The Maratha Reckoning: Revenge and Retribution After the Third Battle of Panipat

Introduction

After the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, the Marathas, who had been prime ministers of the Maratha Empire, faced significant setbacks. Their defeat necessitated a series of military campaigns aimed at reclaiming their lost power and territory. This article delves into the strategies and key figures involved in the Maratha restoration, focusing on Madhav Rao I and Visaji Krishna Chinchalkar, and the wider geopolitical landscape around the battles.

Madhav Rao I: The New Peshwa

Following the Third Battle of Panipat, Madhav Rao I, also known as Madhavrao I, became the new Peshwa. He embarked on a mission to rebuild the Maratha Empire and restore its influence. Under his leadership, the Marathas succeeded in reclaiming significant territories and defeating various foes, including the powerful Afghan forces led by Ahmad Shah Durrani.

Reasserting Maratha Power in Northern India

Under Madhav Rao I's reign (1761-1772), the Marathas reasserted their power in northern India. This period saw several military engagements, with victory over Afghan forces and the re-establishment of Maratha authority over territories previously under Durrani control. The Maratha Empire, though severely shaken by the defeat at Panipat, began to regain its former glory, laying the groundwork for decades of resurgence.

Key Peshwa General: Visaji Krishna Chinchalkar

Visaji Krishna Chinchalkar, also known as Visaji Pant Biniwale, was one of the leading generals of the Peshwas in northern India from 1759 to 1772. He played a crucial role in assisting Madhavrao I's efforts to restore Maratha power after the Battle of Panipat in 1761. Chinchalkar's strategic acumen and military prowess were instrumental in several key battles and negotiations.

Lessons from the Peace Treaty

Following the Third Battle of Panipat, Zlobdar Ahmad Shah Durrani sought peace with the Marathas through his envoys. Despite this, Maratha suzerainty over Delhi and the expected relinquishment of claims on Punjab marked a period of significant upheaval. Maratha control over northern India essentially disintegrated for several years, with Holkar beginning to reclaim territories soon after Panipat.

Revenge and Reclaim: The Final Move

Once matters settled in Pune and Hyder Ali was humbled in Mysore, Madhavrao Peshwa dispatched a powerful army in 1769 under Visaji Krishna Biniwale, Tukoji Holkar, and Mahadji Shinde. By this time, Najib Khan, the dictator of Delhi, was an old man and had to sue for peace despite Mahadji Shinde's opposition. Najib had already started a Rohilla coalition to trap the Maratha army, but his death in 1770 ended any potential success for his plans.

The Defeat of the Rohillas

A combined Maratha and Mughal army led by Mirza Najaf Khan invaded Rohilkhand in 1771, defeating the Rohillas led by Zabita Khan, the son of Najib. Najib's fortress of Patargarh was sacked by the Marathas, and the treasuries looted. The legendary destruction of Najib's grave by Scindia forces, and the capture of his grandson as a hostage, culminated in the complete defeat of the Rohillas. The Roohilla state was ultimately finished off by the English and the Nawab of Awadh during the Anglo Rohilla Wars.

The End of Panipat and Beyond

The Marathas had plans for further invasions into Awadh and against the East India Company. However, the death of Madhavrao Peshwa in November 1772 led to a return to base in Pune, marking the end of the saga initiated after the Third Battle of Panipat.

With Afghan domination, the Marathas now faced a new and more organized adversary: the East India Company, which would eventually eclipse their power and influence.

Conclusion

While the Third Battle of Panipat marked a significant defeat for the Marathas, it also heralded the beginning of a period of strategic and military revival under leaders like Madhav Rao I and Visaji Krishna Chinchalkar. Their efforts, though fraught with challenges, laid the groundwork for the Maratha Empire's resurgence and reclamation of lost territories. As we examine this chapter in history, we gain insight into the complexities and the tenacity of the Marathas in the face of adversity.