Volume 20: Bhonsles of Nagpur
The Bhonsles of Nagpur were sardars in service of the Maratha empire since its earliest days. They would go on to found a semi independent state at Nagpur, and expanding to Orissa, and collecting tribute from Bengal till the British conquest in 1757.
No.86 4 February 1757
Janoji Bhonsle reports a fight with the Nizam.
Gosavi has sent 2 or 3 letters that the Nizam is to be defeated. As it was delayed, the Nizam's forces have become formidable. It is tough to manage now. The provinces are getting ravaged due to the ongoing battles with the Nizam's forces. So it is necessary to put pressure on his army and bring him to negotiate soon. I have received orders to push the Nizam out from these lands to his own.
His province has already been plundered. Nizam Ali marched from Burhanpur, via Akola, Nagpur and is in the vicinity of Solapur. My army is mostly cavalry, and ready to face the Mughals in the vicinty of Dahihandi. (some village or town). At Dahihandi, the Mogul left behind his camp and baggage, and moved ahead with his artillery. He started a bombardment from afar, and some of his shots fell in our camp. To keep the horses fresh for battle, we dismounted. At two prahars in the night, as some horsemen were dismounted, and some still standing, on the right wing of the Huzurat, Rajashri Piraji Naik Nimbalkar and Padmoji Jachak were deployed. All of a sudden, the Mogul launched a fierce attack, firing 100- 150 rockets at them, as well as 10 -15 cannons. The horses panicked, and 200-300 horses bolted, most of them ran to our camp.
With the intention of catching us unawares, they also sent another detachment of 2 to 3 thousand infantry, with rocket men and artillery on the other side. Seeing that we had already detected their presence, they stayed at far range, and fired some rockets and field pieces. When we retaliated with strong rocket fire, they retired back to their camp. A few men have lost their horses, which ran away. If any are located, their return is requested. As it was a dark night, and the terrain was broken, the Nizam returned to his camp quickly. The next day, he marched away. Our army was prepared, and engaged him in battle near Chadoli. We slew some gardis on his side. But the fire from the artillery and gardis was immense. We lost about 15o men and horses, dead and injured. In total, we have lost 400 horses dead. The land is also spoilt. The situation at Varad is like Gangathadi. There is no revenue to be collected from Varad.
With Gondwana in mind, we should negotiate a truce. But the Nizam will get to know more about the province. Today, our men (damaged). We have 20,000 cavalry, and together with the camp followers, it amounts to around 50,000. The Mogul has 10,000 gardis, 8,000 cavalry, and with camp followers, total around 40,000. Because of these large armies foraging, the province is ruined. Even if a truce is signed, what Gosavi wrote is happening. There is no news from Nawab Salabutjung.
(Letter continues with other political details.)
No.93 - 5 December 1757
Fight between raghuji karande and ibrahim gardi
I am writing the news that was received about the big battle between Raghuji Karande and the Nawab near Jalgaon. The Marathas combined their forces and gave a good battle. The army hit Ibrahim Khan Gardi's men quite hard. Their artillery was also attacked, and 150 men killed, many more injured. One howdah on Ibrahim Khan's side was emptied. On our side, 25 men have confirmed to be killed, with 5-7 of them being officers. Another 100-150 are injured. Some 100 -150 horses were killed by artillery fire. The Nawab then reinforced his army quickly. Such is the news. The Nawab is now camping at Burhanpur. We are outside. The government's province has also been quite damaged. Near Varad, the Mogul sacked all the villages he came across. 10,000 people fleeing his ravaging have taken shelter with us. The Gardis were brutal on the population. About a 1000 women committed suicide. We are planning a night attack. We are watching for their move from Burhanpur. I will send more details later. The Swami should not be angry for the delay of 2 days. I was delayed due to excurisions.