Battle of Amjhera
Battle of Amjhera | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part of Later Mughal-Maratha war | |||||||
| |||||||
Belligerents | |||||||
![]() |
![]() | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Battle of Amjhera,[3] also known as Capture of Malwa,[4] was fought between Chimaji Appa brother of Bajirao in November 1728 against the Mughal Subhedar of Malwa Girdhar Bahadur and his cousin Daya Bahadur in which both were killed and Marathas emerged out victorious.[5][6][7][8]
Background[edit]
The two brothers, Bajirao and Chimnaji, were driven by the urgent need to procure funds for Shahu, their master, to settle his debts. They strategized to invade Malwa, as suggested by Dado Bhimsen based on Jaysingh advice, aiming for a swift and effective campaign[9][10]Chimnaji took the western route while Bajirao opted for the eastern route, both keeping close communication for mutual support. Their trusted lieutenants, including Malhar Rao Holkar and Ranoji Sindhia, accompanied them to prepare for the invasion.[11][12][13]
Battle[edit]
On 9th November 1728 Chimaji Appa left Chandvad province and arrived on the South bank of Harmada on 24th November 1728 via Dhule and Nandurbar. Next day he crossed the river near Dharampuri at Akbarpur ferry. On 27th he arrived at Mandavgarh[14][15]
Mughal forces were led by Girdhar Bahadur and Daya Bahadur. Girdhar Bahadur thought that the Marathas will ascend the ghat near Amjhera as the Mandu ghat was well guarded. sawai Jai singh had already instructed the Rajput Zamindars of Malwa not to obstruct the Maratha march. Rao Nandlal kandloi, the Chaudhary of Indore who was in charge of Narmada fords, did not resist the Marathas. On 29th November 1728 Day Bahadur who was at Amjhera, when heard the march of the Marathas, moved towards Dhar. He got the too late due to the non-cooperation of the inhabitants. The Maratha march was nowhere opposed. The Marathas encountered Dayabahadur at a village called Tireallah, between Amjhera and Dhar. On the 29th Girdhar Bahadur was killed. The Mughal forces fled, leaving their camp plundered. Marathas captured guns, standards, kettledrums, and 18 elephants. Maratha officials replaced Mughal officers in South Malwa[16][17][18]
I am happy to learn the news of your victory at Amjhera, which is due to the blessing of our master and our revered father. May God continue to grant you similar victories ever more. You must take forethought about the future press upon the capital Ujjain with all speed so as to obtain funds with which to pay the Chhatrapati's debts. I note what you say about the strenuous services rendered by Udaji Pawar and others. We rely upon them all for follow- ing up this first achievement with equal persistence. Convey to them all my congratulations and an assurance of our good intentions. You must in particular be very circumspect. Allow no slackness in discipline, nor feel unduly elated by your suc- cess. Your first concern should be money and more money. We intend marching towards Bundelkhand via Chanda and Devgad.
— Bajirao
References[edit]
- ^ Sardesai, Govind Sakharam (1946). New History Of The Marathas Vol.2. pp. 101–103.
- ^ G. H. Khare (1978-01-01). Rajput Maratha Relations 1707-1760 AD ( Vol. 1). pp. 101–106.
- ^ Sardesai, Govind Sakharam (1946). New History Of The Marathas Vol.2. pp. 101–103.
- ^ Gupta, Hari Ram (2021-06-13). Marathas And Panipat. Panjab University, 1961. p. 12.
- ^ Saxena, r k (1957). Maratha Relations With The Major States Of Rajputana. p. 5.
- ^ Misra, s c (1957). Sindhia Holkar Rivalry In Rajasthan. p. 5.
- ^ G. H. Khare (1978-01-01). Rajput Maratha Relations 1707-1760 AD ( Vol. 1). pp. 101–106.
- ^ Gupta, Hari Ram (2021-06-13). Marathas And Panipat. Panjab University, 1961. p. 12.
- ^ G. H. Khare (1978-01-01). Rajput Maratha Relations 1707-1760 AD ( Vol. 1).
- ^ Sardesai, Govind Sakharam (1946). New History Of The Marathas Vol.2.
- ^ Gupta, Hari Ram (2021-06-13). Marathas And Panipat. Panjab University, 1961.
- ^ Saxena, r k (1957). Maratha Relations With The Major States Of Rajputana.
- ^ G. H. Khare (1978-01-01). Rajput Maratha Relations 1707-1760 AD ( Vol. 1).
- ^ Sardesai, Govind Sakharam (1946). New History Of The Marathas Vol.2.
- ^ G. H. Khare (1978-01-01). Rajput Maratha Relations 1707-1760 AD ( Vol. 1).
- ^ Gupta, Hari Ram (2021-06-13). Marathas And Panipat. Panjab University, 1961.
- ^ Saxena, r k (1957). Maratha Relations With The Major States Of Rajputana.
- ^ Misra, s c (1957). Sindhia Holkar Rivalry In Rajasthan.