2026 for January 1970

Battle of Sinhagad, History, Events, Challenges, Aftermath

February 11, 2026

The Battle of Sinhagad took place on the night of February 4, 1670, within the walls of the Sinhagad Fort, located near Pune, Maharashtra. This battle was fought between Tanaji Malusare, a commander of the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Udaybhan Rathod, the Sinhagad Fort keeper serving under Jai Singh I. Tanaji Malusare and his troops claimed their victory and reclaiming the fortress for the Marathas. The battle resulted in approximately 300 casualties on the Mughal side and 50 on the Maratha side, while nearly 4,000 Mughal troops were captured by just 500 Maratha warriors.

Battle of Sinhagad

In 1670, the Battle of Sinhagad occurred in the fort of Sinhagad near Pune. The Maratha War took place between Tanaji Malusare, a Koli commander of Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj and Udaybhan Rathod. In this Battle of Sinhagad, Tanaji Malusare died and Shivaji renamed the fort of Kondhana as Sinhagad Fort (Lion’s Fort) in his remembrance.

Battle of Sinhagad History

Sinhagad Fort was previously known as Kondhana, the fort was under the control of Mirza Raja Jai Singh and held strategic significance due to its location among other forts like Rajgad, Purandar, and Torna. The Mughals had stationed weapons to nearly 5,000 soldiers, led by Udaybhan Rathod, a subordinate of Jai Singh. Tanaji Malusare managed to invade the fort and conduct a reconnaissance mission. During his observation, he discovered that a celebration was scheduled for the night of the attack, meaning the Mughal soldiers would be less focused. Seizing this opportunity, Tanaji, along with his brother Suryaji and 300 Mavalas began warriors from the Maval region, prepared for the daring assault.

Battle of Sinhagad Overview

Below in the table we have discussed the Battle of Sinhagad Overview:

Battle of Sinhagad Overview
Event	Battle of Sinhagad
Date	4 February 1670
Location	Sinhagad Fort, Pune
Forces Involved	Forces of Maratha Empire and Mughal Empire
Result	Victory of Maratha Empire

Battle of Sinhagad Series of Events

Shivaji gave instruction to begin the battle and achieved significant success, reclaiming several forts that had been ceded under the Treaty of Purandar.

The first victory was on 4th February 1670, when Fort Kondana was seized from Udai Bhan, a Rajput commander.
Leading this daring assault, Tanaji Malusare, along with 300 Mavle warriors, scaled the hillside near the Kalyan Gate using rope ladders.
With the guidance of local Koli (fishermen) who were well-known with the terrain, they swiftly eliminated the guards and advanced into the fort.

Attack on the Garrison

Tanaji Malusare and his warriors got involved in the night assault on Sinhagad Fort, scaling its steep cliffs with the aid of rope ladders and a monitor lizard named Yashwanti.

Seizing the element of surprise, the Marathas launched their attack when the Mughal forces were least prepared. They successfully breached the fort’s defenses, catching the enemy off guard. In the battle that followed, Udaybhan Singh Rathore was murdered, and the Mughal garrison had no choice but to surrender.

Who was Tanaji Malusare?

Tanaji Malusare was a well known general in Chhatrapati Shivaji’s army and one of his most trusted companions. He is best known for his heroic role in the Battle of Sinhagad 1670, where he led the Marathas against Udaybhan Singh Rathore, a fierce Rajput warrior and Mughal fort keeper. His bravery and sacrifice played a crucial role in securing a Maratha victory.

Battle of Sinhagad Challenges

The Marathas recognized that direct assault was impossible, and the only way to capture Sinhagad was by scaling its steep, nearly walls.
To maintain the element of surprise, the assault was launched at night. The warriors used rope ladders to climb the sheer cliffs, making their way up under extreme difficulty.
Once inside, the Marathas engaged in fierce close battle with the Mughal defenders, leading to intense and brutal fighting within the fort’s premises.
The Marathas moved strategically, sneaking in and eliminating looks before reaching and unlocking the fort’s main gate.
Once the gate was opened, more Maratha troops entered, overwhelming the remaining Mughal forces and securing control of the fort.
The fort’s steep cliffs and rugged terrain made it nearly unaffected by cannon fire, as there were no suitable positions for artillery to be placed.
Sinhagad Fort had only a few narrow pathways leading to the main gate, making it difficult for large enemy forces to approach or lay siege effectively.

Battle of Sinhagad Aftermath

Purandar Fort served as a crucial refuge for the Peshwas whenever they could not remain safely in their capital, especially after they had taken control from Shivaji’s successors in Poona.

In 1818, a British force under General Pritzker captured Purandhar. The attack began with a mortar battery assault on March 14, followed by the British takeover of Wazirgarh on March 15. Although Purandhar was under Wazirgarh’s jurisdiction, its commandant was compelled to accept the surrender terms, leading to the British flag being raised over the fort on March 16, 1818.

Strategically positioned, the fort oversees the Purandhar Ghat, an important passage through the Western Ghats. In 1776, the British government and the Maratha states signed a treaty regarding the fort. However, the agreement was invalidated by the Treaty of Salbai, signed in 1782 at the end of the First Anglo-Maratha War between the Bombay government and Raghunath Rao.

Related Articles
Important Battles in Indian History	Important Battles of Mughal Empire
Battle of Kannauj	Battle of Khanwa
Battle of Purandar	Battle of Longewala
Battle of Hydapses	Battle of Wandiwash
Battle of Tarain	Battle of Chengam
Battle of Porto Novo	Battle of Pollilur
Battle of Salher	Battle of Pavankhind
Battle of Kolhapur	Battle of Bhupalgarh
Battle of Sinhagad	Battle of Surat
Battle of Walong	Battle of Saragarhi
Battle of Rezang La	Maratha Wars List

Battle of Sinhagad FAQs

Q1: Who won the Battle of Sinhagad?

Ans: The Battle of Sinhagad (1670) was won by the Marathas under the leadership of Tanaji Malusare, a trusted commander of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Q2: Who killed Udaybhan in real?

Ans: In reality, there is no definitive historical record confirming exactly who killed Udaybhan Rathod during the Battle of Sinhagad (1670). However, according to folklore and popular accounts, he was slain by Shelar Mama, a senior Maratha warrior who fought alongside Tanaji Malusare.

Q3: Did Tanaji survive the battle?

Ans: No, Tanaji Malusare did not survive the Battle of Sinhagad (1670).

Q4: Did Udaybhan cut Tanhaji's hand?

Ans: There is no concrete historical evidence confirming that Udaybhan Rathod cut off Tanaji Malusare's hand during the Battle of Sinhagad (1670).

Q5: Who defeated Shivaji?

Ans: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a brilliant strategist and warrior who successfully resisted the Mughals, Adilshahi, and other rivals for most of his life.

Battle of Bhupalgarh, History, Events, Challenges, Aftermath

February 11, 2026

The Battle of Bhupalgarh (also known as Bhupalgad) took place in 1679 between the Mughal Empire and the Marathas near present-day Khanapur. This conflict was part of the events leading up to the larger Deccan wars. The Maratha forces were commanded by Shivaji, the founder and first ruler of the Maratha Empire. The battle ended with the Mughals, led by General Diler Khan, demolishing the Bhupalgarh fort and securing a significant victory. Shivaji’s son, Sambhaji, who later became the second ruler of the Maratha Empire, fought alongside the Mughals after defecting from his father.

Battle of Bhupalgarh

The Maratha War, Battle of Bhupalgarh was fought in 1679 between the Mughal Empire and the Maratha under Shivaji, was a significant conflict that lasted over 55 days. The fort of Bhupalgarh was ultimately captured by the Mughals, led by General Diler Khan. Following intense battle, the Mughal forces seized the fortress, took control of its supplies, and captured the defending troops. Diler Khan repelled Maratha reinforcements and ordered the complete destruction of the fort. The battle resulted in a decisive Mughal victory, with Shivaji facing defeat. The fort of Bhupalgarh was demolished by the Mughals, marking a crucial setback for the Marathas.

Battle of Bhupalgarh History

During Aurangzeb’s reign (1658–1707), the Mughal Empire expanded rapidly, leading to frequent conflicts with Shivaji’s growing Maratha power. In 1678, Shivaji divided his empire, assigning Maharashtra to his younger son, Rajaram, while Sambhaji was given the unstable Karnataka region. Feeling sidelined, Sambhaji was approached by Mughal general Diler Khan, who offered to help him reclaim Maharashtra in exchange for an alliance. Sambhaji, however, did not consider himself a Mughal subordinate but an independent ruler. Historical records, including English factory letters and Persian sources, suggest that he opposed Diler Khan’s actions, especially the mistreatment of Hindu civilians in Athni and Tikota.

Battle of Bhupalgarh Series of Events

The Mughals began the Battle of Bhupalgarh with heavy artillery fire, targeting the fort’s walls and towers. The following day, they launched a full-scale assault that continued until noon, resulting in the fort’s capture after heavy casualties on both sides. Meanwhile, Shivaji’s cavalry reinforcements, numbering 16,000, arrived late but were intercepted 12 miles away by Ikhlas Khan’s force of 1,500. Despite being surrounded, Ikhlas Khan’s troops held their ground, killing a thousand Maratha soldiers. When Diler Khan’s reinforcements arrived, the Maratha forces were overwhelmed and had no choice but to retreat from the battlefield.

Battle of Bhupalgarh Aftermath

After capturing Bhupalgarh, Diler Khan took large stocks of grain and captured many people, some of whom were sold into slavery. In a brutal act, he released 700 captives but only after cutting off one of their arms. He then ordered the fort to be completely destroyed.

Historian Pandit Shankar Joshi criticizes Sambhaji for joining the Mughals, stating that his actions during the attack on Bhupalgarh showed an unstable character. A month later, with Mughal support, Sambhaji surrounded the Panhala. However, after Shivaji’s death in 1680, he became king and once again turned against the Mughals, leading to the Deccan Wars.

Related Articles
Important Battles in Indian History	Important Battles of Mughal Empire
Battle of Kannauj	Battle of Khanwa
Battle of Purandar	Battle of Longewala
Battle of Hydapses	Battle of Wandiwash
Battle of Tarain	Battle of Chengam
Battle of Porto Novo	Battle of Pollilur
Battle of Salher	Battle of Pavankhind
Battle of Kolhapur	Battle of Bhupalgarh
Battle of Sinhagad	Battle of Surat
Battle of Walong	Battle of Saragarhi
Battle of Rezang La	Maratha Wars List

Battle of Bhupalgarh FAQs

Q1: Who won the Battle of Bhupalgarh?

Ans: The Mughal forces, led by General Diler Khan, won the Battle of Bhupalgarh in 1679

Q2: Did Shivaji Maharaj lose any battle?

Ans: While Shivaji Maharaj was a brilliant military leader, he did lose two major battles: the Battle of Kolhapur (1660) and the Battle of Purandar (1665).

Q3: Did Sambhaji Maharaj lose any battle?

Ans: While Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was a valiant warrior, he was eventually captured and executed by Mughal forces in 1689, not due to losing a battle, but rather a skirmish at Sangameshwar.

Q4: What was the biggest fight of Shivaji Maharaj?

Ans: One of the biggest and most significant battles fought by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the Battle of Pavan Khind (1660).

Q5: What Battle did Akbar defeat?

Ans: Mughal Emperor Akbar achieved a major victory in the Second Battle of Panipat (1556), where he defeated Hemu, securing Mughal rule in India.

Battle of Kolhapur 1659, History, Series of Events, Outcome

February 11, 2026

The Battle of Kolhapur took place in Kolhapur city, Maharashtra on 28 December 1659. Fought in between the Maratha Empire and Adilshahi forces, led by Rustam Zaman. The war is remembered due to its masterful strategy adopted by Shivaji which was similar to Babur’s strategy against Rana Sanga. The Battle of Kolhapur is the second most important war after the Battle of Pratapgarh. In this article, we are going to cover the history of the battle of Kolhapur, the clashes in between the Adilshah and Maratha forces and other important facts related to the exam.

Battle of Kolhapur History

The Battle of Kolhapur, fought on December 28, 1659, was a war that took place in between the Maratha empire and the Adil Shahi Dynasty of Bijapur. This war was fought after the completion of the war of Pratapgarh in which Shivaji won and shattered the morale of the Bijapur army. Based on this win, Shivaji launched another campaign, capturing a hilly territory stretching upto 200 km. By December 1659, Shivaji had advanced close to Panhala Fort, a crucial military stronghold, while Rustam Zaman, a seasoned general of the Bijapur army, was dispatched in his direction. On December 27, 1659, Rustam Zaman, along with his troops, arrived near Kolhapur, close to Miraj, setting the stage for a decisive confrontation.

The Siege of Panhala, 1660

The Panhala Fort, constructed between 1178 ans 1209 AD by Bhoja II of Shilhara Dynasty. Associated with Raja Bhoj, the fort was also known as Gangu Teli. Over time, it changed hands multiple times, with Singhana of the Yadava dynasty of Devagiri taking control after overthrowing Bhoja Raja. In 1589, the Adil Shahi dynasty fortified Panhala, turning it into a major military stronghold.

Adilshah vs. Marathas Forces

The Bijapur forces were led by Rustam Zaman, supported by experienced commanders such as Fazal Khan, Malik Itbar, Sadat Khan, Yakub Khan, Aankush Khan, Hasan Khan, Mulla Yahya, and Santaji Ghatage. The army primarily consisted of elite cavalry units and war elephants as the first line of defense. Rustam Zaman commanded the center, Fazal Khan led the left flank, and Malik Itbar managed the right flank. Mullah Yahya and Fateh Khan controlled the rear guard, while the total strength of the Bijapur cavalry was around 10,000 troops.

In Maratha War the forces were personally led by Chhatrapati Shivaji, supported by skilled cavalry commanders such as Netaji Palkar, Sardar Godaji Jagtap, Hiroji Ingale, Bhimaji Wagh, Sidhoji Pawar Jadhavrao, Hanmantrao Kharate, Pandhare, Siddi Hilal, and Mahadik. Shivaji himself took charge of the center, Jadhavrao and Siddi Hilal led the left flank, and Ingale and Sidhoji Pawar managed the right flank. Mahadik and Wagh commanded the rear guard, while Netaji Palkar handled an off-center position. The Maratha cavalry numbered only 3,500, significantly fewer than the 10,000-strong Adilshahi army.

Battle of Kolhapur Series of Events

After the Battle of Pratapgarh, Rustam Zaman and Fazal Khan retreated, reorganizing their forces for another attack.
Ali Adil Shah of Bijapur decided to personally lead a campaign against Shivaji, mobilizing a larger army.
Siddi Jauhar, a prominent African military commander in Bijapur, declared his intent to attack Shivaji at Panhala Fort.
Upon hearing of Siddi Jauhar's advance, Shivaji immediately reinforced Panhala Fort to prepare for an upcoming siege.
The Bijapur forces encircled Shivaji’s fort, attempting to cut off supply lines.
The Marathas, faced with a multi-pronged attack, needed a robust defensive strategy.

Challenges Faced by the Maratha Army

Siddi Jauhar’s army established communication with the Mughals, who had also besieged Bijapur.
Fateh Khan was ordered to attack from Janjira and reclaim Konkan.
Sawants of Sawantwadi were instructed to raid Shivaji’s southern and western borders.

Strategic Countermeasures by the Marathas

Raghunathpant Korde defended Konkan against Fateh Khan.
Abaji Sondev secured Kalyan and Bhiwandi.
Baji Pasalkar led a counter-attack against the Sawants.
Moropant Pingle managed Sahyadri’s strategic forts, including Purandhar, Sinhagad, and Pratapgad.

Battle of Kolhapur Outcome

On the morning of December 28, 1659, Rustam Zaman’s forces moved toward Panhala Fort, unaware that Shivaji had anticipated their movements. With 3,500 cavalrymen, Shivaji launched a rapid and decisive attack. Using superior battlefield tactics, he divided and weakened the Bijapur army. The Marathas flanked the enemy from both sides, killing 2,000 enemy troops. Rustam Zaman’s forces, disoriented by the surprise attacks, began to disintegrate. Within hours, Shivaji had routed the Bijapur army, forcing Rustam Zaman and Fazal Khan to flee.

The Marathas captured 2,000 horses and 12 elephants from the Bijapur army. This victory significantly expanded Shivaji’s influence in the Deccan and bolstered his territorial acquisitions. The Marathas also renamed the Khelna Fort to Vishalgad after capturing it through a clever infiltration tactic.

Battle of Kolhapur Casualties and Aftermath

The Battle of Kolhapur resulted in approximately 7,000 casualties on the Adilshahi side and 2,000 on the Maratha side. This battle, along with the Battle of Pratapgarh, solidified Shivaji’s reputation as a brilliant military strategist. On September 22, 1660, following a temporary truce between Shivaji and Ali Adil Shah, Panhala and Pawangad forts were surrendered to Bijapur, though Rangna and Vishalgad remained under Shivaji’s control.

The victory at Kolhapur further strengthened Shivaji’s hold over Maharashtra, paving the way for his continued expansion and the eventual establishment of the Maratha Empire as a dominant power in Indian history.

Related Articles
Important Battles in Indian History	Important Battles of Mughal Empire
Battle of Kannauj	Battle of Khanwa
Battle of Purandar	Battle of Longewala
Battle of Hydapses	Battle of Wandiwash
Battle of Tarain	Battle of Chengam
Battle of Porto Novo	Battle of Pollilur
Battle of Salher	Battle of Pavankhind
Battle of Kolhapur	Battle of Bhupalgarh
Battle of Sinhagad	Battle of Surat
Battle of Walong	Battle of Saragarhi
Battle of Rezang La	Maratha Wars List

Battle of Kolhapur FAQs

Q1: Who won the Battle of Kolhapur?

Ans: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj won the Battle of Kolhapur.

Q2: Who was Rustam E. Zama?

Ans: Rustam Zaman was a general of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur who fought against Shivaji Maharaj in the Battle of Kolhapur.

Q3: Which battle was won by Sambhaji Maharaj?

Ans: Sambhaji Maharaj won the Battle of Wai (1687) against the Mughal forces.

Q4: Which is the biggest battle of Shivaji Maharaj?

Ans: The Battle of Pratapgarh (1659) is considered one of the most significant battles of Shivaji Maharaj.

Q5: Which Maratha never lost a battle?

Ans: Bajirao I, the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, never lost a battle in his lifetime.

Battle of Pavankhind, History, Composition, Events

February 11, 2026

The Battle of Pavankhind was fought between the Maratha warriors Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Sambu Singh Jadhav against Siddi Masud of Bijapur Sultanate. The war was fought on 13 July 1660, at a mountain pass in the vicinity of Vishalgad fort, near the city of Kolhapur. The war ended with the Maratha forces losing against the Bijapur state. In this article, we are going to cover about the history of Pavankhind battle, battles between Maratha forces and Adilshah.

Battle of Pavankhind History

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj forces defeated the Adilshahi generals and as a rebellion, Adilshah sent Siddi Jauhar to fight against the Marathas. At the same time, Adilshah also took the assistance from Mughals leading to Shaista Khan, attacking from north towards Pune. At the same time, Siddi Jauhar attacked the Panhala Fort but failed to enter it. Instead of fighting back, Shivaji Maharaj planned a safer escape to reach Fort Vishalgad to continue the battle from there.

Adilshahi Forces Composition

Siddi Jauhar led the Adilshahi forces, supported by Siddi Masud and Fazal Khan. Meanwhile, Jasvantrao Dalvi of Palavani and Survey of Shringarpur besieged Vishalgad.

Composition of Maratha Forces

Shivaji Maharaj commanded the Maratha army with the support of leaders like Bandal, Jadhavrao, and his trusted Sardar, Bajiprabhu Deshpande. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Marathas had around 600 skilled light infantry soldiers—experienced mountaineers from the naval zone who had never been conquered before.

Battle of Pavan Khind Events Serial Wise

In the Maratha War the Panhala Fort was tightly surrounded by the Siddi Jauhar army, making it difficult for anyone to escape. In order to create a diversion, Shivaji Maharaj sent his messenger to pretend to be negotiating a peace treaty. Siddi Jauhar got distracted by this negotiation and let his guard down.

Shivaji Maharaj saw this as an opportunity and along with his army of 600 warriors, headed by Bajiprabhu Deshpande, headed towards Vishalgad. The Adilshahi forces believed one of them to be Shivaji and quickly captured him, only to find out he was a soldier named Shiva Kashid. As the enemy moved forward, Siddi Masood, Jauhar’s son-in-law led the attack. While all this happened, Shivaji reached Ghod Khind, while Bajiprabhu Desh fought the war with only 300 soldiers, while Shivaji raced to Vishalgad.

Battle of Pavan Khind Aftermath

After the end of war, Ghod Khind was renamed as Pavan Khind. The armies of both Adilshahi and Maratha fought their final war here in Pavan Khind where the Marathas won and gained the title of autonomous power. The war proved a sacrifice of BajiPrabhu Deshpande and Shiva Kashid.

Battle of Pavan Khind: Important Facts

The table below shows the important facts about the Battle of Pavan Khind.

Events	Battle of Pavan Khind
Date	13 July 1660
Location	Pavan Khind, Vishalgad, Maharashtra, India
Forces Involved	Maratha Empire and Bijapur Sultanate Forces
Result	The Adilshahi forces were strong against the Maratha army.

Related Articles
Important Battles in Indian History	Important Battles of Mughal Empire
Battle of Kannauj	Battle of Khanwa
Battle of Purandar	Battle of Longewala
Battle of Hydapses	Battle of Wandiwash
Battle of Tarain	Battle of Chengam
Battle of Porto Novo	Battle of Pollilur
Battle of Salher	Battle of Pavankhind
Battle of Kolhapur	Battle of Bhupalgarh
Battle of Sinhagad	Battle of Surat
Battle of Walong	Battle of Saragarhi
Battle of Rezang La	Maratha Wars List

Battle of Pavankhind FAQs

Q1: Who won the Battle of Pavan Khind?

Ans: The Marathas, led by Bajiprabhu Deshpande, secured Shivaji Maharaj’s safe escape, making it a strategic victory.

Q2: How many Marathas fought in Pavan Khind?

Ans: Around 300 Maratha warriors fought under Bajiprabhu Deshpande to defend the pass.

Q3: Was Baji Prabhu Deshpande against Shivaji?

Ans: No, Bajiprabhu Deshpande was a loyal commander and sacrificed his life for Shivaji Maharaj.

Q4: Is Pavan Khind a true story?

Ans: Yes, the Battle of Pavan Khind is a historical event showcasing Maratha bravery.

Q5: How many hours did Baji Prabhu Deshpande fight?

Ans: He fought relentlessly for about five to six hours to delay the enemy.

Battle of Salher, History, Events, Challenges, Aftermath

February 11, 2026

In 1671, Chhatrapati Shivaji launched an initiative to end Mughal rule from the Baglan region, leading to the capture of key forts. Aurangzeb, who was in rage, sent Diler Khan, while Bahadur Khan laid siege to Salher. Shivaji assigned the task to Moropant Pingle and Prataprao Gujar to counter the Mughals. The Marathas, initially retreating, later regrouped and decisively defeated Ikhlas Khan. The victory forced Bahadur Khan to abandon Salher. Sabhasad Bakhar records 10,000 casualties and significant loot.

Battle of Salher

The Battle of Salher (1672) was a significant military engagement between the Marathas and the Mughals, fought near the Salher Fort in present-day Maharashtra. It was a decisive victory for the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji, marking one of their most significant victories over the Mughal Empire.

Battle of Salher History

The Treaty of Purandar (1665) forced Chhatrapati Shivaji to surrender 23 forts, including strategic ones like Sinhagad, Purandar, and Lohagad, to the Mughals. At the time the Maratha Empire in Nashik region, including Salher and Mulher, was under Mughal control. Following Shivaji’s escape from Agra in 1666, tensions remained until Aurangzeb’s renewed anti-Hindu policies gaslighting conflict. Between 1670-1672, Shivaji’s forces reclaimed several forts, raided Baglan, Khandesh, and Surat, and ultimately secured a decisive victory over a 40,000-strong Mughal army near Salher, marking a significant expansion of his power and territorial control.

Battle of Salher Series of Events

In January 1671, Sardar Moropant Pingle led the Maratha War of 15,000 soldiers to capture Mughal forts, including Aundha, Patta, Trimbak, and later launched a battle on Salher and Mulher. In response, Aurangzeb sent generals Ikhlas Khan and Bahlol Khan with 12,000 troops to reclaim Salher. By October 1671, the Mughals had laid siege to the fort, prompting Shivaji to positioned Moropant Pingle and Prataprao Gujar to counter them.

Approaching from different directions, Prataprao launched the first attack but was temporarily forced to withdraw. However, Moropant’s soldiers soon joined him on an open battlefield near Salher. Despite being nearly 2:1, the Marathas defeated the Mughal forces, leading to an intense day-long battle.

The battle resulted in around 10,000 casualties on both sides. The Marathas’ swift cavalry proved superior to the Mughals' heavily equipped military. The Mughal army was completely routed, suffering a humiliating defeat. The victorious Marathas seized 6,000 horses, an equal number of camels, 125 elephants, and an entire Mughal supply train, along with vast treasures, gold, jewels, and luxurious goods.

Battle of Salher Aftermath

In January 1671, Sardar Moropant Pingle led 15,000 Maratha troops to capture Mughal forts, including Aundha, Patta, and Trimbak, before advancing toward Salher and Mulher. In response, Aurangzeb sent Ikhlas Khan and Bahlol Khan with 12,000 cavalry to reclaim Salher. By October, the Mughals laid siege to the fort, prompting Shivaji to send Moropant Pingle and Prataprao Gujar to counter them.

Prataprao attacked first but had to retreat. Moropant’s forces soon reinforced him, and together they launched a counter offensive on the open plains near Salher. The battle lasted an entire day, with over 10,000 casualties. Despite being outnumbered, the Marathas secured a decisive victory.

The Marathas seized 6,000 horses, camels, elephants, and Mughal treasures. Sabhasad Bakhar describes the battlefield as soaked in blood. This victory cemented Shivaji’s military prowess and strengthened the foundation of Hindavi Swaraj.

Battle of Salher Consequences

Historians regard the Battle of Salher as a significant milestone in medieval Indian history, marking the first major victory of a Hindu army over Muslim invaders since the First Battle of Tarain (1191). Unlike Shivaji’s previous successes, which largely relied on guerrilla tactics, this battle demonstrated the effectiveness of the Marathas’ light cavalry against the numerically superior Mughal forces in open warfare.

The triumph was so remarkable that Saint Ramdas addressed Shivaji as Gajpati (Lord of Elephants), Haypati (Lord of Cavalry), Gadpati (Lord of Forts), and Jalpati (Master of the High Seas) in a famous letter. While not a direct outcome of this battle, Shivaji’s growing power and influence eventually led to his coronation as Chhatrapati in 1674, formally establishing him as an emperor and reinforcing the Maratha vision of Hindavi Swaraj.

Related Articles
Important Battles in Indian History	Important Battles of Mughal Empire
Battle of Kannauj	Battle of Khanwa
Battle of Purandar	Battle of Longewala
Battle of Hydapses	Battle of Wandiwash
Battle of Tarain	Battle of Chengam
Battle of Porto Novo	Battle of Pollilur
Battle of Salher	Battle of Pavankhind
Battle of Kolhapur	Battle of Bhupalgarh
Battle of Sinhagad	Battle of Surat
Battle of Walong	Battle of Saragarhi
Battle of Rezang La	Maratha Wars List

Battle of Salher FAQs

Q1: In which battle did Shivaji defeat Mughals?

Ans: The Battle of Salher was a battle fought between the Maratha Empire and the Mughal Empire in February 1672 CE.

Q2: Who won battle of basra?

Ans: The Battle of Basra (1986) was fought between Iran and Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988). It was part of Operation Karbala-5, one of the largest and bloodiest offensives launched by Iran to capture the strategic city of Basra in southern Iraq.

Q3: Who won the Battle of Purandar?

Ans: The Mughal forces, led by Jai Singh, won the Battle of Purandar in 1665, forcing Shivaji to sign the Treaty of Purandar, which resulted in the Marathas surrendering 23 forts.

Q4: Who had defeated the Mughal army in Salwar?

Ans: Battle of Salher (1672), the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji decisively defeated the Mughal army in an open-field battle.

Q5: Who defeated Mughals 17 times?

Ans: The Ahoms of Assam defeated the Mughals 17 times in various battles between the early 17th and 18th centuries.

Battle of Surat 1664, History, Series of Events, Aftermath

February 11, 2026

The Battle of Surat fought on January 5, 1664 in between the Maratha and the mughal empire, was led by Shivaji Maharaj. Surat, an important port city and trade center of Mughals, was attacked by the Marathas. Prince Muazzam (Emperor Aurangzeb) the governor in chief of Gujarat fought against the marathas. Eventually the Marathas won the war and the Surat city was ransacked for six days. In this article, we are going to cover the Battle of Surat History, the components of the war and significant consequences.

Battle of Surat History

The Battle of Surat was an important event that happened on 5 February 1664. At this time, the Mughal Empire was at its highest power , while the Maratha Empire was an emerging regional force. Shivaji launched this battle to increase his territory and challenge mughal authority.

At the same time, Shaista Khan, the mughal governor, engaged in a war against the Marathas in the Deccan. This war weakened the financial condition of the Maratha kingdom. In order to revive the treasury, Shivaji created a plan to attack Surat, a wealthy Mughal stronghold and thriving port city. The goal was to conquer and plunder the riches and transfer the wealth to Raigad Fort, the primary residence.

Mughal Forces at Surat

The city's defenses were weak, and Inayat Khan, the local Mughal Subedar, could only deploy 1,000 armed men for protection. However, this proved insufficient against the swift and strategic attack launched by Shivaji. As the battle unfolded, the Mughal garrison was overwhelmed, and Shivaji’s forces set the regional shipping sector ablaze, dealing a severe blow to Mughal trade and influence.

Maratha Forces at Surat

Shivaji led a well-organized force of over 8,000 cavalrymen, accompanied by his trusted commanders. The Marathas’ mobility and guerrilla tactics allowed them to swiftly overrun the city, ensuring a decisive victory.

Battle of Surat Course

The Maratha War of Battle of Surat was a struggle between the Marathas and the Mughal Empire. Daud Khan and Shaista Khan had attacked the Pune-Supa region, setting the entire village on fire. Shaista Khan continued to seize control of Lal Mahal in Pune, looting the wealth and enforcing the mughal dominance in the Deccan. Aurangzeb with an aim to consolidate his rule, targeted the vulnerable people of Pune and Supa. In response, Chhatrapati Shivaji devised a bold strategy to attack Surat- the wealthiest trade hub. The decision followed the night raid on Shaista Khan during which he amputated the thumb of Mughal general. Instead of launching a direct assault on the Surat Fort, Shivaji initially demanded tribute from the city's wealthy merchants. However, upon their refusal, he launched a full-fledged attack on the city.

The element of surprise played a crucial role, leaving the Mughal chieftains unprepared. Rather than facing Shivaji’s forces head-on, they sought refuge inside the Fort of Surat. Over the course of three days, the Marathas plundered the city, targeting the riches of traders and merchants from Mughal Gujarat Subah, Portuguese settlements, and other commercial hubs. The residences of prominent traders like Virji Vora, Haji Zahid Beg, and Haji Kasim were raided, yielding gold, silver, pearls, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds.

Notably, Shivaji refrained from looting the homes of foreign missionaries, demonstrating his strategic and principled approach to warfare. The Battle of Surat not only boosted Maratha finances but also sent a strong message to the Mughal Empire, proving that Shivaji was a formidable force against their expansionist ambitions.

Chhatrapati Shivaji in Battle of Surat

The first is of Father Ambrose, a Catholic monk. Shivaji was informed that this person’s home was deserving of looting. Father Ambrose was a devout man, and Chhatrapati Shivaji was aware of this and refrained from looting his home. His home remained unharmed during the battle of Surat. The second businessman was Mohandas Parekh. He was also one of Surat’s wealthiest businessmen. It so happened that Parekh had passed away a few months earlier and that his wife was now his sole heir. The merchant has also been a big humanitarian throughout his life. Shivaji immediately outlawed the robbing of his home or of his valuables and, in fact, stationed guards to ensure that this would not occur.

Battle of Surat Aftermath

In this Maratha War, before the Mughal Empire in Delhi was informed of the battle of Surat, all of this loot had already been transferred to the Deccan. Later, the Maratha state was built up and strengthened with this wealth. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was angered by this occurrence. After Shivaji’s invasion of the Port of Surat, trade did not thrive as much, which resulted in a decrease in the Mughal Empire’s revenue. The battle of Surat resulted in the victory of the Maratha Empire against Mughal forces.

The second sacking of Surat occurred in 1670. This time, Shivaji was directly engaged in battle with Mughal forces deployed throughout the Sahyadris. He was also squaring off against Janjira Siddi. The Mughal boats from Surat attacked the back of his soldiers when they were fighting the Siddi. Shivaji responded by attacking Surat. This time, Lohagad, which is close to Pune, received the loot.

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Important Battles in Indian History	Important Battles of Mughal Empire
Battle of Kannauj	Battle of Khanwa
Battle of Purandar	Battle of Longewala
Battle of Hydapses	Battle of Wandiwash
Battle of Tarain	Battle of Chengam
Battle of Porto Novo	Battle of Pollilur
Battle of Salher	Battle of Pavankhind
Battle of Kolhapur	Battle of Bhupalgarh
Battle of Sinhagad	Battle of Surat
Battle of Walong	Battle of Saragarhi
Battle of Rezang La	Maratha Wars List

Battle of Surat FAQs

Q1: Why did Shivaji sack Surat?

Ans: Shivaji sacked Surat in 1664 to weaken the Mughal Empire financially and replenish the Maratha treasury.

Q2: How did Surat get its name?

Ans: Surat derives its name from the Gujarati word Suraj, meaning "good land" or "beautiful place."

Q3: How many times did Shivaji loot Surat?

Ans: Shivaji looted Surat twice, first in 1664 and again in 1670.

Q4: When did the British capture Surat?

Ans: The British captured Surat in 1759 after defeating the Dutch forces.

Q5: Why is Surat called the Diamond City?

Ans: Surat is called the Diamond City because it is a global hub for diamond cutting and polishing, handling over 90% of the world's diamonds.

Important Battles in Modern Indian History, List, Role

February 11, 2026

Battles in modern history of India play an important role in shaping the political, economic and social landscape of the nation. These battles are what define the fate and history of India, the impact of Mughal and British Rule and the consequences. In this article, we are going to cover the important battles fought in India during the modern history period.

Important Battles in Modern Indian History

Modern Indian History has witnessed many battles that have drastically influenced the territorial control, governance and India's transition into British Rule. These battles also express the resistance by Indian rulers against colonial expansion. Here is a list of all the important battles of modern Indian History:

Carnatic Wars (1746-1763)

Fought between the French and the British for the power struggle in south India. The wars ended with the British emerging victorious over the French, establishing their control over southern India. The important battles include:

War	Year	Outcome
First Carnatic War	1746-1748	Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (status quo maintained)
Second Carnatic War	1749-1754	British victory; Dupleix removed from India
Third Carnatic War	1756-1763	British defeated the French; Treaty of Paris (1763)

Battle of Plassey (1757)

The key highlighting features of Battle of Plassey are:

Combatants: British East India Company vs. Nawab of Bengal (Siraj-ud-Daulah) and French allies
Outcome: British victory; beginning of British dominance in India
Significance:
- Marked the start of British rule in India.
- Allowed the British to control Bengal's revenue system, leading to economic exploitation.
- Exposed the role of betrayal (Mir Jafar sided with the British), highlighting internal political weaknesses.

Battle of Buxar (1764)

The key features of the Battle of Buxar are:

Combatants: British East India Company vs. Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, Nawab of Oudh, and Nawab of Bengal
Outcome: British victory; Treaty of Allahabad (1765) signed
Significance:
- Established British control over Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.
- The Mughal Emperor became a puppet under British influence.
- British acquired the right to collect revenue (Diwani Rights), making them the dominant power in India.

Third Battle of Panipat (1761)

The key features of the Third Battle of Panipat are:

Combatants: Maratha Empire vs. Durrani Empire (Ahmad Shah Abdali)
Outcome: Durrani victory; Maratha power weakened
Significance:
- One of the bloodiest battles in Indian history.
- Severely weakened Maratha influence in North India.
- Opened the door for British expansion, as Indian powers weakened.

Anglo-Mysore Wars (1767-1799)

The Anglo-Mysore Wars were fought in between the Mysore Kingdom and the British East India Company. Tipu Sultan is remembered to fiercely fight against the British expansion. Here is the list of the important Anglo-Mysore wars:

War	Year	Rulers Involved	Outcome
First Anglo-Mysore War	1767-1769	Hyder Ali vs. British	Treaty of Madras
Second Anglo-Mysore War	1780-1784	Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan vs. British	Treaty of Mangalore
Third Anglo-Mysore War	1790-1792	Tipu Sultan vs. British	Treaty of Seringapatam (British victory)
Fourth Anglo-Mysore War	1799	Tipu Sultan vs. British	Tipu Sultan was killed; British annexed Mysore

Anglo-Maratha Wars (1775-1818)

The Anglo-Maratha Wars were fought between the British and the Marathas in three different phases. The Marathas are remembered as the last major hurdle for the British expansion. The Anglo-Maratha wars were:

War	Year	Outcome
First Anglo-Maratha War	1775-1782	Treaty of Salbai (peace between British and Marathas)
Second Anglo-Maratha War	1803-1805	British gained control over Delhi, Agra, and parts of central India
Third Anglo-Maratha War	1817-1818	Maratha Confederacy was dissolved; British gained full control over India

Anglo-Burma Wars (1824-1885)

The Anglo-Burma Wars were fought in the 19th Century in between the Kingdom of Burma and the British Empire. The wars were fought due to the British ambition to influence southwest Asia and secure strategic territories. The wars included:

War	Year	Outcome
First Anglo-Burma War	1824-1826	British annexed Assam, Manipur, and Arakan
Second Anglo-Burma War	1852	British annexed Lower Burma
Third Anglo-Burma War	1885	British annexed Upper Burma, making it a part of British India

Anglo-Afghan Wars (1839-1919)

The Anglo-Afghan Wars were fought between the Kingdom of Afghanistan and the British Empire three times in between the 20th and the 19th century, in order to control Afghanistan as a buffer state.

War	Year	Outcome
First Anglo-Afghan War	1839-1842	British defeat, withdrawal from Afghanistan
Second Anglo-Afghan War	1878-1880	British gained influence but later withdrew
Third Anglo-Afghan War	1919	Afghanistan gained full independence

Anglo-Sikh Wars (1845-1849)

The Anglo-Sikh Wars were fought between the Sikh empire and the british East India Company in the 19th century with the aim of annexing the sikh empire and expanding British rule in northern India.

War	Year	Outcome
First Anglo-Sikh War	1845-46	British won; Treaty of Lahore signed
Second Anglo-Sikh War	1848-49	End of Sikh Rule; British annexed Punjab

Revolt of 1857 (First War of Independence)

The Revolt of 1857 (First War of Independence) was the first resistance movement the Indian people fought against the British East India Company. The war was fought in various parts of the country but was eventually suppressed by the British.

The British East India Company was dissolved after this movement.
The Government of India Act 1858 was introduced.

Battle of Kohima and Imphal (1944)

The battle was fought between the British Indian Army and the Japanese Army, along with the INA (Azad Hind Fauj). It resulted in a British victory, effectively halting the Japanese advance into India. This battle is considered one of the most significant of World War II, as it ended Japanese ambitions of invading India. While it strengthened British control, it also played a crucial role in fueling Indian nationalist movements.

Role of Famous Battles in Modern History

The history of modern India is shaped by significant battles fought for territorial defense, independence, and political ideologies. These battles played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future:

Colonial Power Struggles: Battles like Plassey and Buxar paved the way for British dominance in India for nearly two centuries.
British Expansion: The British defeated major Indian powers, including the Mughals, Marathas, Mysore, and Sikhs, to establish their control.
Economic Exploitation: British victories in battles like Plassey and Buxar led to financial dominance, revenue manipulation, and economic drain.
Cultural and Ideological Shifts: British rule imposed Western governance, education, and religious policies, reshaping Indian traditions.
Nationalist Awakening: The First War of Independence (1857) ignited a spirit of unity and resistance, laying the foundation for India’s freedom movement.

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Important Battles in Indian History	Important Battles of Mughal Empire
Battle of Kannauj	Battle of Khanwa
Battle of Purandar	Battle of Longewala
Battle of Hydapses	Battle of Wandiwash
Battle of Tarain	Battle of Chengam
Battle of Porto Novo	Battle of Pollilur
Battle of Salher	Battle of Pavankhind
Battle of Kolhapur	Battle of Bhupalgarh
Battle of Sinhagad	Battle of Surat
Battle of Walong	Battle of Saragarhi
Battle of Rezang La	Maratha Wars List

Important Battles in Modern India FAQs

Q1: What was the greatest battle in Indian history?

Ans: The Battle of Panipat (1761) is the greatest battle in Indian history.

Q2: What was the most famous battle in history?

Ans: The Battle of Kurukshetra (Mahabharata) is the most famous battle in history.

Q3: Which battle changed the course of Indian history?

Ans: The Battle of Plassey (1757) changed the course of Indian history.

Q4: What was the last war fought by India?

Ans: The Kargil War (1999) was last fought by India.

Q5: Which war did India lose?

Ans: The Indo-China War (1962) was lost by India.