Siege of Dharwar (1764)
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| Siege of Dharwar(1764) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Maratha–Mysore Wars | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Maratha Empire |
 Kingdom of Mysore | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
Madhavrao I Gopal Rao |
Mir Faizulla  | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| 30000 Cavalry |
40000 Cavalry 20000 horses | ||||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||||
In September 1764, the Marathas under Madhavrao I began a siege of the Dharwar fort, held by Mir Faizulla’s brother. Despite a two-month resistance, the situation for the defenders grew dire. Haidar sent Mir Faizulla to relieve the fort, but Gopal Rao Patwardhan and Anand Rao Raste prevented his intervention. The fort was surrendered on 6 November 1764. The Marathas then fortified Dharwar, leaving Haidar with only Bankapur. Efforts to negotiate peace were unsuccessful.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Prelude
In August, Hydar Ali initiated peace negotiations through an envoy named Shyam Rao Gopal. However, since Haidar was unwilling to cede territories or pay tribute, the Peshwa refused to halt hostilities. Consequently, Janoji Dhulap was tasked with attacking Haidar from the sea and occupying his posts in Sunda and Bidnur with assistance from the Portuguese and local chiefs.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Both sides sought support from other powers. Haidar Ali's negotiations with the Nizam are noted, while Raghunath Rao, in August, sent friendly letters to Nizam Ali and directed the Maratha agent in Haidarabad to seek aid in men and artillery. The Peshwa also requested help from the President and Council of Madras, a plea strongly backed by the Nawab of Arcot, who viewed Hydar Ali as a greater threat than the Marathas. The President and Council cautioned the Nawab about the potential negative consequences of supporting the Marathas against Haidar, pointing out the financial strain and the risk of leaving the Nawab's territory exposed. They advised that if support were to be given, it should go to Haidar, who might keep the Marathas at bay. Consequently, a polite refusal was conveyed to the Peshwa.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
In contrast, the English authorities in Bombay, though reluctant to send troops, decided to provide Haidar with supplies. They reasoned that while assisting him with troops might not align with their interests, supplying him with cannons, gunpowder, and firearms could help him defend his territories against the Maratha invasion without direct involvement in the conflict.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Siege
In September, the Marathas under Madhavrao I advanced into the region, capturing Haveri and initiating a siege on the fort of Dharwar. This fort, known for its formidable defenses, was held by Mir Faizulla’s brother for a period of two months. Despite the determined resistance, the situation became increasingly dire for the defenders.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
In response, Haidar sent his trusted lieutenant, Mir Faizulla, along with a contingent of troops and artillery to relieve his brother and break the siege. However, Gopal Rao Patwardhan and Anand Rao Raste effectively thwarted Mir Faizulla’s efforts to reach the besieged garrison, preventing any potential relief.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
As the defenders of Dharwar found themselves isolated and without hope of external assistance, they were forced to surrender the fort on 6 November 1764. The Marathas then moved swiftly to fortify Dharwar, solidifying their control over the captured stronghold.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
With Dharwar now under Maratha control, the only remaining territory held by Haidar was Bankapur. Haidar, keen to resolve the conflict, renewed his attempts to negotiate a peace settlement. However, no agreement was reached.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
Reference
- ^ a b c d e f g h Banerjee, Anil Chandra (1943). Peshwa Madhav Rao 1. pp. 51–54.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Sardesai, Govind Sakharam (1946). New History Of The Marathas Vol.2. pp. 486–487.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Vad, Ganesh Chimnaji (1911). Peshwa madhavrao I. The Deccan Vanacular Translation Society, Poona. p. 28.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Vaikunthbhai L. Mehta, Member; S. G. Panandikar, Member; S. M. Katre, Member; P. M. Joshi, Member (1959). Gazetteer of Bombay State Dharwar District. Bombay, Director of Government Printing Publication Stationery. p. 54.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Banerjee, Anil Chandra (1968). Peshwa Madhav Rao I. A. Mukherjee. p. 44.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Selections from the Peshwa Daftar (in Marathi). Government Central Press. 1934. p. 6340.
- ^ a b c d Mehta, Jaswant Lal (2005-01-01). Advanced Study in the History of Modern India 1707-1813. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd. p. 456. ISBN 978-1-932705-54-6.