prince of the Peshwá's family. The only permanent solution was to uproot a dangerous growth altogether from Maráthá soil; and such a step, while it would avert future difficulties, would also serve as a wholesome object-lesson of British power, and show what minor chiefs might expect when their foremost prince had not been spared.
It was further decided to set up a new head for the Maráthá nation, and the ruler selected for this dignity was the representative of Sivají, Núr Náráyan, Rájá of Sátára. His new position was to be maintained by a respectable principality, but his independence was to be limited and his ambition restrained by suitable checks. It was hoped that by the resuscitation of old traditions in a safe form, the natives would be conciliated, and the name of the Peshwá forgotten, and that the descendant of the founder of the Maráthá empire would be as useful to British security in the south of India as the Mughal Emperor had been in the north.
This policy was published in a proclamation issued by Elphinstone upon the fall of Sátára[1], who was appointed Commissioner to carry it into execution and was vested with large discretionary powers as to details. The Peshwá was thus deposed and declared an outlaw; but he was still at large and in arms, he had hitherto baffled pursuit, and, more important than all, he retained as prisoner in his camp
- ↑ A translation of this Proclamation issued in the Maráthí language is to be found in Blacker, Appendix O, p. 462.
