48
HAIDAR ALÍ
so as to make the country a waste. But the Peshwá overcame all these obstacles, and reached Sírá, then held by Mír Alí Razá Khán, Haidar's brother-in-law, who treacherously surrendered the fort and deserted Haidar's cause, receiving in reward the district of Gurramkonda. Haidar, alarmed at this betrayal of trust, despatched another envoy in the person of Appají Rám, who by his skilful diplomacy induced the Maráthá chief to withdraw his army on receiving thirty-five lacs of rupees, half of which was paid down, while the Kolár district was pledged for the remainder. Shortly afterwards the balance was paid, and Madhu Ráo returned to his capital at Poona.
