Battle of Gajendragad (1786)
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| Battle of Gajendragad | |||||||||
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| Part of Maratha–Mysore Wars | |||||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Maratha Empire |
 Kingdom of Mysore | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
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Tukoji Rao Holkar |
Tipu Sultan (WIA) | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| 50000 | Unknown | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| Unknown | 1000 | ||||||||
Nana learned of Tipu's betrayal just as reports revealed Tipu Sultan had gathered a large army. In response, Tukoji Rao Holkar launched a surprise attack, winning decisively and causing a massacre of Tipu's troops, who fled with over a thousand dead and many wounded. Hari Pant also attacked, further defeating Tipu, who narrowly escaped to Mons. Lally. The defeat led to the end of the Maratha-Mysore Wars with the Treaty of Gajendragad in March 1787.[1][2][3]
Background
[edit]The Siege of Badami (1786) began on May 1 with allied forces attacking the fortified town, which was defended by rugged terrain, strong forts, and multiple fortifications. Despite repeated attacks and significant casualties from mines and heavy fire, Badami was captured on May 20 following a barrage of rockets and artillery. The forts fell the next day after the garrison, cut off from their water supply, attempted surrender negotiations. Ghulam Haidar, the commandant, was allowed to leave unharmed, contrary to initial demands for his imprisonment. After capturing Badami, the allied leaders dispersed: Nana returned to Poona, Mudhoji Bhonsle went to Nagpur, and Parashuram Bhau went to Tasgaon, leading to a relaxation in vigilance.[1][2][3]
Despite Nana's intense correspondence with the English and other powers, he was well-informed about the war's progress. On October 2, 1786, Tipu Sultan launched a surprise attack on Hari Pant Phadke, who narrowly escaped. Tipu had feigned peace to deceive the Marathas into lowering their guard, only to attempt an assassination of Hari Pant.[1][2][3]
Battle
[edit]Hardly had Nana received the news of Tipu's betrayal when additional reports from the battlefield arrived, revealing that Tipu Sultan had assembled a large army of infantry and cavalry with three divisions advancing in succession. In response, Tukoji Rao Holkar launched a sudden assault on Tipu's forces and achieved a decisive victory. The Marathas began to massacre Tipu's troops, who fled, leaving behind over a thousand dead and numerous wounded. Hari Pant also launched a fierce attack, further defeating Tipu. Tipu narrowly escaped with his life and sought refuge with Mons. Lally. Tipu's forces were thoroughly defeated, leading to the conclusion of the Maratha-Mysore Wars with the Treaty of Gajendragad in March 1787.[1][2][3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Deodhar, Y. n (1962). Nana Phadnis And The External Affairs Of The Maratha Empire.
- ^ a b c d Sardesai, Govind Sakharam (1946). New History Of The Marathas Vol.3. p. 179.
- ^ a b c d Sen, Sailendra Nath (1994). Anglo-Maratha Relations, 1785-96. Popular Prakashan. p. 53. ISBN 978-81-7154-789-0.