06-21-2007, 09:09 PM
An excerpt from Govind Sakharam Sardesai's monumental work "A New History of Marathas, Vol II - 1707-1772". This is about Peshwa Madhavrao whom considering the circumstances that he faced and the way he dealt with them should be probably the best of all Peshwas or at least as good as Bajirao I. At times it may seem very eulogic, but if you read the previous chapters on Madhavrao's reign in this book you can but agree with what Mr Sardesai says.
"CHAPTER XXVI
TRAGIC END
{1772}
1 The Peshvsa's incurable malady. 4 The wife and the mother.
2 His last will. 5 Character of the Peshwa.
3 Peaceful death. 6 Foreign eulogy.
7 Anecdotes.
1. The Peshwa's incurable malady.âWhat a tremendous strain must have been caused by the momentous events described above on the body and the mind of a boy called upon at the age of sixteen to manage the concerns of a far flung Empire in its hour of the greatest peril. A tall lean but muscular figure, fair and commanding in appearance, soon lost all its original vigour, particularly when it was discovered that an insidious wasting disease had housed itself in his frame unnoticed. For some time the patient fought the malady with his inborn courage and continued his usual hard work. Towards the end of 1770 he proceeded from Poona bent on completing his work in the Karnatak, but he so quickly broke down on the way, that he had to return from Miraj and yield himself to proper treatment. Thus his last two years were spent in seek ing health, now at Katore on the Godavari, then at Sidhtek, and lastly at Theur in the vicinity of Poona.
There was then no scientific treatment of tuberculosis, a disease called by the ancients Raj-Yakshma or the prince of diseases. In his case it was of the intestinal variety as can be ascertained from the unbearable pain in the stomach, which often made the Peshwa cry out for a dagger to open his bowels with. The lungs and the chest were intact. The Peshwa did not take long to realise that his end was approaching, but happily lived long enough to learn that splendid victories in the north had crowned his all too short a career and that Haidar Naik in the south had also been humbled though not crushed in the summer of 1772. The Mughal Emperor had again come under Maratha protection early in that year and been restored to his seat at Delhi, in opposition to the British plans, thereby exhibiting to the world that the batle of Panipat had not made a final decision. The various members of the Maratha confederacy had all been completely restored to the Pfeshwa's allegiance, so that it became a legitimate boast of the Maratha nation that obedience and harmony were never more in evidence in the Maratha State than at this period. The Bhosles of Nagpur, the Gaikwads of Baroda, the Ghorpades of Gootty, the Pratinidhi and Babuji Naik were mercilessly corrected. The arch-intriguer Gangoba, Holkar's Diwan, was made an example of; Tukoji Holkar, Ahalyabai, Mahadji Sindia became attached to the Peshwa as never before. The restraint put on the Peshwa's uncle Raghunathrao, checked the factious tendency among others as well. Dada's supporters Chinto Vithal, Sadashiv Ramchandra, Sakharam Hari learnt the lesson of their lives. Even men like Haripant Phadke and Nana Phadnis, the most confidential and trusted secretaries of the Peshwa, stood in the greatest awe of their master.1
The veteran Sakharam Bapu shrank from playing his evil pranks. In the autumn of 1770 when work accumulated with which the Peshwa's failing strength could not cope, he called upon Sakharam Bapu to dispose of the routine work and initiate Narayanrao into the administration. Brahmans were employed at different shrines to recite prayers and solicit divine favour for restoring the Peshwa's health. His mother Gopika-bai suggested certain sanctified rites, which were punctiliously carried out by Nana Phadnis under his own personal supervision. When returning from Miraj to Poona the Peshwa was weighed against gold on the bank of the Krishna; he was also again weighed at Katore on the Godavari and the metal was distributed in charity to the poor. Janoji Bhosle who had recently made his submission expressed great concern on account of the Peshwa's ailment ; he specially came to Poona during
1. G'angadhar Tatya had to suffer confinement for three years for evading payment of heavy ransom of thirty lacs laid on him for having been the main instigator of Raghunathrao's rebellion. He was severely caned in open Darbar, a treatment unbecoming for the head of a state in the opinion of some, but which doubtless served to strike terror into every heart.
the summer of 1772, personally to plead with him to soften the rigour of his uncle's confinement, lest, as was then believed, the prisoner should practise evil rites for hampering the Peshwa's recovery.-
While the Peshwa was seriously laid up at Poona, his mother too became very ill at Nasik and desired to proceed to Benares to end her life at that holy place. But the lady was persuaded to abandon her intention, as she was unable to bear the strain. The Peshwa wished to meet her ; she could not come to Poona, nor could the Peshwa be taken to Nasik in his precarious state of health.; Narayanrao used to be in close attendance upon the Peshwa, but the latter was not entirely satisfied with the way he behaved. This boy was fanciful, easily excitable, and inclined to disregard elderly folks and advisers. It is recorded in a paper dated 28th August 1771 that the Peshwa administered some strong advice to Narayanrao, on various matters. The severity of the admonition discloses the Peshwa's extreme dissatisfaction with the young lad's character.
The Peshwa was placed under expert treatment. Of the physicians who treated the patient in his last days at least three names are available. One was Baba Vaidya of Poona ; there was a European physician probably from Goa; and there was one north Indian celebrity named Ganga Vishnu hailing from Jaipur who treated the Peshwa for some two years.
2. The last will.âAfter the summer months of 1772, the Peshwa visibly grewr worse and all hopes of recovery began to be given up. He strongly desired to end his life in the presence of his family deity Ganesh, and was therefore removed to the famous shrine at Theur where permission was granted to all and sundry to come and see him. Here he sent for his uncle Raghunathrao along with Narayanrao and the principal officers, and in their presence executed what has been called his last will, which is dated 30th September 1772, and which thus runs in substance :â
1. "All my debts should be paid even by using, if neces-
2. Janoji died at Tulzapur immediately after on 16th May 1772.
3. It is recorded that Gopikabai saw him at Poona for a few days
in April 1771.
dared to approach him. Sakharam Bapu and Nana Phadnis kept him constant company during his last days, and were enjoined to conduct the affairs of the State after him, making Narayanrao the Peshwa. In face of the cruel untimely death which he knew was fast approaching, with scarcely the strength to move his limbs in bed, he uttered not a single sigh of disappointment or sorrow. The thought that he had fulfilled his life's task cheered him to the last. He invited Ramshastri to his presence as also the other worthies of his court and spoke parting words to each and all. To the last moment he retained his senses, and expired at 8'clock in the morning of Wednesday Kartik Krishna 8th, 18th November 1772.
4. The wife and the mother.âThe Peshwa's wife Ramabai showed equal fortitude by immolating herself on the funeral pyre of her husband. She walked in procession in the midst of funeral music and the beating of drums for the distance of about half a mile from the temple to the river, where the cremation was to take place. Reaching the burning ghat at the edge of the water, she stood boldly and cheerfully on the holy stone (Dharma-shila] in front of her husband's lifeless form, gave away in charity all the ornaments she was wearing, entrusted Narayanrao to the care of Dada Saheb, and with a serene countenance gave her blessings to all the assemblage. A small stone memorial erected in her pious memory stands today to remind the curious visitor of the blessed life of this loving pair, who departed in close company never to be parted in after life, Rama and Madhav, as the people believed, the very incarnation of Lord Krishna and his consort Lakshmi.
Ramabai, daughter of Ramchandra Ballal Joshi of Miraj, was married on 9th December 1753 when she was six or seven years old and departed life at the age of twenty-six. She was handsome, strong and healthy. She bore her husband no children. She was a devoted wife always in awe of her husband and never interfered in concerns outside the palace. She often visited the holy places in the Deccan.
Madhavrao's mother Gopikabai was also a typical woman, strong-willed, shrewd and experienced from having watched the rising course of the Maratha State since the days of her renowned father-in-law. Madhavrao, it would seem, had taken
more alter his mother than his father. During the first year or two of her son's Peshwaship she directed the affairs of State and offered advice on questions of moment. But when she came to realize that her interference bred a factious spirit at the court, she retired completely from Poona and took up her permanent residence at Gangapur near Nasik on the Godavaii. Here she passed all her remaining life in prayer and worship till her death in 1788. She had an annuity of Rs. 12,000 assigned for her expenses. Though the mother and the son did not often meet, they exchanged frequent and regular correspondence which breathes intense affection and mutual regard. Madhavrao reported to his mother mostly in his own hand in Balbodh script every little affair of importance, not only of personal health but also those of a political character, battles, treaties, behaviour of officers and relatives. He freely sought her advice on critical occasions but never accepted it against his own judgment. Once she recommended that transit duties be remitted in the district of Nasik, as there was famine and grain scarcity. But the Peshwa did not accept the recommendation, urging that if he allowed remittance in one district, he wrould have to do the same in all others. Gopikabai was at least ten years older than Raghunathrao, who feared and respected her outwardly, although she spurned him for his wicked and selfish ways.
5. Character of the Peshwa.âO( all the Peshwas Madhavrao stands by common consent as the greatest in point of character. He possessed all those qualities which a good ruler ought to have, thorough honesty, love of impartial justice, quick despatch, concern for the welfare of the people committed to his charge, and an independent judgment, formed after full enquiry, upon wrhich he acted without fear or favour. If one takes into account that he was only sixteen when called upon to manage the complex affairs of a widely spread Empire, and that within some eleven years, of which many were wasted in an unnecessary civil war and in fighting a consuming dis ease, he carried to completion the main objects of his three eminent predecessors, then only can one form a correct estimate of his powers. Indeed, he stands as an outstanding figure in Maratha history and as a brilliant ornament to his nation. He possessed the statesmanship of Balaji Vishvanath, a valour second only to that of Bajirao, and a sternness which his fathervlacked. He wiped off the disgrace which the Maratha nation had suffered on account of the disaster at Panipat, and restored the Maratha fortunes to such a glory that it is rightly claimed that the premature death of this young Peshwa was a greater blow to the Maratha State than the disaster of Panipat. The great historian Grant Duff has justly emphazised the same view by saying, that "the plains of Panipat were not more fatal to the Maratha Empire than the early end of this excellent prince."
When the battle of Panipat carried away the three leading members of the Peshwa's house, Bhau Saheb, Vishvasrao, and Nana Saheb soon after the first two, it was commonly believed that the Maratha State would sopn collapse. But Madhavrao in a short time managed to raise a new generation of capable leaders to take the place of those that had perished, and he raised the State to such a height of glory that if luckily he had been spared a few years more, there was every chance of the dream of a Maratha Empire for India conceived and fostered by Shivaji, Bajirao and others, coming true. Maratha supremacy never meant extinction of the Muslim or other nationalities. It only meant that supreme political power would rest with the Marathas. The Marathas claimed religious freedom for themselves and for all those who inhabited this vast continent. They did not suppress the Mughal Emperor of Delhi : they helped him to regain his lost throne and to maintain his rights and authority. They only claimed to guide his political counsels.
But the preeminent service of Madhavrao consisted not so much in his achievements and conquests, either in the south or in the north, as in the general improvement of the moral tone of the Maratha administration to which hardly any of his predecessors had attended. Corruption was severely rooted out, the revenue system was so reformed as to conduce to the welfare and prosperity of the people. The judiciary began to function efficiently under the management of the eminent judge Ram Shastri. Complaints came to be speedily noticed and wrong-doers rightly punished. Many vexatious taxes and
imposts were removed. Definite rules and conditions of service were framed and promulgated for the jagirdars and their military equipment.4 The whole administrative staff of officials came to be purged of various evil practices that had become rampant. The system of Veth or exaction of forced labour from lower classes, was entirely abolished, and every kind of service came to be paid for in cash. The very name of this Peshwa came to be held in awe by the rulers and the ruled in and out of the Maratha State. Agencies were employed to gather secret news by which reports of evil practices reached him, so that even his immediate servants used to be in great fear of the Peshwa's punishment. Quite a new generation of honest and efficient officials, clerks, accountants, super -visers, revenue collectors, military suppliers, came to be reared up. Leaders and commanders of military corps shed their proverbial lethargy and became alert and obedient. The want of efficient artillery was keenly observed by this Peshwa, and he organized a special branch for the manufacture of fire-arms and ammunition. Indeed, this was one of the most important subjects which the Peshwa personally supervised and continuously toiled to improve.
Madhavrao was not only an administrator but by experience quickly became an efficient commander of large armies as well. He often exhibited unexampled valour and skill in strategy. He was certainly an autocrat of the type that was then common all over the world, but he was benevolent and selfless like his contemporaries in Europe. He devoted his whole life to the service of his people.
The mere mention of a few outstanding names among his immediate and trustworthy subordinates, is enough to convince us how this Peshwa reared up a new race of men and purified the corrupt system of administration, raising it to a high level. Ram Shastri, Govind Shivram Tatya, Naro Appaji, Mahadaji Ballal Guruji, Trimbakrao Pethe, Gopalrao Patwardhan, Ram-chandra Ganesh, Visaji Krishna, Nana Phadnis and his cousin Moroba, Haripant Phadke and his brothers, are some of the celebrities of Madhavrao's creation. These names are to this
day remembered as almost household words in Maharashtra, it is these men that worked to preserve the Maratha State in the chaotic situation which overtook it after this Peshwa's death. There is also a number of names of the opposite type who were severely dealt with and ultimately reclaimed. The Pratinidhis, Janoji Bhosle and his brothers and his minister Dewajipant, Chinto Vithal, the Chandrachud family, Babuji Naik, Murarrao Ghorpade, Naro Shankar, Sadashiv Ram-chandra, all these learnt a new and salutary lesson. Ram Shastri was to Madhavrao more than what Ramdas was to Shivaji. He was a real guru and the final referee in all matters of a mundane nature, even outside his department of justice. He along with Govindpant Tatya and Guruji formed a trio which was respected and feared by high and low alike for their pure and upright character. Most of the sardars, Mahadji Sindia, Tukoji Holkar, Ahalyabai, Damaji Gaikwad and his sons, the large family of the Patwrardhans, these and others became devoted and obedient servants of the Maratha State. The net revenue of that State at the time of this Peshwas death has been variously calculated and may be reliably put down at about ten crores of rupees annually in the coin of those days.
The trials and hardships to which Madhavrao was exposed since the very start of his short career, compelled him to de tect the most vulnerable spot in the Maratha body politic. The Maratha State since Shahu's days had developed not as a strong unitary Government but as a confederation of states loosely held together under the central authority. In this confederacy the rights, duties and responsibilities of the feudatories had never been clearly defined or rigidly enforced. Madhavrao inherited this unfortunate legacy and found to his cost that the jagirdars either openly defied the central authority or joined the enemies of the State. With the help of competent confidential advisers he gradually succeeded in checking the evil by punishing the wrongdoers and creating solidarity and a workable unity in the Government. This significant achievement becomes plain not only in his wars and administrative measures, but even in the jealousy, which his growing power excited in the minds of the British. On 10th March 1771 the Madras Council wrote,â" From the present conduct of the Marathas both in the north and in the south and from the
genius, spirit and ambition of Madhavrao we are inclined to suspect that their designs are not confined to the mere collection of Chauth, but extend to the subjugation of the whole peninsula."-'
6. Foreign eulogy.âSir Richard Temple, by no Cleans an admirer of things eastern, records the following eloquent testimony about the character of this Peshwa.
4t In some of the characters just depicted there has been found virtue of the secondary type, energy, courage, enthu siasm, patriotism and the like ; buC in none of them is to be .seen virtue of the purer, nobler, loftier quality. In Madhavrao there is virtue of the best stamp. In trying moments he evinced not only presence of mind but also a proud consciousness that by him an example should be set to all around. He chose ministers with discrimination, some of whom justified his choice by their subsequent achievements. He enforced strictness in the service of the state and strove to procure honesty so far as that was procurable in a corrupt age. If an instance occurred of bad faith in high places, he would denounce it with a frankness surprising to those who lived in evil times. Though obliged to keep the uncle out of positions which afforded opportunities of doing harm, yet he showed the utmost consideration towards his relative. When two of his officers during a siege wanted to fight a duel over a quarrel, he told them, instead to scale the deadly breach, promising to decree in favour of the disputant who should first plant the national flag upon the rampart. His care extended to the fiscal, the judicial, and the general departments. All men in his day knew that the head of the state was personally master of the work, was the friend of the oppressed and the foe of the oppressor, and was choosing agents who would carry out his beneficent orders. His thoughtfulness and considerateness were untiring and were often shown in a signal or graceful manner. For instance, he conferred benefits upon the descendants of the cavalry leader Santaji Ghorpade, who had been assassinated by Shivaji's son and successor, in order that such tardy justice as might be possible after the lapse of a generation, should be done. All
the while he was engaged in war and politics. He had to hold his own against the Nizam of the Deccan ; to drive back Hydar All of Mysore, to retrieve that disaster at Panipat which had grieved his father to death. While greatly superior to his predecessors as a civil ruler, he was not inferior to them as a warlike commander. His lieutenants were just retrieving the Panipat disaster, when his own health, always delicate, gave way. Anticipating death, he adjured his uncle to protect the next Peshwa, who would be a boy to avert disunion from the reigning family and save the empire from distraction. What reply he received we know not: at all events he was allowed to die in hope ; we shall soon see how cruelly the hope was belied. True to the habits of his race, he retired to a rural village not far from Poona, and died quietly in the 28th year of his age ; and that village is to this day regarded by the Marathas as one of the most classic spots in their historic land. His childless widow, to whom he was devotedly attached, burnt herseli with his corpse, to satisfy her grief as well as to obey the behests of her religion. This is an instance of those who arc virtuous in their joint life and to whom death brings no separation.
That Madhavrao, a Hindu Prince, should have done so-much in so brief a life as his, under such disadvantages and despite such temptations that, before being cut off, in the heyday of his career, he should have evinced such capacity as this, not only in affairs susceptible of management by youthful genius, but also in matters ordinarily demanding the experience of ripe years, is truly astonishing. Indeed, he is for ever to be revered as the model prince, ' the flos regum' and as one of the finest characters that the Hindu nationality has ever produced."*'
Writes Kincaid, ik Threatened both by domestic and foreign enemies, Madhavrao triumphed signally over all. Yet his triumph had brought him no rest- Victorious over his foes he-had spent his years in tireless labour to better the condition of his people. Every department was quickened by his supervision, his industry and his example. His secret intelligence was faultless ; and no matter how remote the officer guilty of
acts of tyranny, he rarely escaped punishment. The Peshwa's armies went well-equipped on service for the entire military organization was under his direct control. Quick to anger, he was no less quick to forgive. And the only fault that the harshest critic can find in this admirable ruler is, that he shortened a life precious to his people by his arduous and unceasing toil."
7. Anecdotes.âMaharashtra still loves to repeat a number of anecdotes and reminiscences illustrating the high moral character of this Peshwa, which are doubtless substantially true and give an accurate picture of his personality. When Madhavrao like a pious Brahman, at first began to devote much of his time to prayer and ritual, Ram Shastri sternly rebuked him for neglecting his secular duties and advised him to repair to Benares to spend his life there, if he were inclined to be so sanctimonious. The Peshwa quietly and thankfully took the hint and dropped his priestly role. He doubtless possessed an irritable temper, but that only disclosed his aversion for injustice and wrong and his impatience to correct blemishes. On that account he soon came to be feared arid obeyed.
When he found that death was near, he set about destroying the accumulated store of secret state papers, referring to the low intrigues of his officials and servants. Sakharam Bapu learning what the Peshwa was doing, approached him and humbly remonstrated against this procedure. The Peshwa unable to move from his bed, asked Bapu to hand him a certain packet from the adjoining chest. When Bapu brought the bundle out, the Peshwa asked him to open it, read the contents and tell him whether he should destroy or keep it. To his amazement Bapu discovered that the papers in that bundle referred to his own secret intrigues and plots of a criminal nature deserving punishment. The Peshwa had in his possession those proofs of Bapu's guilt, but had never let him know what accusations had reached him through various channels.
Madhavrao's attention to details excites our admiration. He inquires about the construction of unauthorized buildings in Poona. He scrutinizes the lists showing the number and pay of his attendants. From the Karnatak he inquires how
Nana Phadnis was behaving in Poona, like a master or a servant.7 He wishes to be informed of the arrangements for supplying fodder to the cattle attached from Babuji Naik's establishment at Baramati. His daily accounts contain references to very small items of expenditure such as Rs. 1-8 for lamp oil supplied to clerks. He personally chooses dresses and presents to be given to Nizam Ali and his suite or to an envoy from Goa or to Ghazi-ud-din. He minutely examines cases of embezzlement. There used to be much corruption among inspecting officers sent out to examine the military equipment of the jagirdars and sardars, the number and quality of their men and horses, their saddles and arms and accoutrements. The inspectors when bribed certified that there were no deficiencies. When complaints were received, the Peshwa sent his own trusted agents such as Guruji, Nana Phadnis, Naro Appaji to detect irauds. When these special agents arrived for inspection, the whole official staff was in consternation and quaked for the heavy punishments that awaited them. It would thus appear that this Peshwa's rule was far above that of his contemporaries in rooting out official corruption and venality.
The Peshwa would not allow the ryots to be molested on any account. He paid compensation to them when they suffered losses from the march of troops. During his tours he personally inquired into the people's grievances and removed the iniquities that he noticed. Remission of revenue was granted when there were political disturbances or failure of rain. A Kotwal's duties and the rules which should guide him in his management of the towns, are found clearly set down in various documents issued by the Peshwa, and now reproduced in the Peshwa's Diaries.
This Peshwa's death ushers in a new phase in Maratha history which will form the subject of my concluding volume."
End of excerpt
What I find truly great about Madhavrao may be summarised in the following points
1. Maturity and immense sense of responsibility displayed at a very tender age of 16. I know at the age of 16 my father had to get behind me to study for my exams and I'd no clue of my future. Here is a chap who has lost his father, the empire is bankrupt due to a debilitating war, its prestige shattered due to an embarassing loss, its principal warlords and statesmen lost to war in one day and it is all rebuilt brick by brick by a 16 year old in the face of one of the most turbulent times in Indian history, with neighbors like the vily Nizam, the ambitious Hyder Ali, and the British on ascendant, not to mention the intrigues of his own uncle. No wonder Madhavrao was made of a different stuff altogether for exactly 10 years later his brother Narayanrao showed himself thoroughly incapable of handling far less difficult circumstances than what his elder brother had faced
2. That he not only coped and survived the difficult times but also managed to effect some major changes in some neglected areas of administration. Revamping the administrative machinery, reducing corruption, putting in place a system of strict checks and balances
3. His sense of justice, his upright character
4. As a manager I admire his ability to bring things under his control and influence every matter that affects him. He had such energy and zeal, such clarity of thought at such young age, and he was able to get things done
5. He managed to get a strong set of people around him who could be trusted and relied upon and he managed to keep a check and even make good use of troublemakers. He very ably managed people far senior to him in age. He had a clear vision and could look ahead than others; he could see the British as a grave threat to Marathas and always distrusted them.
6. Lastly and more importantly he achieved all this while always battling against a debilitating illness which constantly sapped whatever energy he had. But inspite of this he managed to leave behind a far stronger empire than what he inherited. If only he had lived a few more years, if only..........
Probably Sardesai is right when he says that Panipat was a far lesser loss than the early death of Madhavrao
"CHAPTER XXVI
TRAGIC END
{1772}
1 The Peshvsa's incurable malady. 4 The wife and the mother.
2 His last will. 5 Character of the Peshwa.
3 Peaceful death. 6 Foreign eulogy.
7 Anecdotes.
1. The Peshwa's incurable malady.âWhat a tremendous strain must have been caused by the momentous events described above on the body and the mind of a boy called upon at the age of sixteen to manage the concerns of a far flung Empire in its hour of the greatest peril. A tall lean but muscular figure, fair and commanding in appearance, soon lost all its original vigour, particularly when it was discovered that an insidious wasting disease had housed itself in his frame unnoticed. For some time the patient fought the malady with his inborn courage and continued his usual hard work. Towards the end of 1770 he proceeded from Poona bent on completing his work in the Karnatak, but he so quickly broke down on the way, that he had to return from Miraj and yield himself to proper treatment. Thus his last two years were spent in seek ing health, now at Katore on the Godavari, then at Sidhtek, and lastly at Theur in the vicinity of Poona.
There was then no scientific treatment of tuberculosis, a disease called by the ancients Raj-Yakshma or the prince of diseases. In his case it was of the intestinal variety as can be ascertained from the unbearable pain in the stomach, which often made the Peshwa cry out for a dagger to open his bowels with. The lungs and the chest were intact. The Peshwa did not take long to realise that his end was approaching, but happily lived long enough to learn that splendid victories in the north had crowned his all too short a career and that Haidar Naik in the south had also been humbled though not crushed in the summer of 1772. The Mughal Emperor had again come under Maratha protection early in that year and been restored to his seat at Delhi, in opposition to the British plans, thereby exhibiting to the world that the batle of Panipat had not made a final decision. The various members of the Maratha confederacy had all been completely restored to the Pfeshwa's allegiance, so that it became a legitimate boast of the Maratha nation that obedience and harmony were never more in evidence in the Maratha State than at this period. The Bhosles of Nagpur, the Gaikwads of Baroda, the Ghorpades of Gootty, the Pratinidhi and Babuji Naik were mercilessly corrected. The arch-intriguer Gangoba, Holkar's Diwan, was made an example of; Tukoji Holkar, Ahalyabai, Mahadji Sindia became attached to the Peshwa as never before. The restraint put on the Peshwa's uncle Raghunathrao, checked the factious tendency among others as well. Dada's supporters Chinto Vithal, Sadashiv Ramchandra, Sakharam Hari learnt the lesson of their lives. Even men like Haripant Phadke and Nana Phadnis, the most confidential and trusted secretaries of the Peshwa, stood in the greatest awe of their master.1
The veteran Sakharam Bapu shrank from playing his evil pranks. In the autumn of 1770 when work accumulated with which the Peshwa's failing strength could not cope, he called upon Sakharam Bapu to dispose of the routine work and initiate Narayanrao into the administration. Brahmans were employed at different shrines to recite prayers and solicit divine favour for restoring the Peshwa's health. His mother Gopika-bai suggested certain sanctified rites, which were punctiliously carried out by Nana Phadnis under his own personal supervision. When returning from Miraj to Poona the Peshwa was weighed against gold on the bank of the Krishna; he was also again weighed at Katore on the Godavari and the metal was distributed in charity to the poor. Janoji Bhosle who had recently made his submission expressed great concern on account of the Peshwa's ailment ; he specially came to Poona during
1. G'angadhar Tatya had to suffer confinement for three years for evading payment of heavy ransom of thirty lacs laid on him for having been the main instigator of Raghunathrao's rebellion. He was severely caned in open Darbar, a treatment unbecoming for the head of a state in the opinion of some, but which doubtless served to strike terror into every heart.
the summer of 1772, personally to plead with him to soften the rigour of his uncle's confinement, lest, as was then believed, the prisoner should practise evil rites for hampering the Peshwa's recovery.-
While the Peshwa was seriously laid up at Poona, his mother too became very ill at Nasik and desired to proceed to Benares to end her life at that holy place. But the lady was persuaded to abandon her intention, as she was unable to bear the strain. The Peshwa wished to meet her ; she could not come to Poona, nor could the Peshwa be taken to Nasik in his precarious state of health.; Narayanrao used to be in close attendance upon the Peshwa, but the latter was not entirely satisfied with the way he behaved. This boy was fanciful, easily excitable, and inclined to disregard elderly folks and advisers. It is recorded in a paper dated 28th August 1771 that the Peshwa administered some strong advice to Narayanrao, on various matters. The severity of the admonition discloses the Peshwa's extreme dissatisfaction with the young lad's character.
The Peshwa was placed under expert treatment. Of the physicians who treated the patient in his last days at least three names are available. One was Baba Vaidya of Poona ; there was a European physician probably from Goa; and there was one north Indian celebrity named Ganga Vishnu hailing from Jaipur who treated the Peshwa for some two years.
2. The last will.âAfter the summer months of 1772, the Peshwa visibly grewr worse and all hopes of recovery began to be given up. He strongly desired to end his life in the presence of his family deity Ganesh, and was therefore removed to the famous shrine at Theur where permission was granted to all and sundry to come and see him. Here he sent for his uncle Raghunathrao along with Narayanrao and the principal officers, and in their presence executed what has been called his last will, which is dated 30th September 1772, and which thus runs in substance :â
1. "All my debts should be paid even by using, if neces-
2. Janoji died at Tulzapur immediately after on 16th May 1772.
3. It is recorded that Gopikabai saw him at Poona for a few days
in April 1771.
dared to approach him. Sakharam Bapu and Nana Phadnis kept him constant company during his last days, and were enjoined to conduct the affairs of the State after him, making Narayanrao the Peshwa. In face of the cruel untimely death which he knew was fast approaching, with scarcely the strength to move his limbs in bed, he uttered not a single sigh of disappointment or sorrow. The thought that he had fulfilled his life's task cheered him to the last. He invited Ramshastri to his presence as also the other worthies of his court and spoke parting words to each and all. To the last moment he retained his senses, and expired at 8'clock in the morning of Wednesday Kartik Krishna 8th, 18th November 1772.
4. The wife and the mother.âThe Peshwa's wife Ramabai showed equal fortitude by immolating herself on the funeral pyre of her husband. She walked in procession in the midst of funeral music and the beating of drums for the distance of about half a mile from the temple to the river, where the cremation was to take place. Reaching the burning ghat at the edge of the water, she stood boldly and cheerfully on the holy stone (Dharma-shila] in front of her husband's lifeless form, gave away in charity all the ornaments she was wearing, entrusted Narayanrao to the care of Dada Saheb, and with a serene countenance gave her blessings to all the assemblage. A small stone memorial erected in her pious memory stands today to remind the curious visitor of the blessed life of this loving pair, who departed in close company never to be parted in after life, Rama and Madhav, as the people believed, the very incarnation of Lord Krishna and his consort Lakshmi.
Ramabai, daughter of Ramchandra Ballal Joshi of Miraj, was married on 9th December 1753 when she was six or seven years old and departed life at the age of twenty-six. She was handsome, strong and healthy. She bore her husband no children. She was a devoted wife always in awe of her husband and never interfered in concerns outside the palace. She often visited the holy places in the Deccan.
Madhavrao's mother Gopikabai was also a typical woman, strong-willed, shrewd and experienced from having watched the rising course of the Maratha State since the days of her renowned father-in-law. Madhavrao, it would seem, had taken
more alter his mother than his father. During the first year or two of her son's Peshwaship she directed the affairs of State and offered advice on questions of moment. But when she came to realize that her interference bred a factious spirit at the court, she retired completely from Poona and took up her permanent residence at Gangapur near Nasik on the Godavaii. Here she passed all her remaining life in prayer and worship till her death in 1788. She had an annuity of Rs. 12,000 assigned for her expenses. Though the mother and the son did not often meet, they exchanged frequent and regular correspondence which breathes intense affection and mutual regard. Madhavrao reported to his mother mostly in his own hand in Balbodh script every little affair of importance, not only of personal health but also those of a political character, battles, treaties, behaviour of officers and relatives. He freely sought her advice on critical occasions but never accepted it against his own judgment. Once she recommended that transit duties be remitted in the district of Nasik, as there was famine and grain scarcity. But the Peshwa did not accept the recommendation, urging that if he allowed remittance in one district, he wrould have to do the same in all others. Gopikabai was at least ten years older than Raghunathrao, who feared and respected her outwardly, although she spurned him for his wicked and selfish ways.
5. Character of the Peshwa.âO( all the Peshwas Madhavrao stands by common consent as the greatest in point of character. He possessed all those qualities which a good ruler ought to have, thorough honesty, love of impartial justice, quick despatch, concern for the welfare of the people committed to his charge, and an independent judgment, formed after full enquiry, upon wrhich he acted without fear or favour. If one takes into account that he was only sixteen when called upon to manage the complex affairs of a widely spread Empire, and that within some eleven years, of which many were wasted in an unnecessary civil war and in fighting a consuming dis ease, he carried to completion the main objects of his three eminent predecessors, then only can one form a correct estimate of his powers. Indeed, he stands as an outstanding figure in Maratha history and as a brilliant ornament to his nation. He possessed the statesmanship of Balaji Vishvanath, a valour second only to that of Bajirao, and a sternness which his fathervlacked. He wiped off the disgrace which the Maratha nation had suffered on account of the disaster at Panipat, and restored the Maratha fortunes to such a glory that it is rightly claimed that the premature death of this young Peshwa was a greater blow to the Maratha State than the disaster of Panipat. The great historian Grant Duff has justly emphazised the same view by saying, that "the plains of Panipat were not more fatal to the Maratha Empire than the early end of this excellent prince."
When the battle of Panipat carried away the three leading members of the Peshwa's house, Bhau Saheb, Vishvasrao, and Nana Saheb soon after the first two, it was commonly believed that the Maratha State would sopn collapse. But Madhavrao in a short time managed to raise a new generation of capable leaders to take the place of those that had perished, and he raised the State to such a height of glory that if luckily he had been spared a few years more, there was every chance of the dream of a Maratha Empire for India conceived and fostered by Shivaji, Bajirao and others, coming true. Maratha supremacy never meant extinction of the Muslim or other nationalities. It only meant that supreme political power would rest with the Marathas. The Marathas claimed religious freedom for themselves and for all those who inhabited this vast continent. They did not suppress the Mughal Emperor of Delhi : they helped him to regain his lost throne and to maintain his rights and authority. They only claimed to guide his political counsels.
But the preeminent service of Madhavrao consisted not so much in his achievements and conquests, either in the south or in the north, as in the general improvement of the moral tone of the Maratha administration to which hardly any of his predecessors had attended. Corruption was severely rooted out, the revenue system was so reformed as to conduce to the welfare and prosperity of the people. The judiciary began to function efficiently under the management of the eminent judge Ram Shastri. Complaints came to be speedily noticed and wrong-doers rightly punished. Many vexatious taxes and
imposts were removed. Definite rules and conditions of service were framed and promulgated for the jagirdars and their military equipment.4 The whole administrative staff of officials came to be purged of various evil practices that had become rampant. The system of Veth or exaction of forced labour from lower classes, was entirely abolished, and every kind of service came to be paid for in cash. The very name of this Peshwa came to be held in awe by the rulers and the ruled in and out of the Maratha State. Agencies were employed to gather secret news by which reports of evil practices reached him, so that even his immediate servants used to be in great fear of the Peshwa's punishment. Quite a new generation of honest and efficient officials, clerks, accountants, super -visers, revenue collectors, military suppliers, came to be reared up. Leaders and commanders of military corps shed their proverbial lethargy and became alert and obedient. The want of efficient artillery was keenly observed by this Peshwa, and he organized a special branch for the manufacture of fire-arms and ammunition. Indeed, this was one of the most important subjects which the Peshwa personally supervised and continuously toiled to improve.
Madhavrao was not only an administrator but by experience quickly became an efficient commander of large armies as well. He often exhibited unexampled valour and skill in strategy. He was certainly an autocrat of the type that was then common all over the world, but he was benevolent and selfless like his contemporaries in Europe. He devoted his whole life to the service of his people.
The mere mention of a few outstanding names among his immediate and trustworthy subordinates, is enough to convince us how this Peshwa reared up a new race of men and purified the corrupt system of administration, raising it to a high level. Ram Shastri, Govind Shivram Tatya, Naro Appaji, Mahadaji Ballal Guruji, Trimbakrao Pethe, Gopalrao Patwardhan, Ram-chandra Ganesh, Visaji Krishna, Nana Phadnis and his cousin Moroba, Haripant Phadke and his brothers, are some of the celebrities of Madhavrao's creation. These names are to this
day remembered as almost household words in Maharashtra, it is these men that worked to preserve the Maratha State in the chaotic situation which overtook it after this Peshwa's death. There is also a number of names of the opposite type who were severely dealt with and ultimately reclaimed. The Pratinidhis, Janoji Bhosle and his brothers and his minister Dewajipant, Chinto Vithal, the Chandrachud family, Babuji Naik, Murarrao Ghorpade, Naro Shankar, Sadashiv Ram-chandra, all these learnt a new and salutary lesson. Ram Shastri was to Madhavrao more than what Ramdas was to Shivaji. He was a real guru and the final referee in all matters of a mundane nature, even outside his department of justice. He along with Govindpant Tatya and Guruji formed a trio which was respected and feared by high and low alike for their pure and upright character. Most of the sardars, Mahadji Sindia, Tukoji Holkar, Ahalyabai, Damaji Gaikwad and his sons, the large family of the Patwrardhans, these and others became devoted and obedient servants of the Maratha State. The net revenue of that State at the time of this Peshwas death has been variously calculated and may be reliably put down at about ten crores of rupees annually in the coin of those days.
The trials and hardships to which Madhavrao was exposed since the very start of his short career, compelled him to de tect the most vulnerable spot in the Maratha body politic. The Maratha State since Shahu's days had developed not as a strong unitary Government but as a confederation of states loosely held together under the central authority. In this confederacy the rights, duties and responsibilities of the feudatories had never been clearly defined or rigidly enforced. Madhavrao inherited this unfortunate legacy and found to his cost that the jagirdars either openly defied the central authority or joined the enemies of the State. With the help of competent confidential advisers he gradually succeeded in checking the evil by punishing the wrongdoers and creating solidarity and a workable unity in the Government. This significant achievement becomes plain not only in his wars and administrative measures, but even in the jealousy, which his growing power excited in the minds of the British. On 10th March 1771 the Madras Council wrote,â" From the present conduct of the Marathas both in the north and in the south and from the
genius, spirit and ambition of Madhavrao we are inclined to suspect that their designs are not confined to the mere collection of Chauth, but extend to the subjugation of the whole peninsula."-'
6. Foreign eulogy.âSir Richard Temple, by no Cleans an admirer of things eastern, records the following eloquent testimony about the character of this Peshwa.
4t In some of the characters just depicted there has been found virtue of the secondary type, energy, courage, enthu siasm, patriotism and the like ; buC in none of them is to be .seen virtue of the purer, nobler, loftier quality. In Madhavrao there is virtue of the best stamp. In trying moments he evinced not only presence of mind but also a proud consciousness that by him an example should be set to all around. He chose ministers with discrimination, some of whom justified his choice by their subsequent achievements. He enforced strictness in the service of the state and strove to procure honesty so far as that was procurable in a corrupt age. If an instance occurred of bad faith in high places, he would denounce it with a frankness surprising to those who lived in evil times. Though obliged to keep the uncle out of positions which afforded opportunities of doing harm, yet he showed the utmost consideration towards his relative. When two of his officers during a siege wanted to fight a duel over a quarrel, he told them, instead to scale the deadly breach, promising to decree in favour of the disputant who should first plant the national flag upon the rampart. His care extended to the fiscal, the judicial, and the general departments. All men in his day knew that the head of the state was personally master of the work, was the friend of the oppressed and the foe of the oppressor, and was choosing agents who would carry out his beneficent orders. His thoughtfulness and considerateness were untiring and were often shown in a signal or graceful manner. For instance, he conferred benefits upon the descendants of the cavalry leader Santaji Ghorpade, who had been assassinated by Shivaji's son and successor, in order that such tardy justice as might be possible after the lapse of a generation, should be done. All
the while he was engaged in war and politics. He had to hold his own against the Nizam of the Deccan ; to drive back Hydar All of Mysore, to retrieve that disaster at Panipat which had grieved his father to death. While greatly superior to his predecessors as a civil ruler, he was not inferior to them as a warlike commander. His lieutenants were just retrieving the Panipat disaster, when his own health, always delicate, gave way. Anticipating death, he adjured his uncle to protect the next Peshwa, who would be a boy to avert disunion from the reigning family and save the empire from distraction. What reply he received we know not: at all events he was allowed to die in hope ; we shall soon see how cruelly the hope was belied. True to the habits of his race, he retired to a rural village not far from Poona, and died quietly in the 28th year of his age ; and that village is to this day regarded by the Marathas as one of the most classic spots in their historic land. His childless widow, to whom he was devotedly attached, burnt herseli with his corpse, to satisfy her grief as well as to obey the behests of her religion. This is an instance of those who arc virtuous in their joint life and to whom death brings no separation.
That Madhavrao, a Hindu Prince, should have done so-much in so brief a life as his, under such disadvantages and despite such temptations that, before being cut off, in the heyday of his career, he should have evinced such capacity as this, not only in affairs susceptible of management by youthful genius, but also in matters ordinarily demanding the experience of ripe years, is truly astonishing. Indeed, he is for ever to be revered as the model prince, ' the flos regum' and as one of the finest characters that the Hindu nationality has ever produced."*'
Writes Kincaid, ik Threatened both by domestic and foreign enemies, Madhavrao triumphed signally over all. Yet his triumph had brought him no rest- Victorious over his foes he-had spent his years in tireless labour to better the condition of his people. Every department was quickened by his supervision, his industry and his example. His secret intelligence was faultless ; and no matter how remote the officer guilty of
acts of tyranny, he rarely escaped punishment. The Peshwa's armies went well-equipped on service for the entire military organization was under his direct control. Quick to anger, he was no less quick to forgive. And the only fault that the harshest critic can find in this admirable ruler is, that he shortened a life precious to his people by his arduous and unceasing toil."
7. Anecdotes.âMaharashtra still loves to repeat a number of anecdotes and reminiscences illustrating the high moral character of this Peshwa, which are doubtless substantially true and give an accurate picture of his personality. When Madhavrao like a pious Brahman, at first began to devote much of his time to prayer and ritual, Ram Shastri sternly rebuked him for neglecting his secular duties and advised him to repair to Benares to spend his life there, if he were inclined to be so sanctimonious. The Peshwa quietly and thankfully took the hint and dropped his priestly role. He doubtless possessed an irritable temper, but that only disclosed his aversion for injustice and wrong and his impatience to correct blemishes. On that account he soon came to be feared arid obeyed.
When he found that death was near, he set about destroying the accumulated store of secret state papers, referring to the low intrigues of his officials and servants. Sakharam Bapu learning what the Peshwa was doing, approached him and humbly remonstrated against this procedure. The Peshwa unable to move from his bed, asked Bapu to hand him a certain packet from the adjoining chest. When Bapu brought the bundle out, the Peshwa asked him to open it, read the contents and tell him whether he should destroy or keep it. To his amazement Bapu discovered that the papers in that bundle referred to his own secret intrigues and plots of a criminal nature deserving punishment. The Peshwa had in his possession those proofs of Bapu's guilt, but had never let him know what accusations had reached him through various channels.
Madhavrao's attention to details excites our admiration. He inquires about the construction of unauthorized buildings in Poona. He scrutinizes the lists showing the number and pay of his attendants. From the Karnatak he inquires how
Nana Phadnis was behaving in Poona, like a master or a servant.7 He wishes to be informed of the arrangements for supplying fodder to the cattle attached from Babuji Naik's establishment at Baramati. His daily accounts contain references to very small items of expenditure such as Rs. 1-8 for lamp oil supplied to clerks. He personally chooses dresses and presents to be given to Nizam Ali and his suite or to an envoy from Goa or to Ghazi-ud-din. He minutely examines cases of embezzlement. There used to be much corruption among inspecting officers sent out to examine the military equipment of the jagirdars and sardars, the number and quality of their men and horses, their saddles and arms and accoutrements. The inspectors when bribed certified that there were no deficiencies. When complaints were received, the Peshwa sent his own trusted agents such as Guruji, Nana Phadnis, Naro Appaji to detect irauds. When these special agents arrived for inspection, the whole official staff was in consternation and quaked for the heavy punishments that awaited them. It would thus appear that this Peshwa's rule was far above that of his contemporaries in rooting out official corruption and venality.
The Peshwa would not allow the ryots to be molested on any account. He paid compensation to them when they suffered losses from the march of troops. During his tours he personally inquired into the people's grievances and removed the iniquities that he noticed. Remission of revenue was granted when there were political disturbances or failure of rain. A Kotwal's duties and the rules which should guide him in his management of the towns, are found clearly set down in various documents issued by the Peshwa, and now reproduced in the Peshwa's Diaries.
This Peshwa's death ushers in a new phase in Maratha history which will form the subject of my concluding volume."
End of excerpt
What I find truly great about Madhavrao may be summarised in the following points
1. Maturity and immense sense of responsibility displayed at a very tender age of 16. I know at the age of 16 my father had to get behind me to study for my exams and I'd no clue of my future. Here is a chap who has lost his father, the empire is bankrupt due to a debilitating war, its prestige shattered due to an embarassing loss, its principal warlords and statesmen lost to war in one day and it is all rebuilt brick by brick by a 16 year old in the face of one of the most turbulent times in Indian history, with neighbors like the vily Nizam, the ambitious Hyder Ali, and the British on ascendant, not to mention the intrigues of his own uncle. No wonder Madhavrao was made of a different stuff altogether for exactly 10 years later his brother Narayanrao showed himself thoroughly incapable of handling far less difficult circumstances than what his elder brother had faced
2. That he not only coped and survived the difficult times but also managed to effect some major changes in some neglected areas of administration. Revamping the administrative machinery, reducing corruption, putting in place a system of strict checks and balances
3. His sense of justice, his upright character
4. As a manager I admire his ability to bring things under his control and influence every matter that affects him. He had such energy and zeal, such clarity of thought at such young age, and he was able to get things done
5. He managed to get a strong set of people around him who could be trusted and relied upon and he managed to keep a check and even make good use of troublemakers. He very ably managed people far senior to him in age. He had a clear vision and could look ahead than others; he could see the British as a grave threat to Marathas and always distrusted them.
6. Lastly and more importantly he achieved all this while always battling against a debilitating illness which constantly sapped whatever energy he had. But inspite of this he managed to leave behind a far stronger empire than what he inherited. If only he had lived a few more years, if only..........
Probably Sardesai is right when he says that Panipat was a far lesser loss than the early death of Madhavrao