Siege of Trichinopoly (1741)
| Siege of Trichinopoly | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Maratha Confederacy•  Nagpur |
 Nawab of Carnatic | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
|
Raghoji I Murari Rao |
Chanda Sahib (POW) | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| 40,000[1]: 54 – 50,000[2] | |||||||||
The siege of Trichinopoly took place in early 1741 during an extended series of conflicts between the Nawab of Arcot and the Maratha Confederacy for control over parts of what is now southern India. Raghuji Bhonsle's Maratha Army successfully starved out the town, compelling the surrender of Chanda Sahib on 26 March 1741.
Background[edit]
During the initial invasion, the leader of Chanda Sahib Trichinopoly had stocked the city with grain, believing its ample supplies and strong fortifications would fend off the Marathas indefinitely. However, upon his return from Pondicherry, he sold the grain and even considered expanding his territories, sent his brother to Madura. This decision left Trichinopoly vulnerable and unaware of the imminent threat. Hearing of this opportunity, Raghuji, leading the Marathas, swiftly moved towards the Tiruchirappalli. Raghuji, anticipating this moment, saw it as the perfect opportunity to strike.[3]
Siege[edit]
Despite the unexpected turn of events, Chanda Sahib demonstrated unwavering resolve in defending himself. He pinned his hopes on his brother, Bara Sahib, and urgently requested his aid. Bara Sahib promptly responded, leading an army of three thousand cavalry and seven thousand infantry towards Trichinopoly. However, the Marathas, well-informed of Bara Sahib's movements, intercepted him with a superior force of 20,000, leading to a fierce battle where Bara Sahib fell,The sudden loss of Bara Sahib on the battlefield dealt a heavy blow to his followers, who faltered in his absence, realizing the magnitude of his leadership. His body, discovered amidst the chaos of battle, was solemnly conveyed to the camp outside Trichinopoly. Clad in opulent attire, his remains were presented to Chanda Sahib, serving as a stark reminder, akin to the severed head of Hasdrubal delivered to Hannibal, of the futility in relying solely on familial support during times of conflict. Chanda Sahib's resilience was put to the ultimate test as he found himself increasingly isolated and depleted of resources. Despite his unwavering determination, the harsh realities of prolonged siege and dwindling supplies forced him into a position of surrender. After enduring the relentless onslaught for over three months, he reluctantly opened the gates of Trichinapalli on March 21st, accepting the hard terms offered by the Marathas. His surrender marked the end of a valiant defense.[4]
Aftermath[edit]
His surrender marked the end of the siege, and he was escorted as a prisoner to Satara, while the Marathas appointed Murari Rao as the new governor, consolidating their control over the region.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ N S Ramaswami (1984). Political History of Carnatic under the Narwabs. ISBN 9780836412628.
- ^ Advanced Study in the History of Modern India 1707–1813 – Jaswant Lal Mehta. Google Books.
- ^ Malleson, G. B. (George Bruce) (1909). History of the French in India : from the founding of Pondichery in 1674 to the capture of that place in 1761. University of California Libraries. Edinburgh : J. Grant. p. 89.
- ^ Malleson, G. B. (George Bruce) (1909). History of the French in India : from the founding of Pondichery in 1674 to the capture of that place in 1761. University of California Libraries. Edinburgh : J. Grant. p. 90.
- ^ Malleson, G. B. (George Bruce) (1909). History of the French in India : from the founding of Pondichery in 1674 to the capture of that place in 1761. University of California Libraries. Edinburgh : J. Grant. p. 90-91.
- Mehta, J. L. Advanced study in the history of modern India 1707-1813
- Mackenna, P. J. et al. Ancient and modern India
