Volume 2: Panipat campaign
This is a set of letters grouped together in Volume 2, the Panipat campaign, that lasted from 1759-1761. This should be read together with Volume 21 and Volume 27, which cover northern expeditions during Balaji Bajirao's time, and includes the 2 prior campaigns of 1753-54 and 1757-58 as well as events of this final campaign.
No. 21 - 26 September 1750
Rohillas defeat Safdarjung, the Wazir.
The Pathans have created havoc in Hastinapur. Mansur Ali Khan sent his Bakshi Naval Rai with 20,000 men. They fought a pitched battle, the Bakshi's force was defeated. Further reinforcements of 10,000 were also routed. At this point, Mansur Ali Khan took to the field himself and advanced. Suraj Mal Jat, Hemraj Bakshi, Ishwari Singh had also been defeated. The Pathans were victorious. Mansur Ali Khan fell unconscious on the battlefield. Salabat Khan was in Jaynagar prant. He met and negotiated with Ishwari Singh. Salabat Khan then went to Delhi, while Ishwari Singh went to Jaipur, Bakht Singh went to Nagore, Ram Singh went to Mircha(?).
No.23 - 8 October 1750
Malharrao Holkar writes more details about the fight that led to the Wazir's defeat.
News from Hindustan is the Pathans killed Naval Rai. Their position is stronger now. Nawab Mansur Ali Khan sent the royal artillery in his support and marched himself. Kamruddin Khan's son Mirbaka and Serjung and Delhi's umrao.(cuts off) Suraj Mal was in the advance guard. Ishwari Singh had sent Hemraj Bakshi with 5000 men. The Pathans were on the southern side of the Ganga. They fought a pitched battle near Soram ghat at Sitakundi.
From the morning, for 3 praharas, there was artillery fire, rockets and jezails. The advance guard of Jats fought well on the first day. Their morale was high and they advanced. The Pathans withdrew to a more defensible position and erected new batteries. It was a brisk artillery fire on both sides. After this, the pathans sent 5-7 thousand infantry who walked through the artillery fire on the Jats. The Jats fired a lot of rockets at this advancing line. But the Pathans closed in and it turned into a swordfight. The Jats lost around 300-400 men and an equal number of Pathans fell. The Jats pulled back from their positions. The next line was formed by some topiwale. (Topiwale means hat wearers- Europeans , mostly English are referred to as topiwale. It is doubtful there were enough European mercenaries to form a full line. It could refer to a regiment raised and commanded by Europeans or drilled and uniformed in their fashion). They gave way without much fighting as the Pathans advanced.
At this point, the Nawab's army's morale collapsed and it started wavering. The Nawab's khasi fauj (elite guard) clashed with the Pathans. The Nawab's man Hisabkhan fell in battle, as did Ismailkhan. Md. Adakhan, Md. Jamakhan, Ghasdekar Bahadur Singh and his son, Khan Dauran's son, Chudaman Jat's son Mahakumsingh, 2 Balochi sardars, and Balujat's nephew all fell in battle. Many more men were slain or injured. The Pathans also took heavy casualties. The Nawab's army was panicking. The Nawab left his elephant and got on a horse. The Pathans spotted him and focused their artillery, musket fire at him, as well as charging him. Mirbaka and Serjung were in the flanks. Their fire was ineffective. (or they did not fire). When it seemed the Nawab has fallen, they fled to Delhi.
Suraj Mal and Hemraj Bakshi also crossed the Yamuna and left. The Pathans won a great victory. They captured the entire artillery train. The Nawab's army was large, but they had little in common, and had traitors in their midst. The wazir was the foundation of the empire. It is now crumbling. We should wait and see if the Pathans ravage Delhi or seize the province, and whom they make the Wazir. Salabat Khan was at Ajmer, he has also decamped. Raje Ishwarisingh has arrived in Jaipur and Ramsingh in Merta. Delhi will see new administration. As the Pathans will make their move, I will write more. Our army must be prepared and ready to seize any opportunity. Rajashri Jayaji's pathaks (cavalry squadrons) should be readied and sent soon.
No.32 - 23 March, 1751
A Rohilla force is defeated by Marathas
The Wazir, his sardars and army has made a halt near Antarved at Kali river. Shadil Khan Pathan, Ahmad Khan Bangash's chief sardar was at Sikandar prant with 4000 cavalry and 4000 infantry. Our sardars routed his force. Ahmad Khan Bangash was at Prayag. He has retraced his steps to Farrukabad. The Nawab wazir and his sardars are on their way to defeat him. Rest of the letter is lost to damage.
No.42 - June 1754
Part of a letter, from when Marathas are in Delhi.
Najib Khan Rohilla marched on Gangapur with 10,000 men in the advance guard. Gajinagar is 6 kos from Delhi, where he has camped. Any forces outside have gathered to the fort near Delhi on the Yamuna. Gajdikhan's camp is on the Yamuna. A boat bridge is being built for the artillery to be ferried across. Madhosingh is amassing his forces. Jayappa has demanded a tribute of 10 to 20 lakhs, failing which the army will be destroyed. (not sure against whom, pathans?) . Rest of the letter is incomplete.
No.49 - November 1755
Dattaji Shinde defeats Bijesingh near Nagore.
The Jaisalmer Bhatis, and Pokhran's sardars sent men to Bijesingh's army and together they marched to Jalore. Together with the forces of Jalore, we marched on this force. Jodhpur's Rajashri Jagannath Purohit, Rajashri Janrao Wable, Satvoji Bande were grouped together. Rajashri Santaji Wable, Malaji Valad Shahji Shinde and the Huzurat's men, Rajashri Jivji Pawar and Tukoji Pawar's men were sent against them. We clashed near Gojoda (?) and routed them. They fled to the town in great confusion. We have set up camps and cut off access to the town. Had they not fled to the safety of the town, they would have been destroyed. His army is short on supplies. In 2 or 3 days, they will be forced to surrender. Jodhpur's Purohit, Wable will see to the siege.
We laid siege to Nagore and put down any rebellions. Nagore's defenders were in a tough spot. But Raje Madhosingh sent a force with Anirudhsingh as a relief force. With news of this army enroute, Bijesingh has held out. Otherwise he would have surrendered already. By the Swami's grace, Anirudhsingh has also been defeated. He is seeking terms. After he meets us, we will negotiate a treaty and I will write about the same. The Kachhwa's forces are near Delhi. We would have marched on it, but it would require raising the siege of Nagore, so we are holding still.
No.50 - 28 October 1755
Jankoji shinde makes attacks on Anirudhsingh's relief force sent by Madhosingh.
The Kacchwa's army of 25-30 thousand led by Anirudhsingh marched from Ramgadh (Aligarh) to the province of Marwar. Our sardars Rajashri Narsinghrao Shinde, Kanhaji Jadhav, Ranoji Bhoite outflanked them and attacked their rear guard. They slew about 900 men, wounded many more, and seized 1200 horses. Anirudhsingh then changed course and camped 3 kos from Didwana. He could not get any water for 4 prahars. We made more sorties on their army, and slew another 300 to 400 men, and captured another 400 horses. Such was the situation till yesterday. If he marches ahead, we will make more attacks. Rajashri Antaji Mankeshwar has not arrived yet.
No. 71 - 1757
The writer, Badrinath, describes the destruction wrought by Abdali.
Whatever the Maharaj commands, I have been following. Hindustan's patshahi has weakened, and it is only getting worse. After Abdali's invasion, the Pathans have grown bolder and ravage what they can. Abdali has not exempt the Pathans either. There is a Rohilla named Nijabat. When Abdali marched in on the route to Lahore, he went and saluted Abdali beforehand, and saved himself and his land from devastation. On the way back, Abdali erected batteries, bombarded his fort and seized 20 lakhs in tribute from him.
Mhd Shah's wives Mailka Zamani and Sahebmahal etc were carried away by Abdali. 200 camels loaded with treasure were taken from Delhi. Abdali's army took in total 28,000 camels, elephants, donkeys, horses and ponies. His army's strength is 80,000 horse and foot total. Whatever they looted is separate. Four cities- Delhi, Agra, Mathura, Vrundavan were plundered. They needed so many pack animals, not a single horse or camel was left in any house or farm. His cavalrymen loaded their horses with loot and walked along side them. He had brought with him artillery to attack the Jat forts. But those bullocks were used to carry treasure and the artillery was left behind. The Jats seized these pieces and carried it off. Not a single house in Delhi has even a sword left. Even the artillery from the Patshah's palace was taken away.
He is no friend to the Pathans of Hindustan either. The Pathans plundered their own lands in Abdali's name. They have no say when it comes to Abdali. He extorts from them too. If he cannot find someone else, he will consume them too. The force of his arms is enormous. I am 40 kos away. He has left for this year. But he will likely return. Only the Maharaj can remedy this. If Maharaj takes action now, it will be easier in future.
No.72 - April 1757
Abdali's reverses
Abdali has moved to the canal of Jhil near Delhi. From there he marched ahead. A force crossed the canal and was sent to confront Suraj Mal. Raja Julukishore and Abdali's force clashed and the Pathans were routed, without getting a single Rupee. He has asked Suraj Mal not to raid his convoys enroute to Delhi. Earlier, Gajdikhan taking 2 of Alamgir's sons under him, went to the doab. With him, were 4000 men. Of his force, 2000 men returned to Abdali's camp. With the remaining 4000 men, he went to Farrukhabad. It seems he has fallen out with Alamgir. Abdali's sardar Gajbadkhan was in the Wazir's camp with 2000 men, and has left, according to spies. His son was carrying treasure. The Jats attacked and carried off some of it while it was in transit. The rumour that Abdali has died is not true. But no one has seen him in 15 days. They say he has departed leaving the large artillery and tents behind.
No.77 - 1757
Multiple proposals by Najib Khan on behalf of Abdali to settle the border with Marathas.
Najib Khan has sent with Abdul Ahmad Khan a letter to Rajashri Subhedar. It is enclosed as follows-
1> I am your ally. I will do as commanded. I am indebted to you, and it is improper for you to raise your sword against me. If you ask, I will retire beyond the Yamuna. Please hand over the Delhi region to whoever you see fit.
2> If you order me, I will go to the Shah. I will negotiate with him and settle the boundaries. The Shah will stay in his borders. You will manage your affairs in Hindustan. There will be no cause for worry.
3> I will keep my sardar Javtakhan with 5-7 thousand men with you at all times. There will be no reason to have any suspicions on me.
4> If you are unwilling to these offers, and resolved to fight, then the Rohillas beyond the doab and from everywhere else are resolved to fight together and let God decide who will rule all.
With these 4 points, he has sent Abdul Ahmad Khan. He has left to meet Rajashri Subhedar. The Jats have dismissed him without meeting.
No. 83 - 17 November 1757
Raghunathrao's presence in the north has encouraged the Sikhs to rise up.
Adina Beg has written letters to the Swami and me. The letters contain news from the Punjab. Shah Abdali has left garrisons in Lahore, Doab, Sirhind, etc to defend against us. The Sikhs amassed and fought them. Many of their outposts were destroyed and had to be abandoned. Sahatkhan Afridi, one of the sardars was killed in the doab. The region has been plundered. The Afridis finally vacated the mountains. Lahore's subhedar Khoja Ubaid Khan took 20,000 infantry and cavalry to fight the Sikhs. The Khan was defeated. Many sardars were killed. Even their camp and camp followers were looted. Their artillery was left behind and was taken by the Sikhs.
The Shah is at Kabul. Spies from his camp have sent this report- that Kandahar has also been plundered. The Shah has to deal with the threat from Iranians. So the Shah has sent his army to Kandahar. We are awaiting more news. His artillery and elephants are at Peshawar and Jalalabad. His artillery train is now excellent. He will march on Hindustan next.
No.107 - 10 December 1759
Raja Keshavrao writes to the Peshwa of the arrival of Abdali's forces against Dattaji and Jankoji Shinde.
Raja Keshavrao sends his regards. At Delhi, the Wazir has killed the emperor Alamgir, and has placed a new one, the Kambaksh's grandson who had been in prison, on the throne. I have marched with haste to join Shinde's camp. Abdali will march from Lahore to Delhi. His army has reached Sirhind. Knowing the relations between the earlier Mughal emperor and Abdali, the wazir decided to do away with him. Khankhana, the Wazir's maternal uncle was the earlier Wazir, was imprisoned and his lands and houses were plundered earlier. He was now executed.
A new patshah now sits on the throne replacing Alamgir. Any competent men loyal to him have been driven off, and their lands confiscated and destroyed. Now we have to watch if Abdali will go in support of the Rohillas. The Rohillas and Shuja may combine their forces and march on Shinde. If Abdali joins in, the trio will be together against Shinde. Rajashri Malharrao Holkar is still occupied with dealing with Madhosingh. He will have to finish the matter soon and reinforce Shinde. Maharaja Pratap is favourably disposed towards us. The Maharaj is already getting reports from all over. I will send more as I find out.
No.114 - 15 January 1760
Hingane, the Maratha vakil writes to Mahipatrao Chitnis, about Dattaji Shinde's fight with Abdali at Delhi.
We clashed with Abdali and the Rohillas near Delhi. Rajashri Dattaji Shinde fell in battle. Jankoji Shinde's arm was pierced by a musket shot. I was shot in the thigh by a jezail (large musket). In addition, 10-12 bargirs were also killed. Because of the dense grass, we were trapped on the bank of the Yamuna. We were unable to form up to give battle. We kept retreating in a disordered way for 70 kos. (200km). They gave chase for 20 kos (60km). Our advance guard came in contact with their entire army, so we were forced to retreat. We just received reports that Dattaji Shinde may be alive and arrive soon. If only we had a good force of 5 to 7 thousand, we would have put up a strong resistance.
No. 114a - 23 January 1760
More details of the earlier letter.
Abdali's army opened heavy fire upon us from the west. To face this, Dattaji and Jankoji Shinde gave up the ongoing campaign against Rohillas, Shuja, and with all haste, marched from Shukratal.
(Next paragraph describes the politics at play from each side's point of view.)
Rohillas and Shuja concluded that after Abdali is defeated,
"the Marathas will march on us and destroy us individually. Meanwhile, Abdali is distant and is here only due to our support. We should ally with him to confront the Marathas to push them south of Hindustan."
They also planned to bring Taimur Shah (Abdali's grandson) to Delhi and declare him the Patshah, Shuja to be the new Wazir and Najib will be the Mir Bakshi, and get a permanent hold on Hindustan. They planned this because they know we don't have any worthwhile Timurid prince in our possession that we can place on the throne. They say,
"The Marathas influence the Wazir and its office. If the Wazir and Marathas come to an agreement, there will be no place for us. So we must seek Abdali to come here to our aid."
The Rohillas in the doab and beyond, and Shuja have divided the mansabs among themselves. They are now on good terms sufficiently to gather together in Abdali's camp. At this time, the Rohillas are on the far bank. Shuja ud Daula, marching 2 or 3 days (damaged). He will stay there as long as Marathas and Abdali are fighting. (damaged) is still at Shukratal.
But his intention is that after Marathas and the Wazir cross the Yamuna, they will cross over and join Abdali and combine into a big force. He has also planned that if the Marathas clash with Abdali before he can join, and Abdali retires by the same Ghat -Budiya(?), at least the doab Rohillas can join Abdali.
On the other hand, if Abdali retires to Attock, then the crown prince Ali Gohar will be brought from Patna and crowned emperor in cooperation with Shuja and Bengal. Such is Najib's plan.
We have to wait and watch what God has planned for us. The mansabs have (damaged) been great. Rajashri Malharrao Holkar is still busy with the Rajputs. We are surrounded by armies on all 4 sides and all of them are enemies. However, the Swami is fortunate, and his men are brave. Despite the predicament we are in, the men's faces show no sign of fear. They are unanimous when they say-
"We will fight and win a victory for the Shrimant.”
No.120 - 1 March 1760
Gangadhar Yashwant gives an update.
I was ordered to not dally in Jaipur and head to Delhi immediately to fight Abdali. I have arrived near Delhi. I have joined Jankoji Shinde in his camp and dispatched a few letters. Keeping some forces to keep a watch on the Moguls, we halted at Sikandari. If the Afghans and Rohillas cross the Yamuna, Shriganga (damaged) we will fight in the doab Rohillas' lands. If they don't attack us, we will attack the Rohilla lands here and across, before engaging their army. With such intention, we have arrived here. In a day or two, we will know the Mogul's plans. Accordingly, we will change plans.
No. 148 - 24 February 1761
Kashiraj Shivdeo, Shuja' vakil writes about the aftermath of the battle- the recovery of the bodies.
I am writing about the matter of the battle between the Afghans and your forces. It is a time of evil tidings. The lord (Shuja) still holds you in high regard. An unfortunate event has come to pass. When Ishwar has decided the outcome, what can be done? Shrimant Sadashivrao and Shrimant Vishwasrao's bodies were recovered by us. They were given a proper cremation with chandan wood as best we could. Yajman (host- in this case Shuja) was saddened by their deaths. We share your sorrow. But what can we do against divine will (Ishwar iccha) ?