Mahadji Shinde: Battles in Hindustan
This covers the period from 1782 to 1794 from the publication “Selected Letters of Mahadji Shinde”. In 1782, the English and Marathas made peace. Mahadji Shinde returned north, and clashed with Mughal sardars like Hamdani who sought to be independent of Marathi rule, allying with the Rajputana states- Jaipur, Marwar and Mewar. The major battles in this time were Lalsot, Merta, Patan, and the siege of Agra.
No. 354 - 29 March 1785
Capture of Agra.
After taking the fort of Deeg, we sent an envoy to the killedar of Agra to vacate and hand over the fort. However, he rebelled and refused to hand it over. Rajashri Rayji Patil was given cavalry and battalions, and artillery, and tasked with reducing the fort. The fort was strong, and it has about 40-50 cannons of large caliber, and 150-200 in total. The men inside are in the mood for battle. Without negotiations, the killedar fired a warning shot. We are left with no choice but to attack the fort. Rayaji set up batteries and began bombardment. We started firing cannons, rockets, and mortars. Before this, we fought the men deployed outside and drove them within the fort. The fort held out for 25 days. By the Shrimant’s grace, we finally captured it. The Sikhs have massed a force of 20-25 thousand at a distance of 12-15 kos from Delhi. Ambaji Ingle has been deputed to repulse them. More assistance has been sent to him from here. We will soon march from here and join him.
No. 420 - 1785
Sadashiv Dinkar reports the force currently with Mahadji Shinde.
Shrimant Rajashri Patilbaba (Mahadji), Ingle, and the Bakshi together have around 10 thousand cavalry. The Gosavi and Vairagi have another 10 thousand. Ingle also has 3000 Pindaries accompanying him. Among the Peshwa’s sardars, Rajashri Shivajipant Bapu has 7-800 cavalry. Balwantrao Dhondev has 400, and Rajashri Krishnaji Pawar and Sadashiv Pawar together have 400. Apart from this, Simtharkar(?) Gujjar has 200-250, Zalimsingh from Kota has 200 cavalry, 200 infantry. In total the force is 12,000 and 3000 Pindaries and 10,000 with Gosavi and Vairagi.
No. 423 - 1785
A record of the full force in north India.
Total count of the force in Hindustan, cavalry and battalions
29,000 vs Rathores
10,000 cavalry
7,000 7 battalions
12,000 Gosavi and Vairagi
and artillery.
20,000 Bundelkhand
6,000 cavalry
10,000 10 battalions
4,000 extra forces deployed
and artillery.
16,000 Prant Jaipur
8,000 cavalry
8,000 8 battalions
and artillery.
21,000 Ramgarh (Aligarh) with Rayaji Patil
10,000 cavalry
11,000 11 battalions
19,000 vs the Sikhs
8,000 cavalry
11,000 11 battalions
and artillery
10,000 with the Badshah
4,000 cavalry
6,000 6 battalions
and artillery.
4,000 Delhi
1,000 cavalry
3,000 3 battalions
17,000 Miscellaneous(?)
10,000 cavalry
7,000 7 battalions
And artillery
7,000 Meerut
2,000 cavalry
5,000 5 battalions
And artillery
14,000 more apart from the above
6,000 Sikh Baghelsingh and others in the prant of Panipat
3,000 Baghelsingh
3,000 Dalewale
8,000 Raoraja Pratapsingh
4,000 infantry
4,000 cavalry
157,000 total troops
73,000 cavalry
62,000 62 battalions
18,000 Gosavi and Vairagi ( Letter has misprinted it as 81,000)
4,000 infantry
No. 500 - 30 July 1787
Battle of Lalsot - the combined armies of Marwar, Jaipur, and the Mughal general Hamdani fought Mahadji Shinde.
The forces of Jaipur, Marwar, and Hamdani joined together and amassed a force of 50 thousand to fight us. To face them, Rajashri Khanderao Hari, Rajashri Ambaji Ingle, were summoned. I had already written about this in earlier letters. Once they arrived, our army was ready. We decided to take the offensive. On Chaturthi, the army and artillery moved out. The enemy marched out to meet us on the field. Their forces were around 50-55k, and 60 field pieces. For 2 Prahars, there was artillery fire. After our artillery fire started hitting them, their battalions formed 3 columns. Instead of marching on the artillery, they avoided it and made a flanking move on Ambaji Ingle in the left wing. Ambaji and others led a cavalry charge and were able to break their squares into 2. Rajashri Shivji Vithalbapu, Chiranjeev Dharrao Shinde, and Rayaji Patil and Khanderrao Hari were sent to back up Ambaji. The arrival of new cavalry turned the tide, and the enemy was pushed back 0.75 kos.
On the right wing, Rane Khan bhai faced Raja Khasa and Hamdani. They were kept under heavy fire. Hamdani had formed squares and prepared to advance. Just then, an artillery salvo from our side hit him and killed him instantly. On the left wing, Rathore, Kacchwas were pushed back, while on the right, Hamdani and the Raja’s formations were broken. We advanced to finish the battle, but encountered very rough terrain full of nalas (dried riverbeds and streams). For 3 prahars, the forces had been fighting, but could not get any fresh water. The closest source was a river 1.5 kos to our rear. Our horses were too exhausted without a new supply of water. This saved the enemy army from complete destruction. But they took severe losses. About 1000 of them died in battle. Many senior officers were slain. Even more were injured. Shivji Vithabapu’s men fought very well. The complete list of injured and dead is being sent. Jaipur and Jodhpur combined their armies and marched on us. Despite this, victory favoured us.
The next day, our army was prepared to renew the battle. But they did not leave their camp and form up for battle. Their camp was very defensible. Surrounded by mountains, a river and broken ground. We could not have advanced on their position. In a few days, if they move, we will fight again and the Shrimant will have complete victory.
No. 503 - August 1787
Appaji Ram describes more details of the Battle of Lalsot, and the subsequent desertion of the Mughal troops.
On Saturday, Patilbaba’s army fought a great battle with the combined forces of Jaipur, Marwar and Hamdani. After the battle began, Patilbaba stood in the front of the artillery ahead of Rane Khan bhai. On the other side, Raja Khasa also took an advance position matching him.
Rajashri Shivajipant Bapu and other sardars pushed back the Rathores who had advanced, and slew about 500 in the first charge and pushed them back, as well as killing 4-5 sardars. Another 500-700 were injured. We gave chase for one kos. Hamdani was posted to the left of the Raja khasa (who was in the center). He was about to start marching to help the Rathores. Just as he began, he was hit by a cannonball and killed. This threw his formations into confusion and they stopped advancing. But our forces could not march on them either. The ground was broken ahead of us. Since it was almost evening, we held our positions and continued artillery firing. Noticing where bhai was standing, the Jaipur forces aimed 2 or 3 large cannons there and started firing. A lot of cannonballs were flying around us. About 150 men and horses died or were injured on our side in their cannonading, but bhai did not leave the spot.
One cannonball passed so close it knocked off a portion of his sword’s sheath and hit another man behind, killing him. Ishwar favours him. Despite this, bhai did not leave the spot and go anywhere. From early morning till 2 ghatikas before night, the cannons were firing. Both sides left some guards and returned to their camps. Despite this, it was a good battle for us. The Rathores’ morale was broken. Hamdani died. If we fight one more good battle, we will be in a good position - such is the thought of the army. But we had not realized the mutiny within the army. Their plan was to betray Patilbaba during the battle. If that was not feasible, to walk over to the enemy side during the battle, when we would march on their army. Thus we got to know. They had planned to execute this during the battle on Saturday. However, the retreat of the Rathores and Hamdani’s death foiled it.
While we were firing the artillery, we had trouble hitting them. The artillerymen complained that the cannons were of too small a caliber to be effective at the extreme range. So we brought 2 large cannons. As we opened fire with these, we got news of Hamdani’s death from one of the shots. They did good execution, and killed and wounded 500-700 men. This sums up the news from Saturday’s battle. On the next day, Bhai fired a few volleys from his cannons but they did not line up for battle. After waiting for 3 prahars, we returned to camp. Patilbaba also camped at the same spot. On Monday, all the battalions’ men, about 7000 gathered and created a ruckus, demanding pay that was in arrears for 7-8 months. Mahadji offered to pay a part of it, and settle the rest after the battle is over. Some settled, but the rest of them were in no mood to listen. At the time of the battle, the battalions had with them almost 150 field pieces and ammunition. They now seized these cannons, and demanded that the full arrears be paid, or they will turn the cannons on us. We tried to reason with them but to no avail. On Monday, with 150 field pieces, its ammunition and tumbrils, they marched out of our camp. Patilbaba summoned his major sardars for counsel. As the battalions walked off, 4-5 thousand men of Jaipur now stood guard, ready to receive the men. When this news arrived, we realized we could not trust anyone. Who knew how many more men in the camp were treacherous? It was not wise to continue the battle in such circumstances. On the other side, the Raja’s forces received the deserters warmly. By now, the Rathores also readied their army for battle. Next news was that Daulatram, Pahadsingh were advancing with their men.
Our men also formed up for battle. When it was 4-5 ghatikas in the night, a cannon shot was heard. Then we knew they were advancing. Patilbaba decided not to retreat but to fight and let Ishwar decide the outcome. Just then, we got news that their army was pulling back. For 6 ghatikas we waited. Shivajipant came to Patilbaba and Rane bhai. He said - ‘It feels like the Panipat battle. Whatever will happen, will be decided soon.’ Tomorrow morning the Kacchwas and Rathores will once again march on us. The defection of our men and artillery has emboldened them greatly. While our men’s morale is low. We cannot trust the battalions, Mughals and Hindustani troops in our camp. We don’t know what they will do in battle. There is no need for another test of loyalty. The southern army is far away. The Shiledars are short on food. The horses short on water. The terrain is barren. With what strength will we fight? At this time, we should retreat. After finalizing this, Patilbaba and me stayed at the rear, while the rest of the army formed marching columns to retreat. A few camp followers were at 4-5 kos distance from Lalsot. They were asked to retreat right from there. While this hurried packing and moving was underway, one of men handling the powder tumbril, lit the poweder and the whole keg exploded. It set off a series of explosions. Luckily this did not affect the rockets stored. We were fortunate that the rockets were not ignited, or the army would have taken severe losses.
When the powder went off, the camp followers thought the battalions had turned their guns on us. Already there was some panic in the camp, this made it worse, and started a rout. Much cloth, camp equipment, grain, utensils were left behind. The Pindaries looted what they could. After 4-6 ghatikas, Patilbaba started behind the camp followers. When he reached the former camp and saw the state of affairs, he ordered the camels to be loaded with what valuables could be found. What could not be taken was burnt. After 8 ghatikas, Rane Khan and the rest followed behind Patilbaba. Rane Khan stayed behind to deal with 2 more rebellious battalions. They surrendered their guns and cannons, but he was prepared to destroy them if they resisted. Finally everyone halted at Khushalgarh.
Hamdani’s nephew, Pahadsingh, Daulatram with 15,000 cavalry came in pursuit. When this news arrived, Baba, Rane Khan and other sardars quickly turned around. Keeping the camp followers ahead, they made rapid forced marches and went to Deeg. They saw our army drawn up and retreated from Pimplai. We are relieved now, but the traitors in the army need to be investigated and purged. Naubatrai was in charge of the battalions and artillery. He could not have turned traitor in just a day or 2. He must have been in talks with them for months. Did this happen without his knowledge? Or was he complicit in this?
Patilbaba’s family and camp has been sent to Gwalior.
The rest of the letter is discussion of the politics.
No. 522 - 15 June 1788
Mahadji begins the offensive against Ismail Beg and Ghulam Kadir.
The army with Rajashri Patilbaba (Mahadji Shinde) has been sent with Rane Khan Bhai beyond the Chambal. They fought for several times with Ismail Beg and Ghulam Kadir as informed earlier. Right now both of them are at Agra. With our mobility, we have cut off their grain and supplies. But they are now able to get supplies from the doab. The new army that was raised in the Deccan has now arrived. This new force marched on Mathura-Vrindavan and wiped some of their garrisons. One paltan (battalion) of 700 and 2 cannons got news of this, and began to withdraw beyond the Yamuna. We intercepted them and slew 500 of them, and seized their cannons, and 25 horses, and a cache of rockets. Any that survived and fled to the river were mostly drowned, along with 2 boats. Such was the victory. Then this force crossed the Yamuna. There were more paltans at Mot and Mahaban, which were also eliminated. Ghulam Kadir's outposts at both of these towns were removed and ours established. From those outposts, we acquired 2 cannons, and 7 from the battalions.
Seeing this threat, Ghulam Kadir sent across the Yamuna into the doab, 2 battalions and 2000 cavalry and 10-12 cannons. News has arrived that he will cross himself. The Sikhs and Rohillas have created unrest in his provinces further north. (Remaining letter is different matters).
No. 524 - 19 June 1788
Mahadji battles Ismail Beg's army and routs it.
Ismail Beg and Ghulam Kadir, retreated to Agra after their defeat at Deeg. They invested the fort and began cannonading it. For 8 days their forces were together. We cut off all their supplies with our army on this side. But they began receiving supplies across the Yamuna. Due to this, they were not worried, and pressed the attack. The new force which had arrived here, we dispatched it to the doab. They went to Mathura-Vrindavan and destroyed Ismail Beg's outposts, and eliminated the battalions stationed. We found 2 cannons and other supplies. From there, they marched to Mot, Mahaban and captured two outposts there, again destroying posted battalions. We acquired 5 more cannons. They gathered some more men from the zamindars and devastated his province.
When Ghulam Kadir learnt of this, he gathered a bridge of boats at Rajghat near Agra, and sent some cavalry and battalions with artillery across the Yamuna. When Jivaji Ballal Bakshi and Rane Khan learnt of this, they wrote to Mahadji, and this new force was recalled back to join us. When they rejoined us, on Jyeshta Shuddha Ashtami, we fought for battle.
From early morning till evening the battle raged on. By the third prahar, Mon. Lestinau and Deboigne saheb fought really hard. Our force was divided into 4 divisions. When the enemy faced our attack from all sides, they were destroyed. We captured all of the enemy's guns, tents and camp. Ismail Beg managed to flee with just 50 bodyguards. We dont know yet if he fled towards Delhi or across the river. By the Shrimant's good fortune and God's will, Mahadji has won a great victory. Rajashri Tukoji Holkar and Ali Bahadur are still at Maheshwar. (Rest of the letter is political matters).
No. 525 - 21 June, 1788
More details of the battle of Agra.
(Repeated information about events before the battle is omitted).
On Jyeshta Shuddha 15 Pournima (18 June 1788), Wednesday, we fought a battle with Ismail Beg. From dawn to evening the battle continued. Mons. Lestinau and Deboigne's battalions were combined in the center, along with all the artillery. Our cavalry was on both wings, and one more detachment was sent to flank the enemy in their rear. Shrimant's good fortune and God's will has granted Mahadji a great victory. Our cavalry and battalions fought very well. Ismail Beg had with him 20 - 22 battalions. These were destroyed. A sardar who had joined him with 3 more battalions were cut down. 20 cannons were seized. Our battalions commanded by Thakurprasad and others, in total 10 battalions which had defected to Jaipur after Lalsot, 6 of these and several others had joined Ismail Beg. With this, he also had 5000 Mughal cavalry. Their entire artillery and the guns used for the siege were all captured. I will send a detailed report when I receive the tally. In spoils of war, we have acquired 5000 camels, 2500 horses, 12-14 elephants, many tents, drums, standards and other equipment. Some 2000-2500 of the battalion sepoys drowned while attempting to flee and swim across the river. Around 8000 of the enemy were slain by our cannonfire and the melee attack. For a distance of one kos (3km), there are bodies of men and horses everywhere. Among our high ranking sardars, Rajashri Dharrao Shinde's brother Narayanrao Shinde, and from the new army, 3-4 sardars were killed. Jivaji Ballal was injured in the neck by grapeshot and his horse was killed. Vithoji Shinde was also injured. Jivbadada's brother is in the new army, his hand was grazed by a bullet. Venkatrao Nimbalkar's brother has 2 injuries. In addition, Shivba Baji Nimbalkar and Bhavji Jathar and other 200-300 men were killed. 500-700 were injured. 2000 horses were lost (killed) by cannonfire. Otherwise God has been kind. After his defeat, Ismail Beg has fled with his father across the river to join Ghulam Kadir.
(Letter continues with news reports unrelated to the battle.)
No. 527 - 5 July, 1788
More details of the battle of Agra.
(Repeated content of events before the battle is omitted.)
The battle with Ismail Beg was enormous. Cavalry was split into three divisions, and one large division of the battalions. The battle began with cannonfire. Ismail Beg advanced on our batteries. Then the cavalry attacked from all three sides ( 2 wings and rear) and slew them in great numbers. Slaying the battalions, we captured 50 cannons, 8 elephants, standards and other camp equipment. A large number have been taken prisoner. Ismail Beg has a sword and spear wound. He fled with barely 20 bodyguards across the river to join Ghulam Kadir. The army performed exceedingly well. They marched right into cannonfire.
(Letter continues with other matters).
No. 574 - 25 June 1790
Appaji Ram describing the Battle of Patan
Ismail Beg, Jaipur, and Marwari forces had combined and camped in the vicinity of Patan for one month near the mountains. Because of the mountains, our forces could not do much. So our army retreated 4 kos away. We posted sentries at all the major passes both day and night. The Joshi (astrologer) had advised us to fight on Ashtami, the Sunday. As fortune would have it, the battle did take place on Sunday. Rajashri Gopalrao Raghunath and Jivji Ballal Bakshi prepared their cavalry and battalions and marched towards the enemy. We marched on them in the mountains (without any artillery) and started a general engagement. Soon, artillery was brought into action. However, their army refused to form up on the open plains. The advance guard that we had sent, then retreated. We sent some pathaks on the Marwari forces. These were Karols (dragoons), and they started sniping their standing army. They started taking casualties, and decided to leave their positions and finally marched on us. As they got closer, the Karols started pulling back slowly, and drew their men towards our army. The Marwaris realized their mistake soon, and started retreating towards the south. The ones who made it to our army were received with artillery fire of the campoo. Commanding it were Rajashri Jivaji Ballal and Lakhwa Dada. This fighting was underway on the right wing. On the left wing, Ismail’s battalions and Mughal cavalry were also ready. They advanced on us at the same time. At this point, between the 3 of them, they unleashed fire from 100-150 field pieces on us.
At this point, De Boigne saheb sustained the attack from the Marwari army on the right, and directed his artillery to fire on the advancing Mughal column to left from its flank. Defeated on all wings, their army routed. This time, our cavalry rode them down and chased the rest. By now one prahar of the night had passed. Jivji Ballal chased their retreating army for almost 12 kos. But they could not be destroyed. The Jaipur army was able to get away. One of Marwar’s main generals, Gangaram Bhandari was said to have been killed. But we are not sure. Once we get news from Jaipur, I will write in detail. We have captured about 100 artillery pieces, large and small. In addition, we seized a great number of muskets and camp equipment. 14-15 elephants were also seized. By the Shrimant’s fortune, Patilbaba has won a great victory. Rajashri Ali Bahadur’s force was also here till today. Before this, Rajashri Sadashivpant Aswalkar Diwanji’s nephew Rajashri Balwantrao was enlisted with a force of 2000 cavalry. On the day of battle, Sunday, he joined Rajashri Gopalrao Raghunath’s command. Holkar has 4-5 thousand men. He faced the Marwaris. To support him, the Peshwa’s pathaks were sent as reinforcements. It turned the tide, and we won the day. Many sardars in the battle are new. But they fought with determination. The new campoo raised by Deboigne received a thorough test and it did admirably, he is a brave general. It seemed like Ismail Beg will be a troublemaker for long, but it was settled very soon.
No. 579 - 21 September 1790
Battle of Merta
Rajashri Patilbaba’s Khas swari ( elite guard) assembled on 28th August 1790. They halted for Gokul Ashtami. Marching from there to Shantunukund, a place for pilgrimage. It is 3 kos from Mathura. From there, the plan was to march to both Jaipur and Marwar territories. After defeating Ismail Beg, our forces went into Marwar. This force captured Sambhar and other places. From there, they marched to Ajmer and captured the city. The fort was invested and bombarded for 10-12 days. By then, the enemy’s forces amassed and gathered near Merta. Intending to give battle, they marched towards us, to within 5 kos of Ajmer. To meet this army, Rajashri Gopalrao Raghunath, Rajashri Jivbadada and Rajashri Lakhwadada left some forces to continue the siege and marched towards the enemy. On Bhadrapad Tritiya, Friday, a big battle ensued.
On the day of battle, our forces took the initiative and advanced to attack. We formed 3 columns. In the center was the artillery and the campoos. Gopalrao Raghunath formed the reserves in the rear. The right wing was Jivbadada and the left wing was Lakhwadada. The Marwaris formed 7 columns and advanced to face us. The first to engage was on our left wing. The Marwaris attacked very strongly, and weakened our left wing. They advanced so far, they almost reached the rear reserves with Gopalrao. But they could not withstand the fire from the campoo in the center. So they regrouped and concentrated all their attack on our right wing. Our right wing was now also pushed back. But the campoo fell on its flank, and routed it. The Marwaris retreated to Nagore. There 8 major nobles among their army, including Bhivrao Bakshi and his son, and Chapavat Shivsingh. Of these, 5-7 fell in the fighting. At this time, some sardars of their army, like Gangaram Bhandari and Aliyavar beg Khan and other 2 or 4 sardars fled. By this point Merta was almost completely vacated, and we captured some sardars. We have captured about 25-27 cannons and some tents and camp baggage. Other than this we also seized horses, camels, elephants. I will also send details of our dead and wounded.
No. 587 - 6 January 1791
Terms of treaty with Jodhpur
Marwar’s vakil Budhsingh has met us. He is here to negotiate a peace treaty. It has been settled. The terms are as follows
Arrears of 50 lakhs, 5 lakhs as expenses for the durbar, and 5 lakhs as nazar for Patilbaba. The details are
40,00,000 yearly dues arrears
7,00,000 previous arrears
8,00,000 2 lakhs per month for 4 months
15,00,000 ?
10,00,000 worth of camels, horses, etc
20,00,000 from next year, each year’s tribute is to be 5 lakhs. 20 lakhs for 4 year dues.
——
60,00,000 total
Some other miscellaneous terms follow regarding forts and jagirs.
No. 591 - 12 February 1791
Terms granted to Jaipur
Peace has been negotiated with Jaipur and Jodhpur. Their vakil Pahadsingh has arrived. A settlement has been negotiated at 15 lakhs. The treaty is as follows-
300,000 to be paid upfront.
100,000 cloth, elephants, horses
11,00,000 to be collected from specified jagirs with our army.
—-
15,00,000
When the battalions betrayed us and went over to Jaipur, they took all our artillery with them. This is compensation for it. In addition, the arrears had mounted to 63 lakhs. Whatever is payable should be paid now, and the rest over several years. We will see what happens.
The remaining letter is about the politics between Holkar, Shinde and Ali Bahadur.
No. 592 - 7 March 1791
Occupation of Ajmer
The fort of Ajmer finally capitulated, and has been occupied.
No. 599 - 4 December 1791
Siege of Chittorgarh
Bhimsingh held the fort of Chittor. But the Rana had no control over it. The Ranaji met us for the same. He requested us to restore it to him. We marched with him and set up camp near it. Bhimsingh fired upon us, so we set up batteries and invested the fort. After 12 days of bombardment, on Karthik month Thursday, (17 November 1791), he asked for peace terms. The fort was handed over to Ranaji and raised his flag. In the past, the Mughal emperor Akbar had to spend a long time siegeing this fort. But it fell within 12 days to us. We left some cavalry and battalions with Ranaji, we marched to Ujjain.
No.600 - 14 December 1791
Mahadji defeats Ismail Beg near Kanod.
After Marwar’s king Bijaysingh informed him, Ismail Beg left and went to the Shekhawati lands near Jaipur. Neither king was willing to host him. He was left with no choice. Kanod’s fort, held by Najaf Kuli Khan had been invested by Rajashri Khanderrao Hari. Najaf Kuli’s begum was in the fort. After getting in touch with her, he marched from Jaipur to Kanod. He had 6-7 thousand cavalry, 25 field pieces. When he got within 5 kos of Kanod, Rajashri Khanderrao got news of it. Raising the siege, he assembled his battalions and cavalry. On the next day, Margashirsha Shuddha Navmi ( 4 December 1791) Sunday, Ismail Beg brought his cannons into action. Both sides fired at each other. From the 2nd prahar to the third, there was a heavy firing from both sides. After this, Khanderrao advanced with both battalions and the cavalry. Beg’s army was routed and his field pieces captured. He fled with just 4 bodyguards to the fort of Kanod. Khanderrao’s cavalry and battalions are still there. Another small force arrived from Mathura to help. When it arrives, we will seize the fort.