Sindouse — The Aftermath

Abstract

As soon as news of the attack spread, the British resident at Gwalior induced Sindhia to send a detachment of horse to support Halhed as well as ordering his officials to cooperate in the pursuit of the attackers.¹ Halhed was even allowed to attack any village within Sindhia’s territories that offered refuge to Laljee and his followers, which implies an unusual willingness on the part the Maratha leader to assist the British.² Correspondence between Sindouse to Calcutta, however, was very slow, and the Government’s reply to Halhed’s initial reports was written on 31 October before news of the attack had reached the presidency. The Governor General approved of Halhed’s zeal, and also authorised him to withdraw from the area should the situation become untenable — by which time the damage had already been done.³ When the attack became known, the detachment Halhed had requested was duly despatched under the command of Capt. Popham and a reward of Rs 5000 for the capture of Laljee was warranted.⁴