1834.] 



History of the Ramooss^es, 



230 



ween, declaring that the disgrace the Ramoossy had brought on her 

 was entailing shame on all the Brahmun race, particularly on 

 -Her Highness, and that for her own part as her honour was lost, she 

 could live no longer ; and it is asserted she tore her tongue out of 

 her mouth and died. The Peshween with mingled feelings of vex- 

 ation and grief at the sight, took an oath* that she would neither 

 perform her ablutions nor partake of food till Dadjee Ramoossy was 

 executed. Both Sukkaram Bappoo, and Nana Phurnuvees, exert- 

 ed their best endeavours to persuade Gunga Baie to alter the reso- 

 lution she had made, as she might rest assured they would punish 

 the Ramoossy. She said, she was determined to adhere to her 

 vow, for she well knew that otherwise some of them would accept of 

 a large bribe from the Ramoossy, and would give him an opportu- 

 nity of effecting his escape. f The ministers finding that the Baie 

 was inexorable and determined on fulfilling her resolution, swore 

 solemnly by her feet that they would have Dadjee put to death ; and 

 she was then satisfied. 



A confidential messenger was immediately dispatched to inform 

 Dadjee to proceed forthwith to the Poorundur fort, as he was re- 

 quired for the performance of some special service. He repaired to 

 Poorundur with a number of his followers, and after having received 

 some presents, he was told that a confidential communication would 

 be made to him in the afternoon. When he returned fov his in- 

 structions, accompanied by a few friends, he was seized. A Brah- 

 mun official questioned Dadjee about the property he had secured 

 by plunder and the number of gang robberies he had committed. 

 Dadjee said he had perpetrated eleven hundred aad ten robberies, 

 and that he secured the greatest riches in a banker's house at 

 Chamargonda, between one and two lacs of rupees. He and a 

 number of his followers were immediately executed. The natives 

 persist in saying that a charm in the possession of the Ramoossy 

 rendered him invulnerable by its magical influence, and that the 

 executioner found it quite impossible to make any impression on his 



* It is not an uncommon practice with the Hindoo and Mussulman women 

 in India, to make such vows when they wish for something that is difficult to 

 be obtained, or have been opposed in any particular way by their husbands, or 

 other persons. The consequence is that all her friends beset and tease the 

 husband or persons that thwarted her until her wish has been complied with. 



t Dadjee had been caught several years before this and they were going 

 to execute him for having stolen three of the Peshwah's own horses, but some 

 of the courtiers having represented that it would be much better to have 

 ^uch an active daring man at His Highness's disposal, than to destroy him, he 

 .>Fas set at liberty. 



