The Maratha–Patiala clashes constituted a significant chapter in Indian military history, in which two formidable powers, the Marathas and the Sikhs, collided in a series of engagements and battles. This period of conflict, often argued to be marked by strategic brilliance, fierce battles, and shifting alliances, occurred in 18th-century India—a time when regional powers vied for dominance and control.[1]
The conflict unfolded against the backdrop of the 18th century, a time when the Indian subcontinent was marked by a mosaic of regional powers vying for supremacy. In this era, the Marathas and Sikhs emerged as formidable players, each with a distinct martial tradition and territorial ambitions. The conflict witnessed repeated incursions and counterattacks as Sikhs and Marathas sought to assert their dominance over strategic regions. Sikh forces, under various leaders, were known to launch raids into Maratha territories, targeting military camps and supply lines. These incursions, marked by cavalry charges and guerrilla tactics, often caught the Maratha forces off guard. The Marathas, in response, mounted defenses against these Sikh offensives. They fortified their camps, employed advanced artillery, and devised strategies to counter the Sikh cavalry. The clash of these two states played out across diverse landscapes, from the fertile plains to the rugged terrains of the subcontinent. However, the narrative of these clashes was far from one-sided. While the Sikhs were initially successful in their attacks, the Marathas turned the tide in several engagements. Despite facing losses in the initial stages, the Marathas adapted their strategies, learning from each encounter and strengthening their defensive and offensive capabilities.[2]
The Marathas moved on to Thanesar. However, they were tormented by Sardar Bhanga Singh and forced to leave his territory. Rane Khan had dispatched an advanced guard comprising Kashi Rao and Baluji Ingle. Tara Singh Ghaiba fought and pushed this force back in April 1789.[7]
Under the command of Jiwa Dada Bakhshi, a formidable army of over thirty thousand Maratha horsemen and foot marched to the village of Soohlar. But the princess of Patiala stayed firm. Unable to extract tribute from her, the Marathas retreated to Saifabad.[8]
After occasional skirmishes between the Marathas and the Patiala forces for a month and a half the Maratha forces were defeated by Sikh troops and rest of them retired to Delhi. [9]
1793 CE
Battle of Meerut
Bapu Malhar's troops
Unknown
Near Meerut & Doab
From Khurja, Bapu Malhar sent a force of 2,000 horse to set up a Maratha post at Meerut. They were attacked by the Sikhs who looted their camp, and the Marathas fled back to Bapu Malhar. Bapuji Malhar then with 5000 troops attacked Sikhs and made them flee.[10]
During the night the Sikhs made a surprise attack on Madho Rao who was busy performing the funerary rites of his dead soldiers. Following another attack by the Sikhs before dawn, the Marathas retired to Karnal.[14]
Nana Rao launched an expedition against them in September of 1795. Nana Rao marched to Thanesar, where Bhanga Singh fought with him. He was involved in many conflicts near Rajpura, on the banks of the Ghaggar River. Nana Rao was forced to flee to Panipat.[15]
1795 CE
Battle of Saharanpur
Nana Rao
Unknown
Doab
Nana Rao arrived at Panipat, where 5,000 Sikhs attacked the Gangetic Doab, scattered the Maratha garrison at Saharanpur, and destroyed Maratha troops stationed for the province's defense.[16]
1795 CE
Battle of Muzaffarnagar
Bapu Malhar
Unknown
Doab & Muzaffarnagar
On the 12th November, 1795, a fight took place between Bapu Malhar and the Sikhs. Many people were killed and wounded on both sides. On the 15th another action was fought between them in which Bapuji was defeated.[17]
1796 CE
Second Battle of Saharanpur
Bapu Malhar
Unknown
Doab
In March 1796, the Sikhs again invaded the Doab. Bapu Malhar, the Maratha officer in Saharanpur, attempted to halt their march but was defeated and stripped of four cannons on March 20, 1796.[18]
Thomas (Irish general under Marathas) fought a battle against the Sikhs, in which the Marathas suffered 500 deaths and killed 1000 Sikhs who tried to rebel against the Marathas. Peace was later achieved with the Sikhs evacuating the place. [19][20]
Maratha Confederacy
Patiala state
Bapu Malhar