The siege of Cenapatam was a military expedition undertaken by the Maratha Empire, led by Balaji Baji Rao and commanded by Gopal Hari, Anand Rao, and their officers. Its objective was to weaken the influence of Hyder Ali and undermine the resources of the Mysore Sultanate. The conflict took place between 1759 and 1760. Upon receiving this information, Hyder Ali promptly marched and assembled his troops near Cenapatam. In retaliation, Gopal Hari lifted the blockade of Bangalore and advanced with a significantly larger force to confront him.
| Siege of Channapatna | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Kingdom of Mysore |
 Maratha Empire | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
Hyder Ali Latif Ali Beg Mir Ibrahim |
Gopal Hari | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| Light | Heavy | ||||||||
Background edit
As predicted, the Marathas did not agree to the removal of their troops and representatives from the pledged districts. In early 1759, a large Maratha force led by Gopal Hari and Anand Rao invaded Mysore. They began by reclaiming control of the pledged districts and then moved north of Savandurga, suggesting they had further plans to the northeast of Mysore.[1] However, they ultimately laid siege to Bangalore and sent a detachment of their best infantry to the west, which, through a surprise attack, captured the fort of "Cenapatam," located 35 miles from Bangalore and 40 miles from Srirangapatna where the forested area gives way to an open plain.The recent disbursement of funds for the dismissal of mutinous troops had left some soldiers with unpaid wages, which were often settled by the chiefs making advances from their personal funds. When orders were issued for the marching of troops to oppose this threat, many chiefs of rank made excuses, claiming they could not do so without first being paid their arrears.[2] Hyder Ali, however, volunteered to take on the responsibility and offer his personal guarantee for any arrears owed to the men, which was not much. This offer increased his popularity and he was appointed as the chief commander of the field army. In response, many of the most experienced military servants of the state resigned, choosing not to serve under Hyder Ali. Hyder Ali’s first action as chief commander was to station substantial detachments at the intermediate forts of Mandur and Malavalli, both situated on the two main approaches to the capital, approximately twenty-seven and twenty-two miles away from each other, and about seventeen miles apart.The fort at Malavalli was placed under the command of his maternal uncle, Mir Ibrahim, while Latif Ali Beg was given charge of Mandur with orders to potentially attempt the surprise recovery of Cenapatam, which was only thirteen miles away.[3]
The Battle edit
Following the appointment of Latif Ali Beg in Mandur and Mir Ibrahim in Malavalli, Hyder Ali was compelled to take action against the Marathas. Employing a strategic approach, Latif Ali Beg successfully captured Channapatna.[4] This prompted Hyder Ali to consolidate his forces near Channapatna, while Gopal Hari, relieving the blockade of Bangalore, advanced to confront him with a superior force. After three months of intense warfare, Gopal Hari found himself significantly hindered by the relentless activity of his adversary, ultimately leading him to propose a negotiation.[5]
Aftermath edit
As a result of the negotiation, Channapatna, along with all its neighboring districts, including Mandur and Malavalli, were incorporated into the Mysore territory.
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Hasan, M. Fazlul (1970). Bangalore Through the Centuries. Historical Publications. p. 85.
- ^ Shubendra (2021-09-16). Sultan: The Legend of Hyder Ali. Pan Macmillan. pp. Chapter 4–5. ISBN 978-93-89109-80-1.
- ^ Sathyan, B. N. Sri (1967). Mysore State Gazetteer: Mandya District. Director of Print., Stationery and Publications at the Government Press. pp. 43–45.
- ^ Rice, B. L. (February 2001). Gazetteer of Mysore. Asian Educational Services. pp. 62–63. ISBN 978-81-206-0977-8.
- ^ Kadam, Umesh Ashok (2023-03-31). Deccan in Transition, 1600 to 1800: European Dominance and Maratha Sovereignty. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-000-85303-2.