Chapter 6 - British Attack on Poona and the Lost Opportunity for Victory-Book Review: The Legacy of Shivaji The Great: Military Strategy, Naval Supremacy and the Maratha Empire by Col Anil Athale PART 6

 

The British Ambition to Install Raghunathrao Peshwa

The British were determined to make Raghunathrao the Peshwa. Both the British and Maratha forces prepared for war. The book provides detailed accounts of these preparations.

The British Campaign and Maratha Countermeasures

The British assembled their forces with the intent to cross the Western Ghats and invade Pune. However, the Marathas cleverly disrupted the British lines of communication, forcing the British to reconsider their plans. In response, the British decided to withdraw under the cover of night. Nana Phadnavis's network of spies discovered this retreat, and as soon as the British began to pull back, the Maratha cavalry launched a swift attack from both flanks.

The Treaty of Wadgaon (1779)

Caught in a vulnerable position, the British were compelled to sue for peace. This resulted in the Treaty of Wadgaon in 1779, through which the British agreed to return all the territories they had captured since the Treaty of 1756.

Analysis: Lessons from the Battle of Salher and Shivaji Maharaj

Shivaji’s Tactical Brilliance at Salher and Pratapgarh

In the Battle of Salher (1672), Shivaji's generals showed no mercy to the Mughal forces, utterly crushing the enemy. Similarly, Shivaji Maharaj decisively defeated the enemy at Pratapgarh. However, in this instance, the Marathas allowed the British to retreat to Bombay rather than pursuing them to finish the conflict.

A Missed Opportunity to Evict the British from Bombay

The Marathas had a golden opportunity to strike at Bombay and drive the British out. The conditions were highly favorable, and a more decisive approach could have significantly altered the course of history. This scenario offers a vital lesson: learning from the military strategies of Shivaji Maharaj, who would never have let such an opportunity slip by.

The Resumption of Hostilities and the End of Maratha Unity

Hostilities resumed as soon as the Bengal Army reached Bombay. The Battle of Wadgaon marked the last time the Marathas fought unitedly against the British. Prior to this, in 1775, the Battle of Addas saw both sides claim victory. It was also the first time the British army faced the formidable Maratha cavalry and their main army.