1838.] Mahratta kings of So ttara. 1 87 



send tribute to the Bhosala, on which account the latter wrote two or 

 three letters. The reply was in substance, that as the Bhosala derived 

 his possessions from the Padshah, so he, Baji Rao, owed him, the Bho- 

 sala, nothing ; but that the tribute must be given to the Padshah. Both 

 parties appealed to the Padshah, in consequence of which appeal, an 

 order came to the Bhosala, directing him not to interfere with the 

 Divan, and that tribute from the latter must be sent to the Padshah. 

 The Divan did send tribute for a short time and then discontinued doing 

 so. In consequence the Padshah sent a detachment of troops to demand 

 the stated revenue; but the officer was put off with various excuses. 

 Meantime the troops killed every day twenty or more cows, on which 

 the Divan remonstrated and wrote to the Padshah who replied, that it 

 proceeded from his refusing to pay his tribute, which if he did the an- 

 noyance w r ould be withdrawn. The Divan requested a small portion of 

 land to be bestowed on him, in free gift, or fee simple, wherein he 

 might carry on the rites of his religion without molestation. The Pad- 

 shah consented, bestowing on him an inam grant; and restored all the 

 remainder of his former possessions to the Bhosala, as a tributary. The 

 Divan within his small district strengthened himself by degrees, and 

 assembling troops at length ventured on making war on the Bhosala y 

 who being occupied chiefly in peaceable duties and depending on protec- 

 tion from the Padshah kept up no great standing army; as a consequenee 

 he was attacked by the Divan, taken prisoner and carried to Poona. As 

 the Divan obtained great plunder and wealth from the Bhosala so he 

 greatly increased his army therewith; and, when the Padshah assumed 

 hostile demonstrations, he sent word to say, that the country south of 

 the Nevbudda was fitting to be ruled by brahmans ; that he, the Padshah, 

 need give himself no trouble, for whatsoever tribute was demanded 

 should be remitted. The Padshah relaxed on receiving this message; 

 and consented to receive tribute. The Divan accordingly had account- 

 ants prepared in the different languages of the country, being Gujerati, 

 Baibandi, Mahratti and Canarese. Baji Rao now sent messages to the 

 Guicoivar, to Scindiah, and the ruler of the Cungama country (the 

 Konkan) calling on them for allegiance and tribute in which case he 

 would protect them, seeing that he held his authority by sanction of the 

 Padshah. The consequence was a war with the Congama country, 

 which he conquered; and next the conquest of the Guicowar the ruler 

 of Gujerat. The ruler of Visiapur hearing of these proceedings deter- 

 mined to make war on Baji Rao to humble him and to assume his coun- 

 try. This he did and began to rule over that country in Sal. Sac. 1610, 

 (A. D. 1687, 8.) The name of his viceroy was Shahoji. Other changes 



