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

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 Battle of Kolhapur: Key Facts for UPSC 

Here are some key facts one must know about the battle of Kolhapur: 

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.

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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

1. After the Battle of Pratapgarh, Rustam Zaman and Fazal Khan retreated, reorganizing their forces for another attack.
2. Ali Adil Shah of Bijapur decided to personally lead a campaign against Shivaji, mobilizing a larger army.
3. Siddi Jauhar, a prominent African military commander in Bijapur, declared his intent to attack Shivaji at Panhala Fort.
4. Upon hearing of Siddi Jauhar’s advance, Shivaji immediately reinforced Panhala Fort to prepare for an upcoming siege.
5. The Bijapur forces encircled Shivaji’s fort, attempting to cut off supply lines.
6. 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.