Battle of Dabhoi

Summary

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.[2] 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
Part of Maratha Civil Wars
Date28 April 1731
Location
Dabhoi (in present-day Gujarat, India)
22°08′15″N 73°24′58″E / 22.1376000°N 73.4161719°E / 22.1376000; 73.4161719
Result

Baji Rao I Victory[2]

  • Peshwas' dominance in Gujarat
  • The dominance of the Senapati Dabhade over Gujarat ended
Belligerents
Trimbakrao's Maratha Faction[1] 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 edit

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 edit

This move was considered unacceptable 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 Chimaji Appa retreat his force and fled towards Satara.[1]

Aftermath edit

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 edit

  1. ^ a b Jaques, Tony (2007). Dictionary of Battles and Sieges: A-E. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 281. ISBN 978-0-313-33537-2.
  2. ^ a b Rā Kulakarṇī, A.; Nayeem, M. A.; De Souza, Teotonio R. (1996). Mediaeval Deccan History- Commemoration Volume in Honour of Purshottam Joshi. ISBN 9788171545797.
  3. ^ New Cambridge History of India. The Marathas - Cambridge History of India (Vol. 2, Part 4).
  4. ^ Bāhekara, Esa. E. (2000). Raṇa jhuñjāra Senāpatī Umābāī Dābhāḍe.

5 [1]

  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.