Page:The Marquess of Hastings, K.G..djvu/114

106 By the treaty of Poona, Trimbakjí was outlawed and his family handed over as hostages, the subsidiary force in Bájí Ráo's dominions was increased, and the treaty of Bassein was renewed subject to certain modifications; of these the most important were, that the Peshwá renounced all intrigues in Central India and the suzerainty of the Maráthá confederacy; he ceded the sea-board province of Konkan, parts of the Deccan, several of his strongholds, and his rights over Málwá, in Bundelkhand, and elsewhere in Hindustán north of the Narbadá. Before the signature of this new arrangement the insurrection had been put down by force, and shortly after the events just recorded, Trimbakjá was driven into the Vindhya mountains.

Bájí Ráo had displayed little wisdom in these transactions, and derived no benefit therefrom. Profuse in insincere professions, and systematically violating his solemn engagements, he had not the patience to wait till his plans were ripe, nor the fortitude to bear the responsibility which an open revolt entailed. His pusillanimous duplicity was without any excuse, and on the eve of the Pindárí war, it might in justice have been severely punished; but he was leniently dealt with nevertheless, and only sufficient security was taken against him to ensure his good behaviour in the future. Yet he learnt nothing by experience, for he continued to plot against British power, and in October, under pretence of preparing to assist in the suppression of brigandage, he was collecting a force with which he