Jagannath Saha and under Aniruddhsing at Narayangadh. But hearing of the poor strength of the on coming Marathas under Ranoji Bhoite, Aniruddhsing went to Ramgadh and united there all the Rajput forces. All the Sardars of Madhaosing Shekhawants, Rajawants, narukas, Kubhawanis, Nathawants, Chauhans had gathered there under Aniruddhsing. They were further joined by men of Umedsing of Shahapur, men of Bahadursing of Rupnagar, men of Gopalsing of Karoli, Deepsing Hada-brother of Umedsing of Bundi, men from Gaud Sopar, Bakhtwarmal Diwan of Bikaner and men from Vijaysing. All told a host of 25 to 30 thousand marched towards Nagor to drive away Dattaji from Marwad (15th October 1755 A.D.). Hearing of the Rajput strength, Narsingrao Shinde, Kanhoji Jadhao and Sawai Ram Bhandari from Ramsing were sent by Dattaji to reinforce Ranoji Bhoite.
They faced the Rajput force as it entered the Marwad territory on 16th October early in the morning. In spite of the heavy fire from the enemy, the Marathas boldly marched on and silencing the guns, cut down about seven to eight hundred Rajputs by sword. About twelve hundred horses, two guns and eighty camels were carried by them as spoil. The casualties on the Maratha side were 53 men killed, 43 wounded, 25 horses killed and 45 horses wounded. It was grand victory for them.
Aniruddhsing then leaving the way to Nagor, proceeded to Didwana (44) , protecting his men with his guns. The Marathas harrassed them at every step and carried away bullocks, and carts. Hence the Rajputs could march only 5 miles a day with great difficulty. On the way, the wells were filled in and the tanks were held by the Marathas and hence many men, horses, oxen and camels from the Rajput side perished due to thirst.
The Marathas then attacked the exhausted army for the second time. Three to four hundred Rajputs were killed and one hundred (45) and twenty-five horses were carried away by the Marathas. On the Maratha side two men were killed, and twenty-three were wounded, twenty-five horses, were killed, and thirty-five horses wounded. Aniruddhsing could save complete destruction only by entering Didwana (20th of October 1755 A.D.). Vijaysing;s men from Didwana and Dipalpur, total of 5 thousand joined him. But he lost all courage to proceed further. The Marathas completely blockaded them. All supplies were cutdown. Supplies coming from Bikaner were looted at Daulatpur 6 miles to the South-East of Didwana. 100 men from the party were killed and the rest ran away to Daulatpur. Grain and foddere became scarce at Didwana. Letters from Aniruddhsing and Bakhtwarmal Diwan of the king of Bikaner were intercepted. They revealed the miseries the Rajputs were put to. Aniruddhsing had no strength to proceed further or to go backward. When he learnt that the Marathas were to assault him for the third time with guns, with hundred men he saw the Maratha Chiefs and sued for peace.
Thus Dattaji on his own strength had destroyed the force of Madhaosing that had marched on him with high hopes. No way was hence left for Vijaysing but to surrender. He had fared ill on other front too.
(viii) Collapse of Vijaysing and Treaty of Nagor :
It was the strategy of Vijaysing to attack the Marathas from all sides at once so as to destroy them by dividing their strength before any reinforcements reached them. While Aniruddhsing was marching on Nagor, another (46) army marched on Jodhpur under Bhatis of Jaisalmer, men of Pokharan with men of Vijaysing from Zalor. Hearing of the approach of the Rajputs, Santaji Wable, Malji Shinde, the Hujarat of Shinde, men of Jiwaji Pawar and Tukoji Pawar marched to meet them keeping Jagannath Purohit, Janrao Wable, and Satwoji Bande at Jodhpur. They met the enemy at Godawar, 32 miles north-east of Zalor. Defeating them completely they were forced into Godawar. Guards were placed around the place and all the supplies were stopped. Grain was sold two seers a rupee. While the Rajput army was thus locked into Godawar, Jodhpur was held by Jagannath Purohit, Janrao Wable and Satwoji Bande.
Siege of Nagor continued with usual vigour whereas the Marathas were successful in crushing the Rajputs wherever they tried to raise their heads. Thus Dattaji and Jankoji proved more than match for the Rajput combination (November 1755 A.D.). Jayappaâs murder could help Vijaysing in no way.
Antaji Mankeshwar (47), who was at Kalpi, started for the succor of Shinde with a force of ten thousand as per the orders of the Peshwa and urgent letters of Shinde. It was a feat in itself to march to Marwad avoiding the forces of the Jat and Madhaosing that barred his way to Marwad. By forced marches of 12 kos at a time by way of Indragadh, Khatoli and through mountainous region of Lakheri, Antaji entered Jaypur territory avoiding them near Niwai and devastating Jaypur territory reached Didwana. With his coming Dattajiâs position grew stronger. Vijaysing had left Nagor on 12th of November at 300 foot and 100 horse intending to join Kachhwahas at Didwana, but seeing that place surrounded by the Maratha, he drew back and ran to Bikaner. There also he could do nothing.
Maratha strength had prevailed at least. Vijaysing had tried to oust them in everyway. He had sent 5 lakhs as Nazar to the Emperor and asked him and his Wazir to come to Ajmer, promising 10 thousand rupees per day for expenses. He had also called the son the Mansur Ali (Suja-Uddaula) and the Pathan and the Rohillas to help him. He had sent letters to the Chiefs of Bundi, Kota and those of Malwa and Bundelkhand. He had also sent his Vakil to Abdali at Lahor, calling his aid on payment of expenses.
But all these efforts were of little use for Vijaysing. Finally he bowed down to the inevitable and in January 1756 A.D. met Dattaji and sued for peace. By February end (48) , the Marwad expedition of the Shindes was over by the treaty of Nagor (49) by which :
Fort of Zalor with half of Marwad went to Ramsing.
Vijaysing agreed to pay 50 lakhs of rupees to the Marathas, out of which 25 lakhs were to be paid in cash and the remaining 25 lakhs were to be paid in next 2 years and
Ajmer was given to the Marathas.
After realising money Dattaji (50) and Jankoji went to Rupnagar (51) (March, April 1756 A.D.). Samsher Bahadur sent by the Peshwa joiined them there. They laid siege to the forth. After placing the Chief Samantsing of his choice and realising dues, Dattaji then went to Ujjain (beginning of June 1766 A.D.). But before that he had visited Kota (52) and realised substantial Khandani from that State on the occasion of the new Chief on the throne of Kota.
The two-year expedition of Jayappa and Dattaji produced nothing but the death of Jayappa, deadly enmity with the Rathods and Kachhwahs, loss of money and men and the differences between (53) the Shinde and Holkar. Ajmer (54) had come under the Maratha possession no doubt, but with the fear of Abdaliâs invasion looming large over North India, the Maratha held on Rajasthan in 1756 A.D. was all but precarious.
Foot Notes (Description)
(1)
'Proceedings of the Indian Hist. Congress,' 1949, p. 196 - Letter of Bakhtsing to Khan Dauran, 'Hingne Daftar' I-32.
(2)
S.P.D. 2-15.
(3)
S.P.D. 2-16, 17, 22, S.P.D. 21-25, 27, 32.
(4)
'Hingne Daftar' I-59. 'Holkar Shahi' I-143.
(5)
Pratapsing II, succeeded Rana Jagatsing on 6th June 1751 A.D.
(6)
'Jaypur Kharitas' 3-40.
(7)
S.P.D. 27-70
(8)
'Jaypur Kharitas' 3-40, 41, 42, 'Hingne Daftar' I-83.
(9)
Sardesai and Sarkar both state '17th December' as the date of this meeting. But as per the itinerary of Raghunathrao (S.P.D. 27- P. 73) the date seems to be 26th December 1753.
(10)
'Hingne Daftar' I-93, S.P.D. 21-60, 85.
(11)
'Patre Yadi' - 143
(12)
'Patre Yadi' - 125.
(13)
'Shinde Shahi' - 3-59, 61, 'Patre Yadi' - 141.
(14)
'Shinde Shahi' - I-117.
(15)
S.P.D. 21-66, 67, 69.
(16)
'Patre Yadi' - 131.
(17)
'Shinde Shahi' I-117.
(18)
A general picture of the Sound position of the Marathas in North reported by Govind Tamaji, Peshwa's envoy at Jaypur (February 1755 A.D.), S.P.D. 27-106.
(19)
Ibid - 105.
(20)
'Jaypur Kharitas' 3-52, 55., S.P.D. 27-p. 75.
(21)
Ibid - 105.
(22)
S.P.D. 27-18, 'Jaypur Draft Kharitas' 5-47.
(23)
S.P.D. 27-107, 'Hingne Daftar' I-145, 'Shinde Shahi' I-131.
(24)
Jaypur Darbar was to pay Rs. 16,50,000 being the total arrears of Khandani. Even after the settlement Rs. 16,25,000 remained to be paid, which means that Raghunathrao go actually in cash Rs. 1,25,000 - 'Jaypur Draft Kharitas' 5-47, of ±b¼á P¯£a 2, P}. 1810.
(25)
'Patre Yadi' - 135.
(26)
S.P.D. 27-PP. 77 and 78.
(27)
Ibid - 112.
(28)
S.P.D. 2-48.
(29)
S.P.D. 27-116, S.P.D. 2-48, 52, M.I.S. Vol. III-152 'Hingne Daftar' I-161, 'Shinde Shahi' I-140, 141, 'Shinde Shahi' III-320, 'New Hist.' Vol. II, p. 398.
(30)
Patre Yadi - 143.
(31)
"Sir Jadunath's efforts to prove (Fall II, p. 129) that the murder was not plotted deliberately in advance, but was the effect of Jayappa's insolent utterness during the discussion, based on Tod, 'Vamsha Bhaskar', are all in vain. The presence of armed and disguised assassins in the party of the ambassadors is a complete refutation of the defense." - 'Marathai Riyasat' Vol. VI P. 280.
(32)
'Hingne Daftar' I-169, S.P.D. 21-27, M.I.S. Vol. III-152.
(33)
S.P.D. 21-73.
(34)
'Hingne Daftar' I-161.
(35)
'Patre Yadi' - 139.
(36)
'Patre Yadi' - 141.
(37)
S.P.D. 27-119.
(38)
Ibid - 129, 'Hingne Daftar' I-157, 167.
(39)
Ibid - 159, 163, 171.
(40)
S.P.D. 27-106.
(41)
'Hingne Daftar' I-171, 172, 177.
(42)
S.P.D. 27-120.
(43)
S.P.D. 21-74, 77 S.P.D. 2-50, 51, 54 55, S.P.D. 27-117, 'Shinde Shahi' I-p. 129, 'Patre Yadi' - 143
(44)
Didwana is 38 miles to the west of Ramgadh and 55 miles to the North east of Nagor.
(45)
S.P.D. 2-55. (Jankoji gives this figure as four hundred) 'Shinde Shahi' I-143.
(46)
S.P.D. 2-49.
(47)
S.P.D. 2-52, 54, 56, S.P.D. 21-70, 79, S.P.D. 27-119, 'Patre yadi' - 143.
(48)
Writing from Rupnagar Antaji Mankeshwar on 29-3-1756 A.D. clearly states that it was one month before, that the treaty of Nagor was effected - S.P.D. 21-83.
(49)
S.P.D. 27-127, 128, S.P.D. 2-58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 'Hingne Daftar' I- 189,
(50)
S.P.D. 21-82 and 83. (50) 'Marathi Riyasat' Vol. VI p. 285.
(51)
S.P.D. 2-63, S.P.D. 21-85, 'Shinde Shahi' I -136.
(52)
S.P.D. 2-65 and 66, 'Shinde Shahi' I-179.
(53)
'Marathi Riyasat Vol. VI, p. 285. 'New Hist.' II, p. 400.
(54)
'Jaypur Kharitas' 3-65.
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