The Battle of Wai which started the downfall of Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

Posted on 2018-01-28 13:28:55 in Maratha Empire

Summary

The Battle of Wai was fought in the fall of 1687 as a part of the Mughal–Maratha Wars. Sambhaji sent his forces under his senapati, Hambirao Mohite, to oppose Mughal army led by Sarja Khan. The Mughal's were drawn into the dense jungles near Wai and Mahableshwar where the Mughals were defeated. However, among the dead was Hambirao, a serious blow to Sambhaji's cause.

The Battle of Wai was fought in the fall of 1687 as a part of the Mughal–Maratha Wars. Even though Marathas won this war but is widely believed that this war brought the beggining of the end of Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj .

In April 1685, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb managed to consolidate his power by first capturing Maratha allies, the Muslim kingdoms of Golkonda and Bijapur. He broke his treaties with both kingdoms, attacked them and captured them by September 1686. While Aurangzeb was away at the Siege of Golconda, the Mughals invaded Satara district. And after his victory at Golconda, Aurangzeb was able to concentrate on the Marathas.

Maratha Empire senapati, or general, Sardar Hambirao Mohite (Talbeed) led the Maratha side in the battle. Sarja Khan (a Bijapur general who has joined the Mughal's) led the Mughal force. The Mughal's were drawn into the dense jungles near Wai and Mahableshwar where the Mughals were defeated. Although the Maratha won, Hambirao Mohite was struck and killed by a cannonball during the battle.

While the battle was a victory for the Maratha's, the loss of the celebrated Hambirao Mohite weakened Sambhaji's political position considerably and many of his troops deserted him. Hambirao was replaced as senapati by Malhoji Ghorpade. Sambhaji went to the Western Ghats along with his close friend and counselor Kavi Kalash, leading eventually to the Mughal Army surrounding the Sambhaji's camp and capturing the Maratha leader.



Recent Comments

About History Board

History Board is a social platform for history lovers. You can connect with other usersDomain to share and discuss on any topic related to history.