Battle of Dabhoi
The Battle of Dabhoi was fought on 28 April 1731, and it was a major confrontation between the Trimbak Rao Dabhade and Baji Rao I due to political interference of Peshwas in Gujarat Province.[1] It was fought due to rights of Chauth (Tax Collection) of Gujarat. The rights of collecting Chauth of Gujarat was held by Dabhade clan from the time of Khanderao Dabhade. Baji Rao I ask Trimbak Rao Dabhade to share the rights of Chauth of Gujarat to him. But Trimbak Rao refused and due to this Baji Rao attack suddenly on the army camp of Dabhade's in April 1731. The Pawar brothers of Dhar were also upset with Baji Rao I due his policy in Malwa so they also join Trimbak Rao's side. Some other sources says that Trimbak Rao join Nizam of Hyderabad due to which Bajirao I attack him.[3]
Battle of Dabhoi | |||||||
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Part of Maratha Civil Wars | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Trimbakrao's Maratha Faction[2] | Bajirao's Maratha Faction | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Trimbak Rao Dabhade † Udaji Pawar Maloji Pawar † Anandrao Pawar Pilaji Gaekwad Janoji Kolkhar Nimboji Thorat |
Baji Rao I Chimaji Appa Pilaji Jadhavrao Ranoji Scindia Narayanji Dhamdhere † | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
30,000 Infantry 10,000 Cavalry 40 Musketeers |
30,000 Cavalry 2000 Infantry 160 Musketeers |
Background
In the year 1731, Baji Rao I ask Trimbak Rao Dabhade to share the rights of Chauth of Gujarat to him. But Trimbak Rao refuse to share the rights of Chauth and due to this the battle was fought. The Pawar brothers of Dhar were also upset with Baji Rao I due his policy so they also join Trimbak Rao's side.
Battle
This move was considered unacceptable by Baji Rao I and his brother Chimaji Appa, who led a large army to intercept Trimbak Rao Dabhade during the Battle of Dabhoi. Where in battle Trimbak Rao who was seated on an elephant was shot by a musketeer and due to which the morale of his troops started decreasing. Trimbak Rao's father-in-law; Maloji Pawar of Waghale was also killed in this battle. Many commanders of Peshwas died in this battle.[4] After the death of Trimbak Rao in battlefield Baji Rao retreat his force and fled towards Satara.[2]
Aftermath
The matter was settled by Shahu between Peshwa and Senapati of Maratha Empire. Yashwant Rao Dabhade were given the title of Sersenapati. Pilaji Gaekwad was appointed as chief of Gujarat Province. The Chauth in Malwa were given to Pawar brothers.
References
- Rā Kulakarṇī, A.; Nayeem, M. A.; De Souza, Teotonio R. (1996). Mediaeval Deccan History- Commemoration Volume in Honour of Purshottam Joshi. ISBN 9788171545797.
- Jaques, Tony (2007). Dictionary of Battles and Sieges: A-E. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 281. ISBN 978-0-313-33537-2.
- New Cambridge History of India. The Marathas - Cambridge History of India (Vol. 2, Part 4).
- Bāhekara, Esa. E. (2000). Raṇa jhuñjāra Senāpatī Umābāī Dābhāḍe.
5 [1]
- G.S.Chhabra (2005). Advance Study in the History of Modern India (Volume-1: 1707-1803). Lotus Press. ISBN 978-81-89093-06-8.