By Prathamesh Godbole — May 23, 2023

Bhausaheb's Bakhar

A chronicle composed about the life of Sadashivrao Bhau shortly after the battle of Panipat (14 January 1761). The translations cover the battles in the year before between Rohillas, Durranis and Marathas, as well as the final battle.

No. 13

Battle of Merta

There was a distance of 10 kos between us. We readied ourselves by wearing armour, helmets, weapons. Gunpowder and shot was distributed among the troops and then marched. There were good omens during the march. The troops' morale went up. We had a total of 30 thousand. They were divided into 2 divisions. One commanded by Dattaji, and the other by Jayaji Shinde.

The two forces closed in. Bije Singh had amassed his entire army. All their artillery was readied. Until we came close, the fire from cannons, hathnals, shaturnals, jezails, rakhales and musketeers was heavy. Rockets hit us like rainfall. There was much firepower, and the smoke was heavy in the air. No one could see anyone else. We were deafened by the sound. For a moment, there was a pause. Then with cries of "Har Har", both sides' cavalry closed in melee. Our cavalry broke into their lines on both flanks. They kept up the fire (from cannons and muskets) as much as they could, then it turned into a clash of sword against sword. These being Rajputs, that too Hadas from Marwar, they were great warriors and their bravery is no surprise. But the Marathas also fought as hard. No one else fought like this. Many men fell on the field. It was a severe fight. Nothing like it before or after. The Marathas lost 500-700 elite troops killed and as many horses. More were injured. The Marwaris lost about 2000 dead. Some cannons and other equipment was captured. We had not intended to cause them any unnecessary loss, but they would not withdraw without heavy persistent attacks. Fighting in this manner, we forced them to retreat 2 kos. Shindes stayed on the ground and the trumpets and drums were sounded signalling victory. The injured were tended to. The elation from the victory cannot be put into letters. Only those who experience it will know it.

The Shindes defended their honour and camped there for the night. Guards were posted everywhere around the camp. But the Rajputs were in no condition to make a second attack. They had taken sizeable losses. The honour code in Hindustan is such that to be defeated, you do not need to flee several villages away. If they abandon the field, they are considered defeated. The Marwaris marched to Nagaur at night. Those men who took injuries from the front were lauded by their wives. It is heard in this province that if you have been injured from the front, it is acceptable, but if you have injuries on your back, you have brought dishonour from cowardice. The Rajput women are this brave, what more to praise of their men's bravery?

No. 56-57

Battle of Shukratal - Dattaji Shinde's battle with Najib Khan and the other Rohillas.

(Some initial part of the section is negotiations.) On Bhadrapad 10, Friday, Shaka 1681, he marched to Shukratal with great bravery. But the terrain there was unsuitable for battle. There was no place to form up for battle for one kos. Taking positions in trenches, holes and pits, the Rohillas opened fire with cannons and rockets. We held the ground for 4 ghatikas, ( 96 minutes) and then retired one kos. From here, 2 kos, near Mirapur, we made camp. The Rohillas also captured any outposts we had in the Antarved. The Sayyid of Mirpur came to meet us. One Sayyid who came down south earlier is also from this clan from Mirpur. After meeting us, he marched off with drums beating early next morning. A cannon fire began. Orders were sent to return fire with our cannons. We started firing but found it difficult due to the terrain and trenchworks. If we aimed low, the shot would get stuck in the mud. If we aimed high, it would pass over their heads. We lost 10 to 15 men and horses from their cannon fire. This went on till the end of the Bhadrapad month. After building the bridge, Najib Khan's guru, Qutub Shah with a force of 10 thousand and camp followers had stayed behind. Along with them, Najib Khan had a force of 20 thousand, along with artillery. After the bridge was complete, supplies began arriving for the troops. Wheat, rice etc could be had for 30 sers per Rupee. In Shinde camp, we could only get 8 to 9 sers. Due to this, supplies were dropping as well as morale.

One day, Jankoji Shinde, along with Janrao Bavande, Naro Shankar, Jivaji Bhoite, and reinforcements from Delhi - Nagarmal, Bahadurkhan Balochi, and many others were engaged in an exchange of cannon fire. They kept up the fire and advanced on the Rohillas. Seeing this, Najib Khan's entire force marched out and advanced on us, and fought a pitched battle with Dattaji Shinde. The forces opposed to Jankoji at their artillery and marched out. Cannons, rockets, jezails were being fired on Dattaji's cavalry. They were unable to close in. The firepower of the Rohillas was severe. A messenger was dispatched to Jankoji to inform him that Dattaji has engaged the enemy in close quarters. On hearing this, Jankoji had the drums and nagaras sounded. Like his uncle, was he, equally brave. With cries of Har! Har! , the cavalry charged into their artillery. Charging through fire from cannons, jezails and rockets, they closed in with the Rohillas. There was a great thundering sound. Swords flashed and clashed with swords. Seeing this, Dattaji also reformed his line and charged a second time. This time they closed in and it turned into a sword fight. The fight was pushed back to their trenches. There was no way further ahead. The fire from the Rohilla guns was scorching. Dattaji's horse was shot near the trench. He stood up with a sword and slew a Rohilla in the trench. Jankoji, wounded came to his rescue. He was just 20 years old, but a great fighter. His horse was also shot under him and he had to dismount. He had some sword wounds on his body and a light spear wound on his ear. Dattaji was also wounded similarly with a spear and a bullet. They had fought well. Shindes had lost around 700 men dead. A great number of horses were lost. 2000- 2500 were wounded. He had a great sardar Jivaji Shinde, who commanded 3000 cavalry. He was slain. His son Hanmantrao Shinde was also lost. Some 200-250 bodies were left behind near the trenches, they could not be retrieved. The army retreated back to camp. There was a feeling of despondency in the camp. We had taken severe losses, and it took a week or two for many to recover. But we allowed no rest to Najib Khan, and artillery fire continued every day.

No. 68, 70, 71

Dattaji Shinde battles with Abdali near Kurukshetra before his junction with the Rohillas.

The next day Dattaji Shinde marched to the bank of the Yamuna near Kunjpura. Just then we got news that the Afghan army is near Kurukshetra. Dattaji sent the camp followers to Delhi. He decided to engage the Afghan army before it joins with the Rohillas and Shuja, and marched to Panipat. Another report from the scouts said that the Afghans are now within 16 kos.

(There is some conversation between Dattaji and his sardars).

They halted thre for the night. By the time we got the news, Abdali was at a distance of 20 kos. Jivaji Bhoite, Naikji Bhoite, Govindpant Bundele, Antaji Maneshwar's son along with 15 thousand troops was sent as vanguard. They travelled ahead and intercepted the Afghan army at a distance of 16 kos. But by God's decision, it was a bad time for us. The Durrani was not a man to fight on the plains. He formed a tight formation with his army, and moved on the Yamuna bank far from the road closer to Kumaon. The vanguard thought the Afghans were afraid of facing the Maratha vanguard, and thought they will attack right now without waiting for Dattaji and win laurels for ourselves.

The Afghan army took a position on small islands in the river, on the steep bank, and the marshy land. As soon as the Afghans positioned themselves, their camp followers fled to the other side of the river. He had a force of 25 thousand cavalry, 500 to 700 zamburaks, 200-300 rocket carrying camels, 50 light field cannons. The dust from Dattaji Shinde's force was now visible.

Naikji Bhoite, Jivaji Bhoite, Govindpant Bundelele started their attack. By positioning them well, he unleashed fire from the field cannons, rockets and zamburaks together as we got in range. Bhoites could not even see the enemy clearly. They were brave men, but on this day their courage failed them and they started fleeing. Seeing this, their soldiers too started fleeing. If the father and son won't stand, how will their troops? The Afghan cavalry now counter charged and started cutting off heads of fallen troops. Their commanders would reward them with 5 rupees for each head brought to them. They cut off enough heads to earn 2500 Rupees! As this mass of our soldiers and Afghans were moving away fast, Dattaji's force arrived.

Even Dattaji, a great warrior, who had defeated the Rathores of Marwar, was plunged in grief by the sight of what had happened and kept standing. He could not reinforce the retreating troops as they were completely disordered. No matter where he could move his force, they would get disrupted completely. The Afghans got a free hand in killing the wounded and cutting off their heads to take them back. They cut off the noses of these heads and made a big pile of it. 2500 heads, not a small number!

Dattaji Shinde stood there for 3 prahars and stabilized his army. Eventually he retreated. Abdali moved his forces from the river bank to beyond the river. The next day, he went and met Najib Khan at Mirapur. Shuja ud Daula also marched with 50 thousand troops and 300 cannons. From Anupshahar, Ahmedkhan Pathan went to meet them with 10 thousand cavalry. In total, an assembly of 140,000 troops.

No. 75 , 76, 77

Battle of Delhi

Durrani's army and artillery crossed over from the other bank of the Yamuna. It was an evil time for us, so the river allowed him a crossing. More cannons were firing on us from the other side. Janrao Wable got impatient at the ghat. Keeping the camel swivel guns shaturnals in the front and hathnals and cavalry behind it, their army started crossing. It was 5 ghatikas in the day. Just then Janrao Wable's horseman came galloping to Dattaji and informed him " My lord, why are you resting at ease? Half of the Durrani army has crossed the Yamuna. We are unable to hold them back. Cannon fire has killed 150 of our men." Sabaji Shinde's son Bayaji Shinde was sitting nearby. On hearing this, he was ordered to go and reinforce Wable. Sabaji said

"Patil saheb, you may think we retreated from Lahore without fighting the Afghans. But against the 40 thousand Afghans, what could we do with our 10 thousand? It is a similar situation now. But my lord is at hand. For years I have eaten your salt. I will do as commanded."

On hearing this, Dattaji replied -

"Bayaji, you have always been a great soldier. You are not new to war. It would not be surprising if you fought, it would be if you did not. There is no cause for concern, stay true to your duty."

With his force of 5 to 7 thousand, Bayaji marched quickly, crossing rivulets and smaller river channels. He came face to face directly with the Durrani army. Bayaji thought, he would be unable to face Dattaji if he returned, as the Durrani army had crossed fully. He decided to fight and charged with his cavalry. In the ensuing fighting, he was hit by a bullet and fell. In sand and water. Along with him, his 10 bodyguards fell as well. Our forces left the ghat. The combined Rohilla and Afghan forces deployed their forces at the ghat. Until this point, Durrani was wary of facing Dattaji.

A horseman from Bayaji's contingent rushed to Dattaji and said "Patil saheb, Bayaji has fallen. The Afghans have crossed and seized the ghat". Dattaji immediately sounded the nagaras and got on his horse. The army was ready. Jankoji put on his mail armour. Dattaji, in anger, removed his armour. He said, "Today we will not seek battle. Malharrao Holkar is close. He will be here in two days. Once his army joins us, we will fight together."

Saying thus, he took off his armour. He moved towards the ghat on horseback and the force assembled. While the army paraded for inspection, they were ordered to move with the flag and standards. Along the Yamuna bank, the terrain was very unsuitable for cavalry. There were many islands. It was hard to get a clear field of view even in day time. The grass was overgrown and very dense, offering easy places to hide. Much of the army could not clearly see the rest. The flag went right into the warzone. From both sides, we were hit by cannons, rockets, and mortars and muskets. We were caught in a firestorm the way food is roasted. Due to the lack of space, the army crowded closely together. Rockets fell like rain. Men and horses started falling. The air was thick with smoke and visibility dropped. Before this, Marathas had never seen a fight like this. Nor before nor after. This went on for 2 ghatikas. (48 minutes). 2 kos from here, at a ghat, was Govindpant Bundelele. Crossing the Yamuna, he attacked the Afghans. He was trapped there and unable to relieve this army. Five to seven hundred men lost their heads. Near Delhi, at Rajghat, Maloji Shinde moved to relieve this force. This force was surrounded by the Afghans. Just as he had advanced a few hundred meters, he thought, "Dattaji always chastises me. What face will I show him now?" He charged and was killed. His body couldn't be found.

Meanwhile, near Dattaji, the fighting was severe. Some 500 men fell near the flag. Already the army's morale was low. That too in a bad place. It was a large army, 40 thousand, not a small number. But in the grass, it was impossible to see anything. Near the flag, Jankoji Shinde was already injured. Dattaji Shinde was in the right of the flag. He was standing with 25 of his guards. Both sides were wary of each other and had not yet charged. Just then, another ghatika passed. It had now been 8 ghatikas. 500 men were slain there. As many horses. Even more injured. A sardar, Tanhaji Kharde said

"Patil saheb, Durrani's army has fully crossed. Govindpant has been destroyed already, as have Maloji. The flag is without defence. It is a matter of honour. It is better to take the flag and retreat."

Dattaji replied-

"With (your) death, the world's death. Whose honour is going to be saved or lost? What more is left to retreat from? The battle is already lost. If we withdraw the flag, what is left will rout. Should I flee? What face will I show when I return to my country as Dattaji?"

Kharde recommended that even Gods and Danavas retreated at times, and it is better to withdraw to fight another day. Dattaji flatly refused, and said

"This Kandahar's king has marched on us. If God rewards me with death on the battlefield, I will embrace it. Yogis meditate so that they may get moksha. But Kshatriya Dharma is to fearlessly face death when it comes on the battlefield. God rewards it just as much. On one hand is disgrace and Narak, on the other is death. I would prefer death."

Saying so, he stood up and mounted his horse.

Jankoji was defending the flag with great difficulty. His right arm was pierced by a bullet. He fell off his horse and almost got trampled. A khijmatgar standing nearby ran to Dattaji, and in a fearful voice, informed him that Jankoji has died from a bullet. Dattaji was despondent, and said - "I cannot show my face at home. It is better if I get death on the battlefield." Saying thus, he charged with his cavalry on the forces of Qutub Shah in his front. Of his 18 guards, 11 fell in the charge. After their charge, they retired some distance and opened fire with their muskets. Yashwantrao Jagdale Thoralekar was killed by a bullet. His brother Piraji was also with him. He tried hard to retrieve his brother's body, but to no avail and had to retreat.

Dattaji was hit by a bullet in his chest as he was turning his horse Lalmani. He was knocked down from the horse by the force of the impact. Rajaram Chopdar and Raghoba Shenbai Pagnis were nearby. They thought- "We have eaten his food for years, it is better to die than abandon him." They dismounted and tried to save him. He was injured but still alive. But his force lost hope. It became impossible to rescue him. Qutub Shah and his guards arrived nearby.

Raghoba Paga instructed Rajaram Chopdar-

"Go to Qutub Shah and inform him that Dattaji is injured on the field, and request Shah to save him. If Durrani's men find him, they will kill him."

As Qutub Shah neared, Chopdar saluted him. After informing him, Qutub Shah dismounted and approached the spot where Dattaji was sitting. Qutub Shah asked him-

"Patil saheb, do you still intend to fight us more?"

Dattaji knew Qutub Shah will make no effort to save him, and these conversations are useless. He replied,

"By God's will, if I survive, I will fight more."

On hearing this, Qutub Shah took out his dagger and stabbed Dattaji. Raghoba and Chopdar tried their best, offering upto 10 million Rupees in compensation for saving him, but to no avail. By now it was 8 ghatikas. The drums were sounded and Qutub Shah went to meet Najib Khan to celebrate their victory.

No. 107

Battle of Kunjpura

After a council of war, in which Bhausaheb, Balwantrao Mehendale, Jankoji Shinde, Malharrao Holkar, Damaji Gaekwad, Yashwantrao Pawar, Vithal Shivdev, Shamsher Bahadur, Ibrahim Gardi and others participated, it was decided that "Qutub Shah, Shaimat Khan the murderers are at Kunjpura. We should destroy them while they are there, and capture the fort." At an auspicious time (muhurat), the army marched to Kunjpura. The enemy was informed of our intentions. They were alert. They prepared to receive our attack, entrenching themselves outside the fort. The armies made contact. The air was thick with the firing of cannons, rockets. Men could not see men. This firing continued for 1 prahar. The cavalry was unable to break in.

Bhausaheb ordered Balwantrao "Split into three divisions and attack". The army was formed up into three divisions. On one side was Shamsher Bahadur, Damaji Gaekwad, Naro Shankar, and on the other wing was Yashwant Pawar, Ibrahim Khan Gardi. (The center must be Bhau and the huzurat). Both wings attacked first. For 2 ghatikas (40 mins) there was heavy fighting on both sides. Qutub Shah lost a number of good soldiers. By then the cavalry surrounded them from all sides and attacked with the war cry of "Har Har". Attacked from all sides, their army was crushed. The men outside were unable to retreat within. On this day, the Marathas did not hold back. Anyone within reach was slain immediately. 5 to 7 thousand men of theirs were slain in this attack. The rest were injured. Their bodies were stacked together in heaps, the dead as well as wounded. The town was intact so far. It was sacked thoroughly. A great amount of plunder was found. Najib Khan's guide Qutub Shah was captured. Bhau saheb, Jankoji Shinde and Malharrao Holkar were at one place. There was a scramble for the spoils. Some took horses, some took camels, some elephants. Everyone got as per their fortune. When Dattaji was slain, his elephant Jawahargaj was taken by Qutub Shah. It was also recovered. On that day, the happiness of Shindes knew no bounds.

No. 125 - 133

Battle of Panipat III