Aitihasik Lekh Sangraha
This is a set of volumes published by Vasudev Khare from 1880s to 1930. They cover the details of many other battles not covered elsewhere. The important ones are being translated and posted here.
Volume I
Letters 43-50 cover the battle between the Nizam and Marathas in 1761, few months after Panipat. Large armies of ~60 to 70 thousand were assembled by both sides. The letters describe a number of smaller skirmishes followed by a large battle.
No. 43
Tuesday's letters. On the same day, Shrimant Rajashri Rao Pradhan Swami marched from Pendgaon to Mandavgan Katarbad. With him, went Chiranjeev Rao. Shrimant Rajashri Dadasaheb descended the ghats at Nagtal and marched towards Mahur. Letters were sent to him to make haste. Some army has been assembled. By Kartik Pournima, the full army should be assembled. The list of soldiers already here and which will arrive is as follows.
Babuji Naik 5000 Govind hari,Ramchandra hari 2 pathaks 8000
Raste 3200 Rayaji Pawar 1600
Mahadoba Purandare. 3800 Kavade 1500
Visaji Krishna 1500 Ghorpade (Ichalkaranji) 1000
Shahji Bhapkar 1000 Nilkanthrao Saranjami 1300
Lakshman Khanderao. 1000 Fatehsingh 1600
Chavan 2000 Sarlashkar 1000
Huzurat 10000 Pratinidhi 1000
Yashwantrao Pawar 1000 Vithal Shivdev 3000
Gaekwads 1000 Shinde pathaks 12000
Bhuinjkar 1000 Naro Shankar (as Shinde diwan) 2500
Another minor 5000 troops. In total, 70,000. In addition, whatever arrive from Bhonsles and Holkars. Such is the estimate. But there is no word from the khasa sardars. They are not informing Shrimant Dadasaheb. But Shrimant Rajashri Madhavrao's fortune will be decided here (in this battle). If God wishes this state to thrive, the yavan will face defeat.
No. 45
Letter from Govind Hari to Trimbak Hari, Ch. 18, Jamadilaval.
The Shrimant and the Nizam fought a battle from the third prahar till night, 2 kos ahead of Chambhargondha. From the left flank, the Shrimant unleashed artillery fire on the Nizam's flanks. On the right side, Chiranjeev with all the pathaks, took advantage of the rocky terrain, and standing at a distance of a bullet shot, fired bullets and rockets on them.
This, the huzurat's firepower, Bhonsles, Babuji Naik and other sardars together fired from all sides. The Mughal held his positions for 1 ghatika. In his front was water for a kos, seeing that he wont prevail there, he withdrew his lines, and sent some battalions to seize our artillery on the left. Shindes, Arab(?) and Ganesh Vitthal were at the cannons. Severe fighting took place and they captured the artillery.
At this point, the Bhonsles' army counterattacked them and drove them off. From all sides, we fired heavily with muskets, jezails and rockets. The Mughals withstood the firing almost till night. At 2 ghatikas in the night, after the Shrimant withdrew, the Mughal retreated to a rivulet that was 2 rocket shots away.
No. 46
On Margashirsha Shuddha 12, Wednesday.
The Mughal marched to Nimbgaon. Changing his route, keeping the city 3 kos to his right, he came to Chas. Today he will halt at Akulnera or one kos ahead of it. Yesterday evening, Shrimant's vanguard made contact with the enemy, so we marched to support them. Seeing our approach, the Mughals were surprised and their attack was blunted. They raised their standards, and turned to hold their ground.
They deployed their artillery in our direction and opened fire. As well as rockets. Around 25-30 horses and men were killed by this. Another 50 wounded. There was no need, so we did not push hard. There was a small river between us. They deployed their cannons behind it. The Huzurat captured the standards of the Nizam's vanguard and drove them off.
I have not yet received a report of the dead and wounded. I will forward it after I get it. The Shrimant was at the city yesterday. The Mughal has changed his original plan and will now march to Ghospur. Of our 2 or 3 pathaks, no officer was killed. Later yesterday evening, Janoji Nimbalkar's cavalry marched on us. He had mostly karols. He attacked Hari Gopal - (letter breaks)
No. 47
Letter from Moro Ballal to Govind Hari, Margashirsha 12 (Monday?)
The yavan (Mughal) climbed the Nibandehra ghat and camped at Pimpri. The next day, he moved to Nimbgaon. The third day he changed his route, he came within 3-4 kos of the city. Yesterday, keeping the city to his left, he went to Chase. His forces are everywhere. There was fighting in all directions. Keeping Akulner to the right, there is a village called Rahate - it seems he will halt there today.
He desperately wants to reach Pune. We have a force of around 60,000 , but due to poor coordination the Nizam keeps advancing. When the Nizam begins marching, our forces harass his army. Such is the news.
No. 48
Margashirsha Vaidya 2, Sunday
On Tuesday Ekadashi, the Nizam came to Kamargaon. At that time, Bhonsles, Babuji Naik, and some of the Huzurat on the left wing made contact with the enemy. The Bhonsles fought very hard. The Bhonsles and the Nizam both lost some 150-200 men and horses killed. If Naro Shankar and others had followed up, it would have brought great success. But they did not support. On our side, the Mughal deployment was massive. The Karols and Gardis held the line along the river. Malharrao Raste, Hari Gopal and Visaji Krishna engaged in an exchange of gunfire. Swords were also drawn. Some 100-150 men were killed by bullets alone. By the time I drew my sword, the fighting had disengaged.
On Thursday Trayodashi, when we assembled, we found some of the Nizam's animals dispersed for grazing. Our skirmishers captured some 50-70 horses and camels. We took our positions for battle. After a cannonade, we began marching forward. Along with me were Chiranjeev Nilkanth Rao, Visaji, Narayan who made contact. We pushed them back, then we had to retire from a counter attack. Such back and forth happened three times. For 2 ghatikas, we fought. Shrimant Dadasaheb was surveying the battle from the top of a hill. It was a good battle. Some 150-200 men and horses were killed. Hari Gopal was also driven off by a charge once. Some 10-20 of his standard were killed. Raste and Visaji Krishna did not get to unsheath their swords. It was very good fighting by our soldiers. If it continued for another 2 ghatikas, the casualties would have been severe, so we withdrew and restarted firing the artillery.
On Tuesday, we were at Kamargaon. On Wednesday, we came to Ranjangaon. On Thursday, all 3 of my pathaks (regiments) were engaged in fighting. For 15 days, the Shrimant will command the armies. He decides a day but then sends another letter cancelling it. A battle is planned for Monday, as per a letter dispatched to us by a clerk on Friday. "Keep an eye on our division. We will attack first. When you see it, march with your division." We kept our army ready. Over there, the huzurat, Bhonsles and others were ready. We waited long for the battle to begin.
The Shrimant opened fire with the artillery but from a very great range. Even those did not hit the Nizam's army. We sent a barrage of rockets opposite to us, but some of our rocketeers were killed in the return fire. In summary, the entire army was deployed in three wings, without any vanguard. It was a great mass of soldiers, but no one was keen on battle. Shrimant Dadasaheb would say one thing but do another. It seems the general (karbhari- Sakharam Bapu?) wants to sink the battle. He is relying too much on Bhonsles alone.
No. 49
Marghashirsha Vaidya 3
From the halt near Vangdari. Yesterday when the Mughal passed via Loni towards Chambhargonda, our armies were assembled in their rear. When the Mughal was 1.5 kos from Chambargaon, we opened heavy fire with our cannons on his rear. From his front, the government's forces drove off the Mughal's vanguard. We took a position on the right wing, at a spot which was very rocky. Taking cover, we stood in a hail of bullets. We fired back with rockets and bullets, the Mughal came under heavy firing. From one prahar in the evening to one ghatika in the night, we roasted the Mughals with our fire. The Mughal has never been under such heavy fire before. They have no water.
With great determination, he has held his ground. Chambhargondha was only a kos away, but he was unable to advance. To his right, he found water one rocket shot away. By then it was two ghatikas in the night. Our cannons were close to him, and were at a risk of being attacked, so we kept cavalry in reserves. But he was unable to do anything. The Mughal has never taken such fire as he did yesterday. It cooled his enthusiasm for fighting. To make it worse he had no access to water. Because of our fire, he was forced to relocate his camp followers as well as army.
We found a good spot for flanking fire. It was close but very defensible. Visaji Narayan lost 4 horses, 2 men, and we lost 2-3 horses and 10-15 injured. God rewarded us with great terrain. I will watch where the Mughal goes from Chambhargondha, towards Pune or elsewhere, and write accordingly.
No. 50
Margashirsha viadya 5, Monday
Yesterday, after 1.5 prahars, the Mughal turned around his army, from the front to the rear and made a halt. The rockets and cannons from our side inflicted severe losses on him. About 800 men and horses and 2000 wounded. Our fire hit him hard. He was going to march on our cannons in the rear. We were at a distance of half a bullet shot. From there, the karols jumped off ( the horses) and opened fire. Rockets were fired.
Seeing our advance, the Mughals were thrown into confusion. Near us was a stream, in that same direction were the officers' quarters. Cannon fire being heavy over there, they came and stood on this side. Seeing us close, they jumped off their horses and formed up. They rained bullets, rockets and cannonballs on us, what we would write would be insufficient. By our ancestor's blessings, we survived. Otherwise we would have perished. In the front, he attempted but could not advance on our cannons.
The honourable vakil (Peshwa Madhavrao's messenger) has written to us that on the right wing, Gopalrav has immobilized the Mughals, and they are planning to charge and seize their guns. On Tuesday, the Mughal marched to Chambhargaon and made camp. Seeing us ready for battle, and his poor access to water, he remained at camp. By the time the Mughal reaches Pune, it will take 8 to 15 days. If we can intercept and make another heavy cannonade, then he will not go to Pune. The armies assembled are enormous. The Shrimant's fortune is great. It seems the Mughal will negotiate peace. The firing they took 2 days ago has demoralized his men.
No. 89 - 6 November 1762
Battle of Raghunathrao and Madhavrao.
Dadasaheb (Raghunathrao) marched on us boldly with his army. We came into contact at Ghodani on opposite sides. We sent our camp and followers to our rear. Soon the armies readied themselves, and all the sardars took their positions. Raghunathrao opened fire with the artillery, and captured some hills. We came under severe fire but held our ground. Fire from jezails, rockets was thick. After they took casualties, they retired some distance and regrouped into one large mass. They resumed firing artillery and rockets from range. We resumed firing with 2 cannons. They did much damage to them.
The fighting lasted for 6 ghatikas, (around 2 hours) and around 3-4 ghatikas of the day were left. They had advanced to close in with our line but by end of the day, retired 1.5 kos (around 4.5km). We held our positions until nightfall. We sat down at the same place, and did not return to camp. Just then we received a spies' report that on the other side, they lost 25 men dead, 200 injured, 15-20 horses killed and more injured. These were rough numbers, the actuals may be higher in my estimate. We lost around 10 men. 5-7 horses killed, and a dozen injured. Gopalrao, Pilaji Naik, Raste fought very well. Holkar's cavalry also fought very well. I will wrote more as it unfolds.
In my opinion, there should have been a fight but followed by counsel later. We will see what God has in store for us.
No. 91 - 13 November 1762
Another account of the battle between Madhavrao and Raghunathrao.
Salutations to Madhavrao. We crossed the Ghod river and arrived near Alegaon. Their forces (Raghunathrao's) followed us. Our camp followers reached Alegaon. The army was close behind, and they caught up with us there. We fought for an entire day there. I took up the responsibility. There were some treacherous sardars in our army, and we had to retreat. Night fell. We lost approximately 300 to 400 men and horses. Many more injured. But God awarded victory to the other side. Our forces lost hope. We crossed the Bhima at night and came to the other bank. We had no provisions and were hungry. The next day we started marching off. Our artillery bullocks were too tired. Just then, the enemy forces intercepted us.
All of us recommended negotiations as the way out. Mama and others also recommended the same. There was no other way out. Mama went to Sinhagad. I don't know if he has reached there yet. Baburao Moroba has also been untraceable from the time the battle began until 2 days later. Now we got news of his camp. We'll know for certain only when we meet. Gopalrao has left for Miraj. The remaining sardars and the army is camped here. No senior sardar was lost.
Volume II
No. 333 - 10 August 1763
Battle of Rakshasbhuvan
Salutations to Madhavrao. I am writing at Shravan month Pratipada, Wednesday at 2 prahars in the day. By father's blessings, I am at Beed safely. Early today morning, the army readied and went to fight the Mughal. The Nizam ali Khan had crossed the river. Many of his sardars and army was on this side. We fought a battle. It was a costly battle. But they were routed. We are victorious. Many of their sardars fell or were captured. The sardars dead and wounded on our side will be compiled and dispatched soon.
No. 335 - 11 August 1763
Madhavrao writes to Byankaji Mankeshwar about the battle of Rakshasbhuvan.
Greetings. When you left, you did not dispatch the orders as you were supposed to. After that, you devoted yourself fully to assigned tasks. All this has been considered. You are an old hand. I am confident there will be no loss from giving you responsibility. You should continue working as before. On 30 Mohram, Vitthal Sundar and other sardars along with 7 to 8 thousand cavalry and 5000 infantry were on this side of the Ganga near Rakshasbhuvan. Nizam Ali Khan had just crossed the river along with camp followers and some of the army, when we attacked them. It was a big battle. By God's wish, Vitthal Sundar, Vinayakdas, Khandarkar Gopalsingh were killed. Apart from these, Murad Khan, Pingale, Patankar, Baburao and other senior sardars were captured. It is a big victory. Nizam Ali Khan fled to Aurangabad. We are considering following his trail. Bhonsle and other sardars have already left. We will soon meet them.
No. 339 - 14 August 1763
More details about the battle of Rakshasbhuvan.
Salutations to Madhavrao. I am writing from the camp at Paithan, to the south of the Ganga. I received the letter, and read its contents. News from here was sent before the battle, that must have been received. After the battle, we thought the Mughal will entrench himself on the other bank and start firing rockets and cannons. But instead he left the same night and went to Aurangabad. He left behind 10 cannons, powder and tents. Among sardars, Vitthal Sundar and few others were killed, others captured and some fled. The list of our sardars dead and wounded has been sent- it must have been read.
Previously, there have been two or three fights with the Mughal but he was never defeated like this earlier. The Mughals will not find a replacement for an enterprising minister like Vitthal Sundar. Seeing his fate, the Nizam has fled. In total, counting the cannons on both banks, we have acquired about 20. In addition, we have secured a great number of horses, camels, and camp equipment. 15 elephants were also captured. By father's fortune this has been won. Sakharampant had gone to fetch Raghoji Bhonsle and has returned.
As the further course of action is decided, I will write more later.
No. 427 - 4 May 1764
Battle of Ratehalli.
Blessings to Chiranjeev Rajashri Balwantrao from Antaji Vitthal. We have halted on Vaishakh Shuddha 3 near Bednore with the army. I have not received any update from you. Please send letters more regularly.
News from here, is that yesterday on Shuddha 2, Wednesday, the Shrimant readied the armies. Vitthal Shivdeo, Chiranjeev Rajashri Gopalrao were ordered to march ahead and engage Hyder Naik. The Shrimant stayed with the army and sent these two sardars ahead. On hearing of the Shrimant's march, Hyder marched to Bari (north of Mysore). We moved to engage him. We caught sight of his army and camp. He was about to retire into the trees. When he saw our arrival, he himself marched out and deployed his full army. We retired to inform the Shrimant of his army's deployment and ask him to join us with haste. The Shrimant was at a distance of 5-6 kos. From there, he hurried ahead with 2 or 3 large cannons. We started exchanging cannon fire and we got their army to advance.
His force was around 25 to 30 thousand infantry, 25 or 30 field pieces. Seeing his heavy firepower, Chiranjeev withdrew slowly as the terrain was unsuitable for us. Hyder continued firing and advancing on us. He sought to destroy our advance guard separated from the main army, before the Shrimant and his army caught up with us. The cavalry on both sides clashed. We drove them off and captured a horse. The pindaries also seized a few horses from their camp, as well as some rockets. He resumed firing the artillery and our men retreated. Just then, the Shrimant's reinforcements arrived. The two large cannons brought were deployed. When Hyder caught sight of this, he was shocked. He panicked as he thought Shrimant's entire army was close at hand. Seeing that it would be difficult to retreat in face of a large army, he held his position but stopped advancing. The Shrimant's cannons started firing at them, and they returned fire. It was not an opportune time or place for battle, but as he had advanced on us, we were forced to engage.
He used his cannons to great effect. We were in his front, so we moved to the right. To our rear was Vitthal Shivdeo. On the left wing was Naro Shankar. As he had halted at one place, our cannons did severe damage. His troops standing in close order were being blown apart after each shot. He had walked boldly, and was now forced to stand and lose men. As our cannons and gunpowder were both good, our shots reached far, accurately, and fired faster. By now, it was evening. The weather turned bad and a storm began. Hyder marched on us. Seizing the opportunity, Shrimant ordered the huzurat to charge. At the same time, the rest were ordered to attack. Seeing the huzurat advancing, Chiranjeev Raosaheb also advanced with his horses. But the wind was great, and visibility was poor.
Hyder's infantry had formed multiple squares to defend against cavalry, but abandoned their artillery. We used our jezails and rockets to great effect. Unable to rout his army, we eventually returned. God protected us all. The Huzurat had lost about 100 horses, and 10 men, with more injured. No sardars were killed. Chiranjeev Parshuram Bhau lost 2 horses to cannon shots. All our forces withdrew and reassembled. Taking advantage of the dark, Hyder withdrew his army to his camp. While his army was engaged here, a force of 2-4 thousand would have plundered his camp entirely. (Rest of the letter is lost).
No. 509 - 3 December 1764
Battle of Anavati. Madhavrao defeats Hyder Ali.
You must have learnt of the capture of Dharwar from the earlier letters. From there, we marched to Hangal. After siegeing it, we captured its fort. We got news of the arrival of Hyder Ali's army in our vicinty. Hyder was across the river Bala, at Jade Anavati on a hill. He has erected several artillery batteries, dug trenches and set up camp. Behind him and to his left is a dense forest. To his north is a small stream. The terrain is already full of obstructions, and then he also has trenches and batteries- which makes it difficult to attack. The Peshwa's elite force has arrived and is camping 1 kos away from the river bank on the other side. He is one kos from the river bank on his side. For 2 days, the khas swari marched out and bombarded his camp with our cannons.
On Margashirsha Navami, our forces deployed artillery to attack his camp again. On that day, he formed up his infantry line and advanced along with artillery. He took a position between two dense lines of trees, and formed squares with his gardis to fight our cavalry. He secured his flanks with the trees. Our sardars went right through the forest on both sides with our cavalry, and crashed into his squares from the rear, killing about 1000-1200. We also took 500-700 prisoner, including many senior sardars and officers. 5 to 7 cannons were also captured. About 3 to 4 thousand colours and muskets were also seized, along with some spears and 500 to 700 horses.
God has granted a great victory. He has lost many good sardars and officers. He has no more stomach for war. I have written this to share my happiness about this victory. I hear Hyder Naik was wounded by a bullet. In a few days he will be defeated. I will wrote more later.
Volume IV
These letters cover the last campaign of Madhavrao Peshwa against Haider Ali.
No. 828
Army sizes detailed for campaigns against Mysore.
8000 3 pathaks 4000 Gaekwads
1000 Narsinghrao Janardan 5000 Sabaji Bhonsle
2000 Hari Gopal
2500 Raste
1000 Shahji Bhonsle (Akkalkotkar)
16000
(+ 9000)
15000 Huzurat and other pathaks
40,000
No. 1100 - March 7, 1771
Battle of Moti Talav
On Ch. 19 Jhilkadi, Haider Khan marched from Melukote at 4 ghatikas in the night on the road to Pattan. On the road to Chennraipattanam, us, Rajashri Anandrao Gopal, Narsinghrao Paygude and Gaekwads' regiments and others were present. The road to Pattan was 4 kos from us. On that road, Rajashri Mamasaheb (Trimbak Pethe) had been posted with his army, 3 kos from the route. As soon as Haider was detected on the road, Rajashri Vitthal Shivdev was dispatched to Rajashri Mama to inform him of Haider's departure. As soon as they got the news, the armies marched from there. Rajashri Mama and the artillery departed later. No sooner did we march 4 kos after getting the news, that we were spotted by the enemy, who opened fire with cannons upon us. When we heard the sound, we marched swiftly and made a halt at this lake. We faced a tough fight. Their firepower was immense, cannon fire was heavy, and musket fire from the squares of the gardis was massive, we lost many men and horses. When our men could not bear it any longer, they retired some distance.
Just then the huzurat arrived and engaged them. But in the face of heavy firepower, they could not close the distance. Even they retired some distance. By the time the cannons arrived, it was 6 ghatikas in the day. Till then, we slowed his progress. The cannons travelled 3 kos. Ahead , Pattan was only 2 kos. He (Haider) was desperate to get to Pattan. Just then the government's cannons arrived. Once the artillery opened fire, it blew gaps in his dense squares. We regrouped and made a charge on their front. The Huzurat reformed and attacked from the rear. Other regiments from the sides. Despite this, the vanguard was able to slip away to the front. Leaving his cannons, he fled to the forested mountain ahead. We seized all the artillery and elephants. Some 8 to 9 thousand prisoners have been taken. We have acquired around 2000 horses. Three regiments together..
No. 1101 - 10th March 1771
More details of the battle of Moti Talav.
On Ch 19 Jhilkadi, from the camp at Melukote, we fought Haider Khan from 4 ghatikas in the night till 3 prahars in the day. The fighting went on for 5 to 6 kos. When Haider was only 1.5 kos away from Pattan, we attacked in force with urgency to prevent him. 3 regiments with me charged his front with the standard. Braving withering fire from the cannons, they charged into the squares of the gardis and cleaved them with our swords. Seeing this, the Huzurat was fired up and made a charge on their rear. From the rear, the huzurat. From the front, my soldiers, and other regiments from the sides, in this way, all attacked. At that point, his army broke. He ran straight towards Pattan. Some of his men took refuge at a nearby mountain and opened fire. In this charge, Nilkanthrao Data died from a bullet. Mansingh Naik Nimbalkar and Nimbaji Sekle, Sekho Chavdo(?), Rayapa Savle were some of the others with Nilkantray's men who were also killed. In this way, the battle unfolded. Bhau and Wamanraobaba were close by. They performed admirably as officers. The vanguard did a brave job. The Marathi soldiers in the army did not back off at any point. 25,000 gardis, 12,000 cavalry and 50 cannons were destroyed in one battle. By the Shrimant's great fortune, we are victorious. But unfortunately Nilkanthrao departed. He fought among the hardest, yet he is gone. My grief cannot be put into words.
Volume V
No. 1349 - 27 March 1774
Battle of Kasegaon- Raghunathrao defeats the Barbhai army pursuing him.
We marched from Savalaj and halted at Hatija. At 2 prahars in the night, we marched and reached Vatumbare by dawn. We got news that Shrimant decamped in the night and marched further ahead, to Sangola. There they destroyed one large siege cannon and 3 smaller ones before proceeding further. On getting news of this, we marched on to Kasegaon. We heard that Shrimant had halted here just recently, and is now gathering more forces.
Chiranjeev Bhau who was leading the vanguard, took position at Kasegaon. He sent a messenger to us that Shrimant has readied for battle, and that we should leave our camp followers behind and assemble for battle. The Shrimant's army advanced on him. Earlier, Shrimant had sent a messenger from the artillery division named Krishnarao for talks. Regardless, his army took to the field for battle. We marched a distance of 19 kos to catch up. We had marched long and the soldiers were not rested before battle. As we deployed, there was no place to retreat.
The Shrimant had formed up his army in 3 groups. In the front were the gardis and artillery. In the rear was the Shrimant with his reserves. On both sides was the huzurat cavalry. Mama (Trimbakrao Pethe) also formed 3 groups. I commanded the left wing, Mama commanded the center with the huzurat, and the right wing by Naro Shankar, Vitthal Shivdev and Raste. In this way, we deployed near Kasegaon.
Shrimant advanced with his army. Their right wing attacked my wing and was repulsed. There was heavy fighting in the center, and Mama's division slowly retreated towards us. We had to move around twice or thrice and reposition ourselves. The enemy gardis , huzurat and other pathaks advanced on us. They engaged Mama's huzurat first. A lot of men died. Mama's huzurat was pushed back and forced to retire. We also moved back fighting. When Mama's division reached us, we reformed the line and got them time to recover.
Parshuram Bhau leading 200 of his guard charged the enemy huzurat and Mud. Isaf's regiment. It turned into a swordfight. Recognizing Isaf, some of his troops attacked him, but his armour protected him. Bhau lost 10-15 of his guard cavalry and an equal number injured. After the huzurat's retreat, Bhau also returned. The Zari Patka, its elephant etc were lost. Our own standards were luckily saved. The drums on camels also seem to have escaped. Mama had an injury on his face. We retreated half kos from the battlefield where there is a plain. I am not sure what happened elsewhere. The Mithi river is completely flooded. The number of dead and wounded is not clearly known yet. All our sardars are safe. At 6 ghatikas in the night, we reversed and retreated.
(Remaining letter is about political matters.)
No. 1441 - 21 February 1775
Battle of Mahi - Raghunathrao is defeated.
I am writing from the vicinty of Petlad. There was no opportunity to engage Shrimant in battle for a month, so we spent the time idle. On Dwitiya, the opportunity presented itself and we crossed the Mahi river. Shrimant advanced on us. It was 6 ghatikas in the evening, and the battle began. We started with cannon fire, and then taking God's name, charged with the cavalry. The Shrimant's force was broken. 14 to 15 cannons, elephants, some flags and standards were captured. Baburao Patankar and Hanesh Vitthal and 10-20 other officers were killed. If there were two more ghatikas in the day, our victory would have been complete. It was dark, the battlefield was forested, but we still chased them for one kos. Finding it difficult to retreat in the night in the marshy terrain, Shrimant advanced ahead with a small guard of 300 towards Kambhayat. It is 8 kos from here.
(Rest of the letter is other matters.)
No. 1459 - 18 May 1775 - 287
Battle of Adas - a joint force of Raghunathrao and the EIC is repulsed.
Shrimant Rajashri Dadasaheb was across the river. Our forces were close at hand. We decided to attack him on the day he marches off. He retraced his steps and started marching towards Khmbayata. On that day, the huzurat fought heavily with him. 300 or so English were slain. Many more were wounded. We seized the cannons from the English. But our soldiers went to plunder their camp instead of returning with their artillery. Just then the English reformed their line and counter charged us and recovered their guns and towed them away. It was a big battle. Rajashri Anandrao Gopal and Maloji Ghorpade and 5 to 7 other officers from the huzurat are wounded. Most of the fighting was done by the huzurat. If the other sardars had exerted themselves as much, the enemy would have been completely finished today.
When the battle began, we sent one detachment of cavalry on their rear. When the English spotted this, they asked Hari Bhide and Ramchandra Tulpule. They did not recognize the troops and replied that these are Manaji Shinde's troops. They realized they are our troops only when they closed in and opened fire. Thinking them to be traitors, they were killed. This was conveyed to Shrimant, who approved of it. Now many of Shrimant's men fear the English, such is the news.
Volume VII
No. 2458 - 10 January, 1779
Battle of Wadgaon.
On Friday, the 6th, Shrimant Dadasaheb and the English came to Talegaon. We burnt its stores. They camped there till Sunday. On Monday night, 5 battalions and Shrimant Dadasaheb began to retreat. When we received news of the movement of 3 battalions and their camp followers, we quickly readied ourselves and went after them. We sent news to our camp. We seized some ammunition tumbrils. We made contact with 2-3 battalions near Wadgaon, near Talegaon at dawn. We opened fire with our artillery. By our firing, their cannons were silenced. But the fire from their guns (muskets) was heavy. They abandoned their artillery and retreated. Our cavalry pursued them and captured 2-3 field guns. On Tuesday, Shrimant must have reached Mumbai. Chinto Vitthal was hit by a cannonball and killed. This was conveyed by some of the injured among them.
Such was the urgent news received by us. When I get more details, I will write more later.
No. 2604 - 14 March 1781
Battle of Chauk.
Some papers sent by the English to Mumbai were intercepted. To summarize its contents- "We went to the ghats. But the Maratha force is gathered below it. Supplies cannot reach us. If we cannot arrange for supplies, we are finished."
Two men ran from his camp and came to us. They told us that supplies are very expensive in their camp. They are now digging trenches and roofs. Every time the government's cannons open fire, a few men are killed. They won't fear until we destroy one or two battalions. Once their supplies are cut off, they will see reason quickly. We are determined to cut down their battalions. For this, a force has been sent from Panvel with Chiranjeev Rajashri Balwantrao behind them. Even if they have secured their rear, Balwantrao will force them out and catch them between us. To destroy the battalions at Chauk, we marched from Bhalvadi to Kandav, 1.5 kos away. Just then, news arrived that their battalions have retreated during the night. So we are moving to Khopoli. It is 6 kos (18km) from here. Chiranjeev Rajashri Dada is 2 kos ahead of us.
No. 2605 - 14 March 1781
Details of the battle of Chauk.
Blessings to Rajashri Balwantrao. The English moved to Panvel to secure supplies. They got their provisions and started marching towards Khopoli. They halted at Chauk. We had always posted a force there to keep us informed of their movements. As soona as we got word, we marched with our army. Falgun 7 Brhiguvari, in the day time, the forces came into contact.
The men charged with our horses right to their camp. We were deployed in three wings. On the left wing was Chiranjeev Rajashri Raghunathrao dada, on the right wing Tirtharoop Rajashri Meghashyam Bapu, and in the center Rajashri Balwantrao. Pushing their line back to their camp, we killed and injured some 200 of their men. Chiranjeev Rajashri Dada closed in with one company. (At this time, it means a unit of 100 men). A company meant 100 troops. Along with them was one flag standard. These men were good fighters, and advanced on Chiranjeev. The cannons were already firing. Chiranjeev rallied his men and led them into the melee. That company was cut down entirely. Another 150 were slain and their muskets captured. If others had fought as well, they would have been defeated completely, and we would have captured their entire camp. Our force was sufficient for it. But by God's will, we got only the degree of success we were destined for. This fighting continued for 2 prahars. It was then time to secure water.
As men started pulling back, the cannon fire took its toll, killing 10-20 and injuring about 150 more. Then some cavalry charged their artillery and silenced it. When we retreated, we saw that another 150-200 men had fallen dead or injured. By God's grace, all of us are safe. Chiranjeev Rajashri was hit by fragments from a cannonball, and some of his fingers are severely injured. But it is not a deep wound, just a swelling. It will recover in a week. There is no worry. We camped at Chauk the same day. We retired 4 kos for ensuring access to water. We left Rajashri Chiranjeev and Rajashri Janoba to face them. At nightfall, in the moonlight, their army marched off. Chiranjeev attacked their rear. We were informed by a messenger, and also heard cannonfire. Just then, we marched via Khopoli and positioned ourselves in front of them. On one side was Chiranjeev Rajashri, on the other side we had our infantry. We fired on them from all sides. We secured from them 400 bullocks with supplies containing shot, powder, rice, and other material. There were around 500 sacks. To make their retreat faster, the English had dumped the material and taken only the bullocks. The pindaries entered their camp and made off with some bullocks. We ruined a great many of their supply.
Just then, another 2 or 3 battalions marched from the ghats as reinforcements. We repositioned ourselves and sent a messenger to Rajashri Chiranjeev. He also moved aside. If we had a few more hours before the reinforcements, we would have wiped his camp. The English had no fear or respect for our army. They bragged a lot and considered themselves far superior fighters. We've broken their pride and instilled fear. When the army set out, it was good that the terrain was very defensible, so casualties were not severe for him. If the English now march on, they will have no supplies. They are unsure of what course of action to take.
Goddard is camping in the ghats. Rajashri Haripant is engaging him. It doesn't seem he will move soon. The English had also approached Sironj and Bhilsa, and engaged by Mahadji Shinde. He defeated and pushed them back. It was a tough battle. They had advanced 2 kos from Sironj but turned their backs. Shinde has written that he will soon defeat this force and then march south to defeat Goddard. Rajashri Ganeshpant Behre was at Navapur. 4 battalions were sent to attack him. He was alerted in time, and he climbed the Kondai Bari mountain and moved to Khandesh. The English are strong everywhere. At this time, all the force is bearing down on Shri Gajanana. I will send a list of injured men and horses later. I arrived in the camp yesterday. For 4 days I was away from camp so did not get any updates. It will take a couple of days to get all the lists and updates from all parties.
Volume IX
No. 3411 - 9 to 18 January, 1792, page 119
Battle of Shimoga - Reza Ali is defeated by Parshuram Bhau and EIC.
Near Shimoga, keeping the mountain to our rear, the enemy's sardar with 10-12 artillery pieces, 20 thousand infantry, and 2-3 thousand cavalry marched out from Shimoga. This news was received by Shrimant Bhausahaeb. Then Bhausaheb ordered Shrimant Dadasaheb and Appasaheb to advance, just as the English advanced. For 3 prahars, there was exchange of cannonfire. One prahar of the evening was left. The English got impatient. They sent a messenger saying the enemy intends to retreat in the cover of the night after cannonfire. You must force them into battle right away with your cavalry. Keeping Appasaheb and Dadasaheb to his rear, Bhausaheb ordered his cavalry to charge. We came under heavy fire, and lost many horses. A number of men are also wounded and killed. But the enemy was defeated. In the first attack, our cavalry captured two guns. Abandoning its guns, the enemy's cavalry retreated. The thick forest enabled their escape. Otherwise it would have been a great victory. (Remaining letter is other matters.).
The size of the total force that engaged in the battle at Kharda is a matter of debate. Letter No. 3582 mentions that only one Shinde campoo, of ~10 battalions of 600 men each and 15,000 cavalry was deputed. This makes the total Shinde force approximately 21-23 thousand. The Huzurat in the center is said to have been 40 thousand. Both armies seem to have engaged only in 2 divisions instead of the usual 3- left,right center. With these 2 divisions, total strength can be said to be around 65 thousand. Adding another 10-15 thousand troops from the Bhonsles, the grand total is roughly 75 to 80 thousand.
No. 3607 - 2 to 7 March, 1795
Battle of Kharda
On Ch.15 Sabani, Rajashri Bhausaheb, at around 6 ghatikas in the day, marched to within 1 kos distance of Nizam Ali's army. Then the government's army and the sardars assembled. Till 6 ghatikas in the evening, they held their position. We were told to return to our tents. Taking the standards, we left. Then Bhausaheb also left. Nizam Ali's force had assembled outside their camp. Some cannon fire was happening. In the evening, all of their forces began to move. Father's force which was marching came under fire. Bhausaheb also held his ground. Some men and horses were killed by cannon fire. When night fell, the Nizam's forces returned to their camp. We held our positions throughout the night at a distance of 2 kos. On Ch. 19, at 1.5 prahars in the day, we got news that the Mughal's army is on the move. The army readied for battle. But Bhausaheb, who was further ahead, was engaged in battle. His father was injured. They quickly retreated back to our standards. By then the entire army had not assembled, so we fell back half a kos.
Then the cannons of the Shindes opened a heavy fire. Then the Mughals advanced on the cannons. The Shindes' cannons inflicted heavy damage on the Mughals, but they managed to capture the artillery. Then the government's cavalry counter charged them and routed them, recapturing the artillery. Our forces pursued him and cut down more as they retreated. It was a good fight for 2 ghatikas. Lal Khan , a sardar of the Mughals was slain. Many more were severely injured. Lal Khan's body was brought to camp. The day came to an end.
Due to this defeat, the Mughal's morale was low, and he withdrew to the security of the fort of Kharda. A lot of cannons, powder and shot was captured by us. His army is facing shortfall of grain and water. On Ch.20, another force was readied and harassed his columns. They kept a distance of one kos from them. Lal Khan's body was sent to the enemy's camp. The men who carried it were rewarded 50 Rupees by the enemy. On Ch. 21, the government and Shindes' 60-70 cannons opened fire on the Nizam's camp, inflicting severe casualties. Thoroughly defeated, he opened negotiations, asking us to stop the cannonade. We stopped the cannonade, but haven't moved them. Let us see how the talks proceed. He is thoroughly defeated.
No. 3609 - 7 to 13 March, 1795
More details of the battle of Kharda, letter to Balasaheb Kurundvadkar. (Raghunath Nilkanth)
On Ch. 21 Friday, at 4 ghatikas in the day, halt at Ghodegaon. When father was camping with his forces, he got news that the Nizam has crossed Mohri ghat and camped near Kharda. He went to the lake for one day. But there were no cannons. On that day in the evening, it was time to retire to camp. "There are no cannons, and the forces of Shindes arent present" - when the Nizam received this news, their foreigner commanded battalions advanced, pushing us back by 1.5 kos. Father remained at Ghodgaon. The next day was a day of halting for Mughals. The third day, they marched 1.5 kos. As they advanced, father opened fire on them with his cannons. The Shindes also fired their cannons. Not much happened. On 6th, Wednesday, when we got news of the Nawab's movement, the Shinde campoos (brigades) and cavalry readied themselves. Father also readied his army. He positioned himself atop a small hill. The Nawab made two divisions of battalions with sardars like Asad Ali and others, and sent them against father. Among Shindes, the foreigner (commanded) battalions and Bharmal were present. The Nawab took a position in the center division.
Just then, the Shindes opened artillery fire. The foreigner battalions of the Nawab retaliated with their own artillery fire. Two gardi battalions meanwhile advanced on father's position and captured his artillery. There was heavy fighting. Father was injured. Chiranjeev Vitthal Dhonddev fought very well. Other than these, men from the huzurat and 3 pathaks (cavalry regiments) were injured. We retreated one kos, and regrouped at a hill, with the Nizam's cavalry ready to face us again. Father retreated back to the camp due to his injuries. Me, Chiranjeev Ramchandrapant Appa were standing. Just then, the Shindes repulsed the enemies arrayed against them. To support them, the Nawab's sardars facing us began to leave. We seized the chance and made another bold attack on them. When the Huzurat's 40 thousand swords were drawn, the Nawab's center was destroyed. With our karols (dragoons), the execution was excellent and felled a great number of his men. Few hundred horses were lying right next to us, men far more. We continued attacking them in their retreat all the way to their camp. 500-700 horses were captured. By the Shrimant's fortune, a great victory has been won. The Shinde troops fought very hard. The Nawab retreated. From 4-6 ghatikas in the day to 12 ghatikas in the night. Then the pindaries attacked his camp and created chaos, plundering it. The Nawab abandoned his camp and leaving his heavy luggage behind, he went to seek refuge at the fort of Kharda. He left behind his artillery, and 200-400 carts of shot and powder. His bazaar was looted fully. 20 thousand pindaries, nothing was left. 2-4 thousand camels were acquired. Bullocks cannot be counted. (Rest of the latter continues with speculation of future course of action.)
Volume XIII
No. 6090 - 9 July 1801
News of skirmishing near Ujjain.
News from the north. Shinde has made camp near Dhulkot. Devji Balaji, Gopalrao Chitnis, Bakshi, Ramchandra Bhaskar and Sadashiv Mahadev followed with reinforcements. They met and were given new orders. The European officers were posted at Ujjain. The rest were told to cross the Narmada in 2 parties and make camp. A strong Marathi force accompanies them. They do not have much luggage, so short on gold. They have somehow managed to make arrangements to assuage the soldier's concerns. The money lenders who were in camp have also departed. The morale of the forces is low. The commander has no news. The Europeans are in force at Ujjain.
Yashwantrao Holkar's pindaries arrived within 6 kos from Ujjain. The Europeans marched on them. They fought a battle. The Europeans were beaten back and retreated. The pindaries seized some horses and material from them. Holkar with a force of 40 thousand cavalry, 2 brigades, is at a distance of 4 kos from Mandsaur. Rajashri Kashirao Holkar opened negotiations with Yashwantrao and moved to Thalner. From there, he marched to Maheshwar. Rajashri Atmaram Pagnis went from Vidura to meet Kashirao. But he was unable to meet him and returned. Some 5 to 6 thousand of Yashwantrao's force went to face Kashirao. There are also talks for reinforcements from Bhonsles. Ingle is going to camp near Raghogda. Right after him is Durjansal Khechi. The Shinde widows and Lakhwa Dada are near Datia. The army will march from shelter to shelter. The Shindes are determined to go to Ujjain. There is shortage of supplies at Jambgaon.
No. 6092 - 11 July 1801
News of fighting near Ujjain.
Shindes are at 2 kos from the Narmada on this side. 5 battalions were sent ahead. Of these, 3 crossed the Narmada. The remaining 2 were crossing 2 days later. When about half had crossed over, Yashwantrao sent his cavalry to attack. The 2 battalions were destroyed. On the other bank of the Narmada, at a distance of 12 kos, the remaining troops have been blockaded. Their supplies have been cut off, and cannons are firing. Soon they will be finished. Atmaram Tamboli's son who was there and heading towards Shinde was also caught there. Shinde has retreated 2 kos. Lakhwa Dada is far away. This is what Yashwantrao has done. Shinde had 10 thousand cavalry, and 5 battalions. Of these, the fate of those 5 has already been detailed.
No. 6094 - 18 July 1801
Continuation of the news of the earlier fighting and further updates.
(First paragraph describes the same content as letter 6092.).
Yashwantrao Holkar with 25 thousand cavalry, 100 to 120 cannons and infantry came and fought a battle. Around 2000 men were killed or injured. He was yet to arrive personally. I will write more updates as they happen. Sarjerao went to the fort city(?). Shrimant rao Amrutrao saheb went to the fort of Kavni. His entourage is staying at the mansions of Pethe. Chatursingh, Appa Nipanekar and Sarjerao's letters have been received. I will soon meet Appa Nipanekar.
No. 6102 - 29 July 1801
More fighting between the forces of Yashwantrao Holkar and Daulatrao Shinde
News from the north is that Shinde camped on the south bank of the Narmada. Devji Gavli and Raje Muhammad- commander of the artillery and Bakshi, among others with the cavalry and infantry totalling 10 thousand crossed over to the north bank. From Ujjain, Yashwantrao marched to face this with a force of 12 to 15 thousand including battalions and cavalry and artillery. For 3 prahars, there was artillery fire. Devji Gavli then led his battalions and charged the Holkar artillery. They were able to seize 5 or 6 guns.
Then Holkar's men were rallied and made a countercharge on our troops. In this fighting, Gavli, and 2 or 3 other good sardars, and jamdars were killed. Our soldiers were broken and pushed back. There was panic in our camp when news arrived of our lines retreating. When Yashwantrao heard of his victory, he left some forces behind at Ujjain and advanced himself by crossing the river with the vanguard. Ghatge crossed the Ganga. Along with him were 2 battalions and the scattered forces of some cavalry and artillery. Nipanikar and Sarjerao's chiranjeev had arrived to hold some discussions with Holkar. But being unable to discuss anything, he departed. To secure Delhi, the Shinde widows and Lakhwa Dada have marched already. (Remaining letter is unrelated matters).
No. 6142 - 2 September 1801
Fighting continues- Letter from Chintaman Pandurang to Miraj.
I had written about the matter regarding the cannonballs for the cannon Durga. I request that the appropriate orders be given and the cannonballs should be dispatched. News from the north, is that Shrimant's forces departed on Shuddh Ashtami to march to Kopargaon. After their arrival, they met Rajashri Raosaheb. This was the news received from Rajashri Bapujipant Gokhale. Shindes are at Revadkshin. The Bakshi, Sadashivrao and the battalions have been sent north. To reinforce them, Fakirji Gadhve, Nimbalkar and some pindaries have also been sent.
Near Ujjain, they fought a severe battle. From morning, for 4 prahars of the day, there was cannon fire and rockets. The forces of Holkar and Lakhwadada are enormous. They attacked and destroyed 3 battalions. Chinto Atmaram was wounded by a spear and died of it. Many others were killed and wounded, and the total casualties were severe. The artillery was also lost. The survivors retreated to Bhairavgad. Ingle is at Narwar. Perron is injured and is at the doab in the north. He is receiving letters to march south. He is being asked not to tarry too long and to make haste. He is also replying that he is trying his best to move soon. Lakhwa Dada's forces are around 25 thousand. Ingle's forces are much smaller so he is reluctant. Sarjerao was at Burhanpur. After receiving letter after letter, he has departed. He wanted to cross the river and go himself. But his forces are few, and there is a shortage of funds so the forces are demoralized. Nobody is willing to march on. We will see what they plan after Ghatge reaches there.
Volume XIV
No. 6444 - 8 October 1802
Battle between the Shinde forces and Yashwantrao Holkar's pathans.
Shinde's forces, consisting of 10 thousand cavalry, one campoo- consisting of 7 to 8 battalions and 40 cannons arrived. By government's orders, they marched to Narayangaon. Shamat Khan Pathan had a force of 10 thousand. He split them into 3 groups. One day there was heavy cannon fire on both sides. The Shinde forces had to retire 3 kos. The Pathans then sent their second group. The Shinde forces retired another 3 kos. There was fighting at close quarters. Shamat Khan's hand was hit by a bullet, but it is a light wound. The Shinde battalions then charged the Pathan infantry and routed them. 3 kos away is Balekhind. They were driven beyond it, and stayed on this side. On both sides, total killed exceeded 1000. I went to Dinkar Pant Nana to get the Chitnis' letter. He said 3 cannons and one flag standard was to be sent to Balekhind, and that was brought. The Shinde forces have climbed the khind and gone beyond it. The Pathans went to Mula river, meaning near Betur. Holkar marched from Nashik to Sinnar. He has a force of 20 thousand. The Pathans will also join them. They will combine and then march on the Shindes. Mane has crossed Pandharpur. Shrimant Rajashri Appasaheb departed on Tuesday.
The Zari Patka and Pandoji Kunjar are 12 to 14 kos beyond Moreshwar. Mane is supposed to be there. Dhondopant Godbole has been dispatched to Karnataka. 5 cannons, 2 battalions and 1 thousand cavalry marched to Shigale.(?). Due to the situation here, they have been recalled. Along with him, Katre, Vinchurkar and some Pathans have been retained by the government. Of these, 500 and Bakshi were ordered to join the Shindes. Some are departing, some are a few kos away already. Their pay is in arrears and some are refusing to go.
In Konkan, Shamal is creating unrest. (the remaining letter is on unrelated matters).
No. 6448 - 12 October 1802
Battle of Baramati between Purandare, sent by the Peshwa and Holkar's sardar Fatehsingh Mane.
Nana Purandare fought a battle with Mane for 2 prahars. Purandare marched ahead of his camp by 4 kos. Mane responded that they are here only to meet the Peshwa, and have no cause for battle. This was ignored by our sardars, and they started firing the artillery. Until 50 cannonballs were fired on them, Mane took no action. Then they started retaliating. The fighting lasted for 2 ghatikas. They marched on our artillery and seized the cannons. Ganpatrao Panse was wounded. Purandare retreated with the Zari Patka to Saswad. Pandoji Kunjar had already fled and met him after 2 days. Maloji Ghorpade was wounded and passed away. There are some more who were injured or killed. Some camp followeres were also lost, but most managed to retreat.
Mane has camped near Baramati. Yashwantrao Holkar has camped near Parnera. It is close enough to the city, and also to come to Pune at governmental invitation. He will act as the situation evolves.
The government's army is being mobilized and the tents are being set up. Chintopant Deshmukh was ordered to report to camp. He has left yesterday. He has also been assigned the office of Phadnis and Bakshi. The army will gather soon. Yashwantrao Panse is making arrangements for the cannons, and it will also be ready soon.
No. 6465 - 26 October 1802
Battle of Pune.
Yashwantrao Holkar marched with his army and artillery via Loni and Kavdi. The government's army, with the Zari Patka, and Shinde forces camped at Banvadi. Yesterday on Sunday, the government sent Parajipant Baba, Narayanrao Vaidya, Raghopant Bhagwat at 2 prahars. Some troops were also sent with them. But the others were not admitted into Holkar's camp. The three were taken to Holkar's tent for talks. For one prahars they engaged in discussions. Holkar repeatedly stressed that he does not want to speak to these envoys. Kunjar, Nimbaji Bhaskar, Daji Deshmukh and Angre should go and meet him for serious discussions. Whatever will be decided will be final then. He dismissed them. The trio left and reached back here at night. We realized the tone of the situation. Here, near the mansions, for 3 days, preparations were in full swing. When our envoys returned, Holkar conveyed to us that he will wait till the next morning for 6 ghatikas. After that, it will be time for battle. It is chaos here since then for food and water. Baloji Kunjar, Nimbaji Bhaskar, and Daji Deshmukh met the Shrimant and requested permission to go to battle. After its grant, they went into the battalions at 6 ghatikas. Both sides prepared fully.
The 3 fold (infantry, artillery, cavalry) armies took position and fighting began with cannon fire. Yashwantrao ordered his artillerymen, that the Zari Patka is their banner too, and not to fire back until 25 cannon balls had been fired at them. So it came to pass. Then they opened fire. For 2 prahars, there was heavy artillery firing. If we counted the number of cannon balls, we would lose track. At least 7 to 8 thousand cannon balls were fired. Until 12 ghatikas in the day, the Shrimant was at his mansion. Then he went to the Zari Patka. For 4 ghatikas, he stood there, then he went to the Shinde battalions. At that point, Holkar's battalions attacked Shinde's battalions and pushed them back. Shinde's men lost a lot of artillery. Losing hope, the Zari Patka was withdrawn. The Shrimant's force also moved westwards towards Parvati hill. Some forces went to Ganeshkhedi and met the Shrimant. For 2 ghatikas, the Shrimant was at Parvati. The forces rallied there till 3 or 4 thousand.
Then some of Holkar's force, around 5 to 6 thousand closed in and were sighted. Then Shrimant marched from there to Wadgaon gardens. It is said he went towards Sinhagad. Shindes were left with 2 intact battalions, which withdrew to Patilbaba's chhatri. In that group, were Kunjar, Nimbaji Bhaskar, Daji Deshmukh, Angre, Sadashivrao Bakshi and the battalions commander. These battalions have now been surrounded by Holkar. The government's and Shinde guns were both captured by Holkar. The camp was seized entirely. Some of Shinde's men fled to the villages, where they were plundered. No man in the Shinde's army has escaped unscatched.
In all this action today, the city was not damaged. We will see what happens tomorrow. Holkar had threatened his soldiers that if any of them make their way into the city, they will be shot. It was followed strictly. The battle was fought between Kavdi and Banvadi. The Diwali festival was celebrated here earlier in happiness. The government's force did not take severe losses from Holkar's forces. When the swords slash, losses are severe. It was a fight of artillery. The Shindes took severe losses. Otherwise not much. For a few days, the pindaries with Shindes created a ruckus in the areas surrounding the city. People stopped stepping out. Some Brahmins were looted, as well as some villages. The Ganpati at Theur was taken by the pindaries of Shindes. Katraj, Vitthalbadi, Parvati to some degree, Ganeshkhed were all looted. Such were their actions, and it ended in defeat!
No. 6466 - 26 October 1803
Battle of Pune, fought by Daulatrao's battalions and the Peshwa's forces against Yashwantrao Holkar.
Letters have not arrived from Delhi and Ujjain. News here is that Holkar arrived with his force near Kavdi. For negotiations, the government dispatched Rajashri Parojipant, Narayanrao Vaidya, Raghopant Bhagvat and Abaji Shankar, Bhivaji Naik Kolte. Holkar refused to talk to them, and demanded that Kunjar, Bhaskar, Daji Deshmukh and the army's Bakshi should be sent to him for talks. After that he will follow whatever the Shrimant commands. Parojipant and Narayanrao Vaidya left and returned at midnight and met the Shrimant. The Shrimant then ordered Kunjar and Bhaskar among others that they should go and negotiate peace with Holkar. Kunjar and Bhaskar requested that they should fight him instead and they will drive him out. The Shrimant agreed, and asked them to do as they chose. Accordingly, Kunjar, Bhaskar, Deshmukh and Angre went to the Shinde army and met Bakshi.
In the first prahar of the battle, Kunjar, Bhaskar and others opened fire on Holkar's forces. Soon Holkar's army retaliated and opened fire on the Shinde battalions , the Zari Patka and the government's army. This artillery fire was heavy and continued until 3 praharas remained of the day. There was no end to the firing. Soon after, some 4 to 5 thousand pathan infantry of Holkar marched on Shinde battalions as well as the government's forces to seize the artillery. The fighting lasted for 2 ghatikas and swung back and forth. The Shinde campoo was pushed back eventually and they seized their guns as well as the government's guns. Fatehsingh Mane and the Pathans now combined their forces, marched to Banvadi and halted at the mansions of the Shindes.
The battle was fought at the open plain near Banvadi. The other news is that after the battle began, Shrimant had halted at these mansions and asked for news about the battle's progress through the kotwal. News then arrived that the Shinde campoo had been pushed behind, and lost its guns, and retreated to Gul hills. Leaving Parvati hill to his right, Shrimant went to the hilltops and halted there. Through Kunjar and Bhaskar, he got news that they had lost their cannons along with the Shindes, and that the force of Zari Patka was in flight. One of Holkar's sardars Hurji Holkar with a force of 8 to 10 thousand cavalry was near Chinchwad. He was moving to Aundh, and marching from Ganeshkhind, he was securing all the mountain passes as well as the route to Sinhagad. After this news arrived, the Shrimant, camp followers, Kunjar, Purandare, and the remainder of Shindes' forces are camped between Vitthalwadi and Wadgaon.
When Mane and the Pathans learnt of this, they dispatched a force of 5000 cavalry to the south of Parvati, and they halted at the Shinde mansions at Banvadi. They have spared the city. Holkar has threatened to annihilate anyone who damages the city. The Shinde camp followers and bazaar that fled to the city was plundered by the inhabitants. Yashwantrao is now camped at Loni. He did not advance into battle. The entire battle was carried by Mane and the Pathans. Such is the news so far. In such times, if Rajashri Chintamanrao Apasaheb was around, it would have been very helpful.
No. 6468 - 28 October 1803
More details of the battle of Pune.
The battle began. Yashwantrao himself arrived in the front of his army and took a position with the Pathans. He led the Pathans to charge the Shinde guns himself. For 4 ghatikas ( 96 minutes), the swords slashed. In the end, Yashwantrao himself got off his horse, and sliced the heads of two enemy artillerymen at their guns. He was hit by a bullet in his right arm as well as a sword cut. Of the 10 battalions of the Shindes, 5 thousand or so were killed and another 3 thousand injured by the swords of the pathans. In addition, 2000 cavalry were killed and many more injured. On Holkar's side, 3000 horses and men were killed by our cannon fire, in addition to the 2 or 3 thousand dead in their campoo, as well artillerymen. The two European officers of Shinde's brigade were both killed. Holkar lost one European officer, and Sadashivrao Bakshi, one of Shinde's officers fled from the field. So the battle was settled.
Shrimant, and others have departed for Sinhagad. Yashwantrao was insisting that Shrimant should remain in the city. Then on Kartik Shuddha 1 Wednesday, Shrimant and his followers left for Raigad. Holkar's force of 12 or 15 thousand followed them. The city was sealed off from all sides and nobody was allowed to leave. Guards have been posted at the houses of the nobles in the city and demands have been made of them. The government's seized cannons and any surrendered troops are with Holkar. Vinchurkar's regiments of cavalry fought well. I will write more later.
No. 6720 - 26 September 1803
Battle of Assaye
Salutations from your employee Pandurang Chimnaji. I am writing on Ashwin Shuddha 10, from the camp of the army halted at Ajanta. The letter informing of my arrival in the army camp was dispatched by post, it must have been received.
On Ashtami Friday, at 2 prahars, Wellesley force marched to a distance of within 5 kos (15km) between us. Wellesley's turk swar (turkish/persian/mughal cavalry) and a few battalions advanced. We opened fire with the cannons of some of our battalions. For 6 ghatikas ( a ghatika is ~24 minutes. In total about 144 minutes) , the cannons were firing. Major fighting ensued. Wellesley lost about 1200 to 1300 Europeans, and 500-700 native troops from our artillery fire.
Daulatrao Shinde in haste, concluded that their army is broken, and charged with his cavalry. But it was a very inopportune moment. Their numbers were very few. When Daulatrao charged, our cannons had to fall silent. Seizing this opportunity, their turk swar charged us from one side. On Shinde's side, Yadavrao Bhaskar fell. Another 150 men were killed. Then the battle went badly. Shinde retreated. Some 25 cannons, a lot of stores and some battalions were lost. On our side, 3 battalions were destroyed. The remaining 100 cannons, 10 or 15 battalions, and whatever was left of the cavalry was able to retire. The camp and followers had already departed for Ajanta. On the night of Navami, the remaining cavalry and battalions also arrived. We also celebrated Dusshera here. Tomorrow we will march from here and cross the Godavari.
Wellesley has also taken severe losses and fears the Marathi army. But since we lost this, he has spread out his forces. We will march for a few days and clash again, it seems. We will split the forces and march into the Nawab's territory. Today we rested, tomorrow we will march. The battalions of Shindes fought well. But they lacked patience. As this force was large, we had a lot of material, and Wellesley did not risk a pursuit. We have also sent letters to Holkar. I was also ordered to report sooner, but until my preparations were done, how could I reach sooner? Thinking so, I have replied that due to the chaos of the battle, I have been delayed by two days and unable to discuss anything. All the discussions I was tasked to do have been done. When I get all the responses, I will write immediately.
No. 6788 - 7 February 1804
Details of the capture of Agra and the battle of Laswari from the previous year.
News from here is- on 24 Mahe Jamadil, the Patshah's troops came here and camped for 12 days. Then they marched towards Agra. They left some garrisons at Shri Mathura, Vrindavan and then went to Agra. For 15 days, the fort of Agra was besieged and cut off. The soldiers posted there under command of European officers took money and surrendered the fort. The defecting Europeans, Perron and any others were sent to Calcutta by General saheb. (Lake). They seized 70 lakhs which were present in the fort.
Some remaining battalions of Hindustani troops assembled along with Gulabrao Kadam's 2000 cavalry at a distance of 12 kos from Bharatpur. About 15 battalions fought with the English. For 4 prahars, it was a heavy artillery fire. The English lost 2000 Europeans and 3000 natives to killed and wounded. At last when Lake himself attacked, the Deccani horsemen fled without fighting much. The Rao Maccheri's and Bharatpur's troops attacked our camp at the same time. After plundering the camp, they attacked our battalions in the rear and thousands died. In the end, the English were victorious. But their strength is gone. The artillery of our paltans (battalions) was also captured by them. Gamajirao Shinde, Rajashri Vamanrao Khanderao are in Kannod province with 8 to 10 thousand. The Jats, troops from Bhadoch, Rao Maccheri and the English battalions will soon engage them. Krishnagad in Mewat province has also been sieged. In Delhi province, all forts upto Hisar have been lost to them. Ambaji Ingle's Mahadji Anant has arrived here. He has sent letters asking to vacate Gwalior and other forts. The Gohad and other kings were given robes of honour by the English and confirming their holdings, have dispatched them to attack Gwalior. That attack is ongoing. Raje Himmat Bahadur Gosavi and Ganimbeg were going to join their forces. Just then Shamsher Bahadur arrived from the Deccan. Seeing the treachery of Ganimbeg, Shamsher Bahadur imprisoned him. The Gosavi dispatched a messenger to Shri Prayag to Munthi saheb. (Some English officer). He dispatched battalions and fought a battle with Shamsher Bahadur. Bahadur was defeated and withdrew to Kalpi. Bundelkhand province was seized by Gosavi and the English. Now they have also seized Kalpi and Orai. The forces at Kalpi, combined with Shamsher Bahadur and Jhansi, but they are weak. Bolisaheb will be dispatched to Jhansi. General Lake was near Fatehpur. He is marching towards Gwalior. Samroo Begum, Bhadoch, Sikhs, Jats and other smaller nobles are all with the English.
Rajashri Yashwantrao Holkar's letters have arrived from Udaipur to all chiefs here, announcing his arrival soon and ordering them not to join the English. For 1.5 months people waited and now finally joined the English. Ranjit Singh of Bharatpur met General Lake and agreed to some treaty. Similarly, some treaty has been signed with Jaipur. Everyone is agitated. The Patshah was given 60 thousand Rupees each month. In addition, he was to be given 6 lakhs as Nazar according to the permission granted to General Lake by the Governor General at Calcutta. Soon it will arrive. Krishnagad fort was vacated on Ch.1 according to the Akhbarats. Vamanrao Khanderrao met Ingle at the fort of Kannod. There is no place for people to go. We are surrounded in all provinces.