Baji Rao II

• Main Author: Gupta, Pratul Chandra
• Published: SOAS, University of London 1936
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.759160

After the short administration of Chimnaji Appa, Baji Rao became the Peshwa. He suppressed the "rebellion" of the Raja of Satara, and sent an army to check the depredations of the Raja of Kolhapur. He was always reluctant to accept the Subsidiary Alliance, but was driven to it, when Holkar invaded Poona in October, 1802. Baji Rao was restored by the British Government. During Lord Minto's administration, a settlement was effected between the Peshwa and the Southern Jagirdars. A treaty was also signed between the Peshwa, the British Government and the Raja of Kolhapur. Baji Rao asked the British Government to settle some claims he had on the Gaekwar. Bapu Mairal's attempt to settle the Peshwa's demands failed. Gangadhar Shastri who was sent from Baroda for this purpose, was murdered at Pandharpur. Elphinstone accused Trimbakji, but there are reasons for supposing that the real responsibility for the murder lay at the Gaekwar's court. Trimbakji was arrested, but he escaped. A letter, published by Mr. Sardesai, which is said to explain the mystery of Trimbakji's escape, can not be relied upon. Baji Rao negotiated with Trimbakji, but was threatened to submission and forced to sign the Treaty of Poona. Baji Rao then tried to build up a confederacy against the British Government and declared war. He was repeatedly defeated and forced to surrender. The terms granted to him by Malcolm was considered too lenient and unsafe by the Governor- General. But Elphinstone and Munro shared Malcolm's views. Baji Kao retired to Bithur, where he died.