Balaji Pant Natu facts for kids
Balaji Pant Natu was an important figure in Indian history, especially during a time when the British were expanding their power. He worked as a spy for the British against the Peshwa Bajirao II. This happened during the Third Anglo-Maratha War, a big conflict involving the Maratha Confederacy. Balaji Pant Natu came from the powerful Natu family in Pune, Maharashtra. His family belonged to the Chitpavan Brahmin community.
When British forces entered Shanivar Wada on November 17, 1817, Natu was there. He was the one who proudly raised the Union Jack, the British flag, over the building. Before working for the British governor of Bombay, Montstuart Elphinstone, he served another important family, the Raste family.
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Balaji Pant Natu's Role with the British
After the war, the British made Pratapsinh Bhonsale the symbolic Chatrapati. A Chatrapati was like a king or emperor of the Marathas. Balaji Pant Natu was chosen to be Pratapsinh's assistant.
Challenges with Pratapsinh
However, there were often disagreements between Natu and the Maratha king. This was partly because of differences in their social groups or castes. The problems grew worse when Natu was asked to control Pratapsinh's personal spending. This request came from Natu's boss, the British Resident James Grant. James Grant later became famous as James Grant Duff.
By 1819, Grant started watching Natu closely. He was concerned that Natu might be misusing his power. Natu, in turn, complained to Grant. He said that the king, Pratapsinh, claimed Grant had told him that Natu was involved in dishonest dealings.
Natu's Departure
Because of these issues, Natu no longer wanted to work under the king. He offered his services directly to James Grant instead. Grant offered Natu a new job. However, Natu did not accept it. He felt the new position was too low, like being just a karkun, which means a clerk. According to Grant's reports, the king and his mother were very happy when Natu left his position.
See also
- Bapu Gokhale
- Maratha Empire
