Battle of Kolhapur

Battle of Kolhapur was a land battle that took place on December 28, 1659 near the city of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India between the Maratha "Chhatrapati" Shivaji and the "Rustemjaman" of Adilshah. The Marathas defeated the Adilshahi forces. Adilshahi forces were 10000 strong against 5000 light maratha cavalry.

The battle is known for brilliant movement of flanks by Shivaji similar to Uzbek tactics of Babur against Rana Sangha.

Background

Shivaji had killed Afzal Khan and routed his army in the battle of Pratapgarh(10 Nov,1659). He took advantage of this victory and in a great offensive took a large hilly tract running about 200 km under his command. A number of forts like Vasota fell to Marathas. By Dec,1659 Shivaji appeared near Panhala fort. Rustemjaman was directed from Bijapur. He arrived near Miraj in the vicinity of Kolhapur on 27 Dec,1659.

Battle

Composition of Adilshahi forces

Rustemjamn was assisted by other chieftains Fazal Khan, Malik Itbar, Sadat Khan, Yakub Khan, Aankush Khan, Hasan Khan, Mulla Haya, Santaji Ghatage. It consists of selected cavalry of Adilshahi which was well known. In addition elephants were deployed as first line of defense. The centre was commanded by Rustemjamn himself, left flank by Fazal Khan, right flank by Malik Itbar. Fateh Khan and Mulla Haya were on the rear guard.

Composition of Maratha forces

Shivaji was assisted by Netaji Palkar, Jadhavrao, Hanmantrao Kharate, Pandhare, Siddi Hllal, Hiroji Ingale, Bhimaji Wagh, Sidhoji Pawar, Godaji Jagtap and Mahadik. Centre was commanded by Shivaji himself. Siddi Hilal and Jadhavrao were on left flank. Ingale and Sidhoji Pawar on right flank. Mahadik and Wagh on the rear guard. Netaji Palkar was off the centre.

Movement and clash of forces

Rustemjaman was planning to move towards Panhala fort. Shivaji anticipated this movement and in a quick dash appeared before Adilshahi forces in th early morning of 28th Dec,1659. And attacked the enemy. Shivaji charged the centre. Other Maratha commanders attacked respective flanks. In a hard battle, Adilshahi forces were scuttled. By afternoon Rustemjaman had fled the field.

Outcome

Shivaji gained a large territory and secured front of his emerging empire.

Casualties

The total casualties of this battle and also battle of Pratapgarh was 7000 on Adilshahi side and 2000 on Maratha side.

References

*Grant Duff - "History of Marathas"
*S.D.Samant - "Vedh Mahamanvacha"