By Prathamesh Godbole —

Aitihasik Patra vyavahar

No. 97 - 28 December, 1760

Nana Fadnavis writes to Pune about the battles before the final battle of Panipat.

Blessings to Chiranjeev Rajashri Morobaba from Balaji Janardan. We have halted at Panipat on Ch.19 Jamadila(kal?). It has been a long time since I received any letter from you. The news here is that we fought a big battle at Kunjpura. Abdus Samad Khan and others were killed. After that we also fought Abdali. Krishna Joshi Sangameshwarkar was killed by a bullet. Such was already written to you.

We have spread out our field guns across the line. We have dug trenches for the artillery everywhere. The army is positioned behind the artillery, ahead of the town of Panipat. The camp followers are ahead of the town, behind the army. We have given them 40-50 cannons for their defense. Our total numbers may be around 60 thousand.

One day their (enemy) force advanced for battle. Shindes’ men fought them hard and pushed them back to their camp. They lost around 600 men dead and wounded. We lost around 250. The final battle is yet to happen. After 15 days, on Ch.28 Rabilakhari, some 4 to 5 thousand of the enemy marched on the Shrimant’s position. Most of his army was to the rear. As soon as the fighting began, it seemed like it was the final battle. On that day, Balwantrao Ganpat was hit by a bullet in the chest and fell off his horse. His men rushed to his aid. Just then the Afghans closed in and cut off his head to carry it off. Just then our cavalry intercepted them and retrieved the body. We did his final rites properly. His wife entered the fire. (sati). On that day, the Afghans lost almost 1500 men to our cannonfire. We dont know how many of them had advanced in total. The fighting went on for approximately 3 ghatikas in the night. We lost 150 dead and 700 injured. We benefited greatly from this fighting, but the death of Balwantrao dampened spirits.

Govind Ballal had been sent letters multiple times, ordering him to enter the antarved and block Abdali’s supplies. Following these orders, he marched to Delhi. He gathered some men from Naro Shankar, and proceeded onwards. But Abdali sent 10 thousand handpicked cavalry and intercepted them. Some were slain and some driven off. Govindpant’s head was taken and sent to Shrimant. He lost around 300-400 men. His son escaped and went to Naro Shankar. Some of the scattered troops are still returning.

These (Afghans) are prone to doing stealth attacks, so we have deployed in Mughal fashion, with artillery spread out and trenches. For two months, we have been fighting here and there. Both sides are resolved to fight to the end. God will decide the truth. The expenditure is immense. Money is scarce, and prices are very high. Morale is dropping. Cannonballs (from the Afghans) even hit our camp.

No. 101 - 20 December 1761

Letter from Naro Shankar to his nephew Vishwasrao about the unrest in the north, and battle with the Nizam.

(Initial part of the letter is unrelated matters.)

Marching from Aurangabad, the Mughal (Nizam) laid waste to three provinces - Toke, Kaygaon, Pravarasangam. Even Shreesiddheshwar was plundered. All of this has caused substantial damage. Ascending the ghats, he marched into the plains. Near Chambhargondha, we fought a battle. On Ch.15 Jamadilawar, Sunday, my troops were the first to see action. Later, Shrimant Dadasaheb ( Raghunathrao) attacked them from their rear with cannons and rockets. We lost about 20 horses killed and another 40-50 wounded. The men are being counted. The Shrimant lost 150-200 gardis, and another 200-250 injured. The Mughal lost at least 150-200. From 2 prahars till the end of the day, the fighting continued. The Mughal was scared.

(Continues with political matters)

No. 212 - 5 May 1781

Ganesh Ballal Oak writing from Janjira about a battle with the English.

News from Mumbai, is that 19 officers fell in battle. 2 were senior, one equivalent rank to Goddard and one junior. In total, they lost 2500-3000 men wounded and killed. We have captured 4 to 5 thousand muskets. The English have not taken such a loss yet ever in India. They had grown overconfident. They are an embarassment in Mumbai. Everything is getting expensive there due to shortages. They are short on money. The moneylenders too are in trouble. The peasants have fled.

(continues discussing other matters).

No. 206 - 9 August, 1780

Letter sent by Sawai Madhavrao to Hyder Ali, about the treaty between them for alliance against the East India Company.

  • The government (Swarajya) and the English are at war. You should declare war, and attack Chennapatanam, Arcot, Trichinopoly, and other English districts. Any territory you capture, half will be our share, and half yours. Half can be split between share of territory or its equivalent revenue in coin.
  • The government will send sardars and armies against the English at Surat. You should march on Chennatpattanam. The Nawab Nizam Ali Khan Bahadur will checkmate them at Sikakol Raybandar.(?)
  • Rao Raste’s brother will be with you with a force of 2000.
  • If the English approach you with an offer of peace, you should not sign it before consulting us. Similarily, if we are approached, we will not sign it without discussions with you. Peace must be negotiated jointly when appropriate.
  • Tirtharoop Raghunathrao, or his subordinates should not be entertained by you. Nor must they receive any assistance in coin or kind. If he sends an envoy, negotiations must be stopped.
  • Chandavar is an old province of the Bhonsles(?). The English have stirred up disturbances. It must be returned to Bhonsles. This is only for your information.
  • Of the territories of the English or Muhammad Ali Khan, whatever you capture, our government’s share is half. Instead of that territory, you may transfer to us a territory of equivalent value from your dominions elsewhere.
  • If needed in an emergency, we may send a request. Make arrangements for 10 thousand troops and their expenses. Similarly, if needed, we can dispatch 5000 troops and manage their expense.
  • With the exception of the forts and provinces you have seized beyond the Tungabhadra from us or the polygars, the ones in the south that you have captured as of now, are being ceded to you. The government will not make any demands from your districts. You should not disturb our provinces on the other side, nor send reinforcements to any troublemakers.
  • The Nawab Nizam Ali Khan Bahadur is a friend of the government, and his provinces like Adoni should not be disturbed. The peshkash that you owe the government, of 15 lakhs should be sent with appropriate arrangements to Pune soon.
  • From 1194 Hijri / Shaka 1702, you have contracted to remit 12 lakhs per year. This should continue.