Volume 13: Entry to malwa
Malwa was one of the strategic provinces of the Mughal empire. On its south, was the Narmada river, separating the Deccan from Hindustan. To its west was Gujarat. To its north were the core provinces of Delhi, Ajmer, Allahabad, Awadh, and to its east was Bundelkhand. Starting in 1703-04, and intensifying in the 1720s, the Marathas pushed deep into Malwa, eventually getting formal recognition over it by 1740. The first major battle was with the subhedars of the province- Giridhar and Daya Bahadur. The second was the battle of Bhopal, in 1737.
No.16 - 10/19 December 1728
Dhanaji Dhamdhere congratulates Chimaji for his victory over Giridhar Bahadur from Bajirao's camp.
Giridhar Bahadur has been defeated. We are pleased to learn of this. You are victorious. Ishwar(God) will continue granting such victories.
No.17 - 24 December 1728
Krishnarao Mahadeo congratulates Chimaji on his victory over Malwa's subhedar, Daya Bahadur, and gives details of a fort capture.
Krishnarao Mahadeo salutes you. The Swami's orders have been received. We learnt that Daya Bahadur marched on you. There was heavy musket fire from both sides. Daya Bahadur and his sardars fell in battle. His camp fell into our hands. I was pleased to hear this. The Swami has good fortune and karma, hence Ishwar grants him more victories. Daya Bahadur was no ordinary commander, and yet he was defeated. There is more land to be conquered. Ishwar will not withdraw protection from you. In this province, Raja Shahu marched to Lohagarh. After one day's bombardment, the fort surrendered. Rajashri Purandare was also present. In the Kalyan province, the Firangis do not create much trouble. We are cautious.
News from the Junnar province, is that while the King was at Pune, orders were received to capture Chakan. Infantry and cavalry was mobilized. When we got to the foot of the mountain fort, a short battle ensued. Rajashri Govind Krishna was summoned to fight. He kept around 500 men to defend the fort and sallied out with the rest to attack Govindpant. There was heavy firing on both sides with matchlock muskets. One sardar fell on their side, and a few men, 25 injured. We lost only one man, and 2 injured. Nimbalkar marched to Chakan with 1000 rauts. Govindpant faced him and chased him away. He pillaged 10 villages and carried off some cattle. We will have to garrison it strongly.
No.23 - 27 December 1728 / 30 March 1729
Bajirao congratulates Chimaji for his victory over Giridhar Bahadur, Daya Bahadur's brother.
Blessings to brother Chimaji from Bajirao. Your letters on 30th November 1728 from the camp at Amjhera have been received. Giridhar Bahadur marched to give battle. There was heavy fighting. He was defeated and our banners were victorious. This I have received. It has pleased me greatly to know you have defeated such a strong enemy. May God give you more such victories for all time, and give you opportunities to write such letters to me. You must have marched on Ujjain after defeating Giridhar Bahadur. You should siege Ujjain, and capture any jagirs or forces of Giridhar Bahadur and his clan, and use it to pay down any outstanding debts.
I am marching with Rajashri Davaljirao Somvanti Sarlashkar to Avdhe with our armies. When we reach there, I will send more news. Your letters say that in the battle with Giridhar Bahadur, Rajashri Udaji Pawar and the Huzurat's regiments fought very hard. He has always fought hard and contributed to victories since the beginning. He is a trustworthy sardar. You should continue on your path of glory. I am on my way to Raja Chhatrasal's province. The Sarlashkar has 10,000 men, and I have another 4,000. In total, about 20 to 25 thousand horses. Some men from the Bhonsles (of Nagpur) may also be enlisted.
No.45 - 4 April 1729
Pilaji Jadhavrao to Narayan Dixit informing that he has besieged the Mughal subhedar Muh. Khan Bangash and extended the Maratha dominions to the Yamuna river.
We marched into this prant with allies from Devgadh. Muh. Khan Bangash, the subhedar of Prayag, marched with 20,000 men against us. We destroyed his army and forced him to seek shelter in the fort. His forces are reduced to dire straits, and it costs 3 Rupees for each ser (about 1.1kg) of grain in his camp. All supplies have been cut off. He will be forced to surrender within 8 days. If he does, I will be able to return soon. I will discuss more when we meet. As per the Swami's orders, our realm had extended up to the Yamuna river. Many of the army's men have gone for a mahayatra.(great pilgrimage).