RAGHUNATH'S AMBITION 265 body of twenty thousand of his cavalry. In short, they marched with their combined forces against the enemy; and on several occasions encounters took place, in which the lives of vast multitudes were destroyed. Although Haidar Naik's army proved itself superior in the field, yet peace was ultimately concluded on the cession and surrender of some few tracts in the royal domin- ions; after which Haidar Naik refrained from hostilities and returned to his own territory, while Madhu Rao retired to Poona, and Raghunath Rao betook himself to Nasik. When a short time had elapsed after this, the idea of organizing the affairs of Hindustan entered into Raghunath Rao's mind. For the sake of preserving outward propriety, therefore, he first gave intimation to Madhu Rao of his intention, and asked his sanction. The Rao in question, who did not feel himself secure from Raghunath Rao, and considered any increase to his power a source of greater weakness to himself, ad- dressed him a reply couched in these terms: " It were better for you to remain where you are, in the enjoy- ment of repose." Raghunath Rao would not listen to these words, but marched out of Nasik in company with Mahaji Sindhia, taking three powerful armies with Tivm. As soon as he reached Gwalior, he commenced hos- tilities against Rana Chattar Singh, who possessed all the country round Gohad, and laid siege to the town itself. Gohad is the name of a city, founded by the Rana aforesaid. It is fortified with earthen towers and
