Mahadji Shinde: Maratha-Mysore war
The third war began in 1785, and ended with the treaty of Gajendragad in 1787. As the promises of this treaty were not honoured by Tipu, it led to Marathas joining the British, along with the Nizam, in the 3rd Anglo Mysore war in 1790 leading to the 4th Maratha-Mysore war.
This is a translation of a selection of letters published from "Letters of Mahadji Shinde" regarding this war.
No. 435 - 19th February 1786
Tipu mobilizing for war.
Your letter has been received. On Margashirsha 10 Dashami's muhurat, (17 December 1785) we assembled in the camp. Rajashri Haripant Tatya (Phadke) has marched ahead with his force. We will follow soon. Rajashri Tukoji Holkar has also marched ahead of us. The Nawab marched on Chandra 23 Mohram (26 November 1785). Bhonsles will arrive soon. Tipu's forces are 50,000 gardis and 60,000 pyada, 12 or 13 thousand cavalry and 150 field pieces. They will march to the Krishna river, according to the spies' reports. 25,000 gardis, and 10 thousand cavalry have been sent ahead to Kittur. As events unfold, we will write more. As Tipu is marching to cross the Krishna, Haripant and Holkar are being sent ahead to checkmate his crossing. Rajashri Mudhoji Bhonsle was also supposed to join. By now he would have joined us with his full army. The Nawab (Nizam) marched on 23 Mohram. When he meets, please write to me about it. The total force consists of the government's force, the Bhonsles and the Nawab. What is stopping you from destroying Tipu? The Shrimant's fortune is great. Write to me updates about further preparations and moves.
No. 444 - 11 May 1786
Mahadji inquires about the progress of the war with Tipu.
Tipu marched to Bangalore from Shrirangapattanam to wage war on the government. Beyond Shrirangapattanam is the zamindari of Coorg held by polygars. Tipu sent some forces and seized it, capturing some 2 or 4 thousand. Our forces then met them and pushed his army back. In response, he marched personally with his elite troops. We engaged two or three times. Tipu lost a lot of men and some artillery as well. This happened in the month of Kartik. Since then, all the passes have been sealed and there is almost no new information. We have received a report that after the battles, Tipu has returned to Shrirangapattanam. He was injured by a bullet. He halted there for 12 days. Some even say he died. There are rumours the king of Rome (Ottomans) may send some force for reinforcements. We don't think this news is true. We also received news from the English from Calcutta that Tipu may have died. We have already informed you of the same. Your news seems to confirm the same. If it is true, it is the time to expand the government's hold substantially. The Nawab has also mobilized his army. By the Shrimant's fortune, Tipu has been defeated.
No. 445 - 15 May 1786
Mahadji learns how Tipu forced the government into war. He strongly recommends pursuing this war relentlessly.
While the English regiments march, yours as well as Rajashri Patilbaba's letters have been received. We have replied that we will seek counsel and arrived at Siddhatek. Just then, the English made a treaty with Tipu. This left us with the burden of expenses. The Nawab too retired. Even Tipu started talking of negotiations. He sent troops to Nargund and erected batteries for bombardment. We also dispatched Rajashri Parshurambhau and Ganeshpant Behre with 25000 cavalry. When they got close, the siege was lifted. Tipu's envoy suggested that since the siege was lifted, the government's army should retreat, and that Tipu's army will also retire. Knowing that the Krishna might flood soon, we accepted and asked Parshurambhau and Behre to retreat. As soon as the river was flooded, Tipu broke his promise and put the fort to siege again, and captured it. As this news arrived, I have already written about it, but haven't received any response. He also captured Kittur, next.
The negotiations came to nothing, but we have taken losses in revenue. What more is there to write? We wrote to the Nizam for counsel. He decided to meet us for discussions, and marched to Yedgi and met us on 15 Ravilahari (15 February 1786). The Nawab has prepared well. 125 cannons, 40 thousand gardis, 25 thousand cavalry. Our army is 40 thousand cavalry, 40 cannons, and 10 thousand gardis. In addition, we have Holkar's 12 thousand cavalry, and 10 thousand from Bhonsles, in total 62 thousand. Tipu's forces are 50 thousand gardis, 60 thousand pyadas (matchlock infantry), 25 to 30 thousand cavalry, and 200 cannons. It will be a very large battle. The expenses are enormous, and supplies are tough to arrange. We are doing the best we can. Once the army camps, we will decide the further course of action. A few sardars have not replied to summons yet. So we learnt from Rajashri Sadashiv Dinkar's letter.
When Tipu signed a treaty with the English, we had an opportunity to march on Tipu and finish it between the two armies if we had been able to mobilize sooner. But the government's army took too long to gather. By then, Tipu's irregular soldiery was causing losses to the company leading them to make a treaty. The English complained that our army did not march in time. After you marched out, you met the Nawab and sent Parshurambhau and Haripant ahead. Tipu then raised the siege of Nargund. We recalled our troops due to the flooding of the Krishna. As soon as the river was unfordable, he returned to the siege. He is treacherous and does not keep his word. The letters that you sent have been responded, but they may not reach you in sequence.
Tipu marched ahead, and to counter him, the Nizam has also joined us now. Holkar and Ganeshpant are now leading the vanguard. The Nawab is following us, and there is also the rumour of Tipu's death. You have already made arrangements for facing the enemy after camping. The Shrimant's fortune is great. We will be victorious.
No. 461 - 26 July 1786
Update of campaign against Tipu - capture of Badami.
Your letter has been received. News about the capture of fortress of Badami has been written to you earlier. We had a hard time, and the soldiers were sent to their quarters. It has been tough to arrange for their pay. The Shrimant must also have a sizeable army at all times by him. To this end, Rajashri Haripant, Rajashri tukoji Holkar and other sardars, along with their troops have been sent to their quarters, and I am returning to Pune.
After the capture of Badami, the fort must be garrisoned strongly, and the Shrimant should also have a strong army with him. Thinking so, the sardars must have planned accordingly. (Rest of the letter is about administrative matters).
No. 481 - 28 September 1786
Progress of the war, capture of Gajendragad by Haripant and Tipu's sudden attack.
The capture of Badami was written to you earlier. After garrisoning the fort, Rajashri Haripant along with his army, infantry, and artillery was sent to quarters in the Karnatak province, and I returned to Pune to meet the Shrimant. Our army marched from Badami to Gajendragad to capture it. Just then, we got news that along with Fateh Ali Khan and his full army along with artillery, he has arrived in the vicinty of Adoni. Chiranjeev Rajashri Krishnarao Balwant was given command of 20 thousand cavalry and sent ahead. Nawab Nizam Ali Khan dispatched from Bhagyanagar, Mogal Ali with Moin ud Daula, and Tegjung along with cavalry and infantry of around 25 thousand towards Adoni. But without the sarkar's army, they would have a tough time. The Nawab wrote to us saying we must combine the armies. At Raichur, Apa and the Nizam's army had a meeting and together they crossed the Tungabhadra. Haripant had camped near Gajendragad. The killedar of the fort feared that Haripant would put everyone to the sword if he captures it, so it is better to seek terms. There was no point in fighting. He sent an envoy to negotiate. After negotiations, the sarkar's flag was hoisted on the fortress. Earlier, this was the possession of Daulatrao Hindurao Ghorpade. After Haidar captured it, he strengthened it further and kept a garrison of 3 thousand. By the Shrimant's fortune, we secured it easily. From there, Haripant now marched further. Baslatjung's son Mahabatjung is at Adoni. He is a good fighter. They fought for 3 days with Tipu. Mahabatjung fared well in all 3. Tipu's Burhanuddin and Holkar also clashed in battle. We seized some horses from them as spoils- this has already been written. Badami's fort was captured by storming it, and it is a great success. I have received your earlier letters informing of the capture and Haripant being sent to quarters, and replies have been sent already. (Rest of the letter is a repeat of above.)
No. 492 - 4 December 1786
Capture of bahadur benda, clashes with Tipu's army.
The fortress of Bahadur Benda was with Tipu. We sent a force to capture it. When our army arrived, the killedar was afraid of our army, and opened negotiations immediately. He surrendered the fort. The fortress is quite strong. Tipu has spent a fortune making it stronger. By the Shrimant's fortune, it was captured without battle. Tipu's advance guard marched on us. We fought them and slew about 500 of them. 100-200 horses were captured from them. After some time, Rajashri Haripant also reached with his army. Tipu knew he was in a tough spot. Haripant is at a distance of 4 kos. Both armies skirmished, and fire cannons at each other.
(Rest of the letter is same as before).
No. 595 - 31 July 1791
Maratha army brings relief to the English army at Seringapatanam.
Rajashri Haripant and Rajashri Parshurambhau crossed the Tungabhadra. They met at Nagamandalam, combined their forces. They marched to Melkotte, which is 10 kos from Shrirangapattanam. Tipu and the English fought a battle there. The English had a hard time with supplies, and many of their bullocks and horses died. The Nawab's army, accompanying the English also lost a lot of horses and bullocks. Some of the force deserted. The English thought of retreating to Bangalore and retired 1 kos. Just then, Haripant and Parshurambhau marched with a force of 50 thousand and reached their vicinity. They met at Moti Talao. Our forces' arrival was very timely. After our arrival, the English, who had originally planned to retire to Bangalore, decided to stay 12 kos from Shriragapattanam. They thought of sieging Shrirangapattanam, but the river Kaveri was flooding, and it was the monsoon, so it was decided to camp at a distance of 10 kos. We had to garrison troops enroute, so it took an additional 4 to 5 days, but it helped later. We reached just in time. We will send more updates later.
(Rest of the letter repeats.)
No. 603 - 15 March 1792
Update of the war with Mysore.
General Lord Cornwallis and Rajashri Haripant laid siege to the fort of Magdi in the forest. The English stormed it on 24 Ravilakhari and seized it. The English have seized all the territory between Chennapattanam to Shrirangapattanam. Soon they will march on Shrirangapattanam. A force of 2 thousand from the Nawab was also present. As the force is insufficient, the English wrote to the Nawab, who dispatched more reinforcements with his son Sikandarjah. They are at [damaged] kos from Gurumkonda. They will soon meet up. Supplies are in shortage, and very expensive. The capture of the fortress of Magdi will help lessen the pressure, as it was a major impediment to getting supplies. Now the road is clear for supplies to arrive.
No. 604 - 15 March 1792
Battle of Shimoga - Parshuram Bhau defeats Tipu's general Reza Ali.
Rajashri Parshurambhau captured Holhonur, Bankapur, the talukas of Bednore. Just then, he received news of the arrival of Tipu's army near Shivamogga. He marched to a distance of 2 kos from them. Tipu's general Reza Ali had marched with 10 thousand infantry, and 1500 cavalry along with artillery, and camped near the forest, digging trenches for defense. The paga was sent ahead. They skirmished with the enemy forces, mostly with cannon fire, but swords were also drawn.
The next day, Rajashri Raghunathrao Nilkanth, Ramchandra Parshuram, and Ganpat Anandrao and others along with the gardi infantry marched on them. Parshurambhau followed in the rear. The advance guard clashed and broke through their ranks. They retreated further back to the cover of the trees. We captured some 10-12 cannons along with some tents and camp equipment. A lot of his men were slain. Reza Ali fled from the camp. Meanwhile, Parshurambhau moved to Shivamogga, set up batteries and was about to start bombardment. Just then, the fort commander surrendered, and our flag was flown on the fort. I will write more updates as they happen.
At Shrirangapattanam, our forces, along with the Nawab and the English clashed with Tipu, who was entrenched. After a major battle, he was routed and his entire camp and artillery captured. From the Akhbars (newsletters) we have heard that Tipu has retreated to the forest.
No. 605 - 3 April 1792
Conclusion of the war with Mysore and treaty signing.
Rajashri Haripant, along with the Nizam's son Poladjung and the English marched to within 3 kos of Shrirangapattanam. On 13 Jamadilakhari, the English moved ahead with 15 battalions and artillery. Tipu heard of this and prepared for battle. By the time the battle began, it was another day. Both sides took heavy casualties, at least 3000 dead, many more injured. By evening, our forces as well as the Nawab's also reached the site of battle. Tipu was forced to retreat, and opened negotiations and sent envoys. After discussions with the Nawab and the English, a treaty was finalized. Of Tipu's lands, half will be ceded to the three parties along with 30 million Rupees in compensation. Until this is completed, both of Tipu's sons will be kept as hostages. They were surrendered, and met us. This has been written to us by Hari Ballal. In this way, the campaign lasting a year and half, that cost us much, was brought to a close, and the cost recovered. The batteries near Pattan were captured as well. This is all the Swami's good fortune.
(Remaining letter repeats.)