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258 CHAPTER XV.

Origin and Rise of Dhoondia Waugh – He seizes and plunders the Province of Biddenoor – English Troops sent against him – Their successful Operations – Dhoondia takes Refuge in the Mahratta Territory – Is plundered by Ghokla, and retires for a time into Obscurity – He suddenly re-appears, and threatens the Mysore Frontier – Colonel Wellesley marches against him – Successful Operations of the British Troops – Instance of determined Bravery – Defeat and Death of Dhoondia Waugh – A Division of the Anglo-Indian Army sent to Egypt under General Baird – Retrospective View of the Mahrattas – Decline of the Rajahs, and Supremacy of the Peishwa – Destruction, of the Pirate Angria – British Interference in Mahratta Politics – Contradictory Views of the Presidencies – Disgraceful Military Operations – Successful Proceedings of General Goddard – Gallant Operations of Captain Popham – Storming of Gwalior – Peace with the Mahrattas – Madhajee Scindia seizes on the Mogul Empire – Mahratta Jealousy of, and Hostile Proceedings against, the English.

The restoration of the old Hindoo family to the musnud of Mysore was expected to cause some difficulties, not only as regarded the Mussulman adherents of the fallen dynasty, but also with respect to the claims of certain Polygars who had been dispossessed by Hyder and Tippoo, and who naturally looked to be restored to their ancient possessions. All claims, however, were amicably adjusted under the judicious arrangements of the Commissioners, and the only impediment of any consequence to the new settlement occurred in the province of Biddenoor, where an adventurer named Dhoondia Waugh caused some disturbance that required the despatch of a force for its suppression.

Dhoondia was a Mahratta trooper, who had commenced his predatory career in the cavalry of Hyder Ali, and after his death continued in the service of his son. For some cause or other he had deserted, headed a band of marauders, was enticed back by the false promises of Tippoo, flung into a dungeon, and there made a Mussul-