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Ratan Singh had not been long in his new office when the Marathas under their leader, Jadoji Dabhade, visited
Gujarat. In order to save the province from their , Tavages, he had to purchase their retreat at an enormous expence.
Bhav Singh, the heridıtary governor of Viramgam was a fertile source of trouble to the deputy-viceroy. In A. D 1734, the matters came to such a pass that Ratan Singh had to issue orders to Jawanmard Khan for the arrest of the delinquent. Jawanmard Khan, of course, went to Viramgam and took him into custody but was forced by his supporters to release him,
Another important event of the year (A D 1734) was the recovery of Baroda by the Marathas Sher Khan Babi, governor of Baroda was away on a short visit to Balasinor, and Muhammad Sarbaz was in charge of the place. Mahadaji Gaikwar who had always kept an eye upon Baroda welcomed the opportunity created by the absence of the governor and with a strong force marched on Baroda and laid seige to it. The garrison offered a heroic resistence to the enemy and held him in check In the meantime, the news reached Sher Khan Babı who at once hastened back to Baroda and at the same time sent a message to Ratan Singh Bhandari calling for aid Ratan Singh Bhandan forth with directed Momin Khan, governor of Cambay to join Sher Khan Babi and drive away the Marathas. But Maha
