Volume 10: Bajirao-Nizam & Volume 12: Dabhades
This volume covers a few encounters between Bajirao and the Nizam-ul-mulk.
No. 1 - 1724? (The date is uncertain)
The terms of a treaty proposed by the Marathas with the Mughals - in exchange for helping defeat the Nizam-ul-mulk, who had made himself an almost independent ruler in the Deccan
The treaty for Swarajya with the Pathshah should have terms as follows-
1> Farman (royal orders) of chauthai (one fourth in Marathi - entitles the holder to collect one fourth of the total as tax.) for the 6 subahs of the Deccan.
(Before the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb declared war and descended on the Deccan, the two Deccan sultanates - Adilshahi of Bijapur and Nizamshahi of Golconda both paid chauth to Shivaji Raje. This earlier arrangement formed the basis for this demand at the war's conclusion.)
2> Sardeshmukhi (head of tax collectors- entitles the holder to collect an additional 10 percent of produce as taxes) farman from the Deccan subahs.
3> The Maratha king is exempt from Peshkash. (Tribute, presented on meeting the emperor. A sign of submission and recognition of superior authority).
4> Farmans for the chauth and sardeshmukhi of Malwa and Gujarat.
(During the war, by 1703-04, Maratha sardars had started raiding and even setting up permanent tax collectors and administration in parts of these two Mughal provinces. This point in the treaty was meant to secure those gains.)
5> The Maratha kingdom of Thanjavur, now annexed by the Mughals should be restored as an independent state.
6> The following forts should be surrendered by the Mughals-
Shivner , Chakan, Mahuli, Karnala, Pal, Miraj, and several smaller outposts in Maratha lands that are currently occupied.
Junnar, Parner, Rajangaon, Akuluj, Miraj subah, Kotul, Dadhrafal(?).
7> The grant of subhedari of the Deccan. Orders to the Mughal generals Dilel Khan, Abdul Najib Khan, Alaf Khan to join Marathas with their armies and give battle to Nizam-ul-mulk.
8> The Mughals should not engage with Ch. Shahu's rival at Panhala.
(The following sections had already been translated, and presented as it is.)
9> Abdul Majidkhan, whose uncle Abdul Karim held the Subha of Bijapur, should be given the title of Dilelkhan and granted the Subha- ship of Bijapur with a Jagir in addition.
10>Maratha deserters should not be entertained in Mogal service.
11> Ramaji Gosavi and other mediators should be granted inams.
12> Maratha sardars who have deserted to the Mogals should be handed back.
13> Those Mogal and Maratha sardars who hold inams and Jagirs from the Emperor, should be assured of their holdings if they worked zealously in putting down Nizam-ul-mulk.
14> Fatesing Bhosle should be given the Subha of Bhaganagar and 90 thousand mansab and a jagir to maintain 20 thousand troops.
15> All the forts and territories of the Marathas which the Sidi of Janjira has captured should be restored. If he refuses to restore them, the imperial troops should proceed against him and compel him to yield them to Shahu.
16> 'Whenever Maratha troops accompany the Mogal troops on duty, the former should be paid at the rate which was granted by the Sayads.
17> The assistance of 50 lacs promised by the Emperor should be paid to Shahu.
No.54 - March 1728
Ramaji Damodar to Chimaji Appa, congratulating him for their victory at Palkhed, where the Nizam was defeated and sued for peace.
Ramaji Damodar salutes you. The Swami had sent letters to Rajashri Swami, Matoshri Bai, Tatya Rajashri Dada, and Vedamurthy Bhat. We were pleased to read the letters. The Nizam was utterly defeated. 6000 men of his army were killed or injured. One major sardars was slain. 19 elephants were captured, as per Rajashri's letter. Rajashri said fortune favours him (Bajirao) as he is loyal. Other news will be received as it reaches us from Bajirao. Rajashri Fatesingh and Shripatrao Chande will go to Pratapgarh. Along with Rajashri Narba, Sidoji Nimbalkar with 2000 men and Trimbakrao Dabhade with 4-5 thousand men , and 200 of the huzurat, will go to Bankapur. They are at Ashta.
Volume 12 Peshwe- Dabhade conflict
The Dabhades were an old aristocratic family of sardars in the Maratha empire. While initially on cordial terms with the new Peshwa Bajirao, relations deteriorated over the matter of revenues of the annexed Mughal province of Gujarat. This culminated in a clash of arms between the Senapati (army chief) Trimbakrao Dabhade and Bajirao, where the Senapati was killed. Even this did not end the matter, and the families continued feuding for years afterwards.
No.45 - 13 January 1731
Anandrao Pawar writes to Chimaji Appa, about skirmishes with Dabhade's forces.
We heard that Rajashri Ranba (Ranoji Shinde) and Malharba (Malharrao Holkar) have gone to Nevalbar. We made a fast march to join them. On the way, Javji Dabhade, Bande, Dalpat Toke intercepted us with 5 to 7 thousand men by marching at night. We learnt of their arrival when they were only a kos away. (3km). We assembled quickly as best we could and faced them. We had a big fight, and they fled by the end of it. We seized 2 saffron banners, and 3 other banners from them, and 3 war drums (nagara) in addition. 250-300 horses were also captured. Dalpat Toke was injured, and his horse was captured by us. It is with Javji Bandgar. They retreated 5 kos. We sent some cavalry after them. They were overconfident when they came to battle. We broke their confidence entirely. I have written as it came to pass. About 20 officers are wounded here. Many more men and horses have been casualties.
No.46 - 2 April 1731
Bajirao writes to Krishnaji Kadam about the battle of Dabhoi, where Trimbakrao Dabhade was killed and the Dabhade forces routed by Bajirao.
Rajashri Trimbakrao Dabhade Senapati, Bande, Gaekwad, Udaji Pawar, and Nizam-ul-mulk's forces assembled at Dabhoi. We marched our army to Dabhoi, and halted at a distance of 2 kos for 2 days. The Senapati's army came to a distance of one kos and stood ready for battle. It was not a suitable terrain, so I moved my camp to Dabhoi the next day. The Senapati did not wait, and marched on us, resulting in a battle. The Senapati was killed in battle. Maloji Pawar, Jivaji Dabhade, Pilaji Gaekwad's son also lost their lives. Udaji Pawar and Chimajipant were captured alive. The senior Gaekwad and Anandrao fled the battlefield. Kunwar Bahadur is injured, but escaped. I have written so that you will be informed. Mustafa Khan near you, and Pilaji's army as well should be attacked.