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Solstice at Panipat: 14 January 1761
'Solstice at Panipat' is an authentic account of the third battle of Panipat fought between the Marathas and the Afghans on 14 January 1761.
The sun stood still as the mighty powers clashed for the empire of India in the killing fields of Panipat. Hundreds of thousands of men died in twelve hours in their titanic struggle for supremacy. One of them emerged victorious; yet it was a pyrrhic victory.
This is that story, researched meticulously by Uday S.Kulkarni from scores of primary and secondary sources in English, Persian and marathi, spread across many tomes dating back to the 17th century.
With a foreword by Ninad Bedekar, over two dozen maps and several colour photographs of personalities and locations; it is a lucid and balanced account of the last battle of Panipat.
The sun stood still as the mighty powers clashed for the empire of India in the killing fields of Panipat. Hundreds of thousands of men died in twelve hours in their titanic struggle for supremacy. One of them emerged victorious; yet it was a pyrrhic victory.
This is that story, researched meticulously by Uday S.Kulkarni from scores of primary and secondary sources in English, Persian and marathi, spread across many tomes dating back to the 17th century.
With a foreword by Ninad Bedekar, over two dozen maps and several colour photographs of personalities and locations; it is a lucid and balanced account of the last battle of Panipat.
287 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2011
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May 22, 2021
What a lovely book this was.
Love the narration style.
A very well researched, authentic and detail account on 3rd battle of Panipat.
History is not what it seems. There are thousands of backstory. Sadashivrao Bhau and thousands of Marathas on the plains of Panipat died while defending India against a foreign invasion. Marathas came within an inch of winning the battle. Even Abdali asked his harem to be placed on fast horses lest the Maratha reach his camp at the rear. Real history cannot be summarized into a few bullet points. It is a lot more detailed, nuanced and complicated. Over simplification often doesn't give the complete picture. Marathas did lose the battle but their aim of pushing back the invaders was successful. A weakened Abdali never came back to loot and Jihad against India. After losing the third battle of Panipat the Maratha empire suffered a big shock following the death of Nanasaheb Peshwa within six months. However Maratha empire were able to recover a majority of the lost ground, thanks to great Madhavrao Peshwa, Nana Phadnavis and Mahadji Scindia. In less than a decade after Panipat, the Marathas were able to re-establish their control over Delhi and defeated the Nizam.
In another book i read about Abdali that after returning to Afganistan, he was suffering the last stages of an illness that had long debilitated him, as his face was eaten away by what the Afghan sources call a ‘gangrenous ulcer’, possibly leprosy or some form of tumour. Soon after winning at Panipat, Abdali’s disease began consuming his nose, and a diamond-studded substitute was attached in its place. By 1772, maggots were dropping from the upper part of his putrefying nose into his mouth and his food as he ate. Having despaired of finding a cure, he took to his bed in the Toba hills, where he had gone to escape the summer heat of Kandahar. I guess that's how Karma got him.
And another thing, i admired about this book is that it has photographs, maps, illustrations, timeline, genealogies. This kinda book helps you in visualizing. For lucid account of one of the most important battles of Indian history, do read this book. Uday Kulkarni manages to create the era in front of your eyes with maps and so many other details. He doesn't flinch from highlighting the faults of the players involved. Well referenced and yet not cluttered at all. I was left wondering how did the inheritors of Shivaji Maharaj and Peshwa Baji Rao become so fractured? After reading this book i got all my answers.
The fixation of historians to move from the mughals to the British, with Marathas as a passing reference needs to revisited in today's multi polar world.
Everyone should read it.
Highly recommended.
Love the narration style.
A very well researched, authentic and detail account on 3rd battle of Panipat.
History is not what it seems. There are thousands of backstory. Sadashivrao Bhau and thousands of Marathas on the plains of Panipat died while defending India against a foreign invasion. Marathas came within an inch of winning the battle. Even Abdali asked his harem to be placed on fast horses lest the Maratha reach his camp at the rear. Real history cannot be summarized into a few bullet points. It is a lot more detailed, nuanced and complicated. Over simplification often doesn't give the complete picture. Marathas did lose the battle but their aim of pushing back the invaders was successful. A weakened Abdali never came back to loot and Jihad against India. After losing the third battle of Panipat the Maratha empire suffered a big shock following the death of Nanasaheb Peshwa within six months. However Maratha empire were able to recover a majority of the lost ground, thanks to great Madhavrao Peshwa, Nana Phadnavis and Mahadji Scindia. In less than a decade after Panipat, the Marathas were able to re-establish their control over Delhi and defeated the Nizam.
In another book i read about Abdali that after returning to Afganistan, he was suffering the last stages of an illness that had long debilitated him, as his face was eaten away by what the Afghan sources call a ‘gangrenous ulcer’, possibly leprosy or some form of tumour. Soon after winning at Panipat, Abdali’s disease began consuming his nose, and a diamond-studded substitute was attached in its place. By 1772, maggots were dropping from the upper part of his putrefying nose into his mouth and his food as he ate. Having despaired of finding a cure, he took to his bed in the Toba hills, where he had gone to escape the summer heat of Kandahar. I guess that's how Karma got him.
And another thing, i admired about this book is that it has photographs, maps, illustrations, timeline, genealogies. This kinda book helps you in visualizing. For lucid account of one of the most important battles of Indian history, do read this book. Uday Kulkarni manages to create the era in front of your eyes with maps and so many other details. He doesn't flinch from highlighting the faults of the players involved. Well referenced and yet not cluttered at all. I was left wondering how did the inheritors of Shivaji Maharaj and Peshwa Baji Rao become so fractured? After reading this book i got all my answers.
The fixation of historians to move from the mughals to the British, with Marathas as a passing reference needs to revisited in today's multi polar world.
Everyone should read it.
Highly recommended.
September 12, 2014
An extremely engaging book. Very well researched and detailed. However, I cannot in all honesty, objectively comment on the writing style of the author - the story itself is so profound, and strikes such a deep chord, that I cannot give a fair and unbiased assessment of the writing style.
The Third Battle of Panipat has been a landmark event in Indian history. What makes this battle so different is that it was an attempt to prevent a foreign power (Ahmed Shah Abdali) from seizing the rule of India. In terms of political motives, it was an Indian success; despite Abdali's victory in the battle, he could never conquer India. Thereafter, India never faced an invasion from the North West.
This battle is also important because it is the sole moment in Indian history when the power-center of India was outside of the Ganga-Yamuna doab. Right from Rajgir-Pataliputra-Kannauj-Agra-Delhi, it is only during the period of the Maratha ascendancy that an all-India power ruled from outside of the doab.
Furthermore, the Maratha confederacy realized early on just how deeply intermingled political and cultural identities in India are. The battle was an attempt to protect the frontiers of Indian civilization; not just an Indian "empire".
For me, the chief reasons for defeat in the battle are:
1. Lack of unity within the Indian rulers. Jaipur and Jodhpur stayed away. Awadh sided with the Abdali. The Rohillas actively fought against the Marathas. The Punjab states were not united.
2. Logistically issues. Lack of funding and resources. Inability to adjust to the north Indian winter. Carrying a large number of non-combantants.
3. Lack of unity within the Maratha army. Rivalries between Holkar-Scindia. Lack of trust in Ibrahim Khan Gardi.
4. Inability to adapt to a different form of warfare. The traditional guerrilla techniques used by Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj - and later by Peshwa Bajirao I - were ineffective in the plains of north India.
There are far too many lessons in this battle for contemporary India. Even today, we show a remarkable lack of unity in the face of external threats. And these threats are existentialist; we cannot afford to trivialize them.
What depresses me is the fact that even today, blame-games do not end, and events of 1761 are used to further extend regional and castist differences. It is essential to realize that it was these very differences that presented a weak India, open to exploitation from without.
These lessons have left a deep imprint on my mind. And when we ride out again from our city to stake a claim for India, we shall be much smarter, learn from the mistakes of our ancestors and create a stronger and more prosperous nation.
The Third Battle of Panipat has been a landmark event in Indian history. What makes this battle so different is that it was an attempt to prevent a foreign power (Ahmed Shah Abdali) from seizing the rule of India. In terms of political motives, it was an Indian success; despite Abdali's victory in the battle, he could never conquer India. Thereafter, India never faced an invasion from the North West.
This battle is also important because it is the sole moment in Indian history when the power-center of India was outside of the Ganga-Yamuna doab. Right from Rajgir-Pataliputra-Kannauj-Agra-Delhi, it is only during the period of the Maratha ascendancy that an all-India power ruled from outside of the doab.
Furthermore, the Maratha confederacy realized early on just how deeply intermingled political and cultural identities in India are. The battle was an attempt to protect the frontiers of Indian civilization; not just an Indian "empire".
For me, the chief reasons for defeat in the battle are:
1. Lack of unity within the Indian rulers. Jaipur and Jodhpur stayed away. Awadh sided with the Abdali. The Rohillas actively fought against the Marathas. The Punjab states were not united.
2. Logistically issues. Lack of funding and resources. Inability to adjust to the north Indian winter. Carrying a large number of non-combantants.
3. Lack of unity within the Maratha army. Rivalries between Holkar-Scindia. Lack of trust in Ibrahim Khan Gardi.
4. Inability to adapt to a different form of warfare. The traditional guerrilla techniques used by Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj - and later by Peshwa Bajirao I - were ineffective in the plains of north India.
There are far too many lessons in this battle for contemporary India. Even today, we show a remarkable lack of unity in the face of external threats. And these threats are existentialist; we cannot afford to trivialize them.
What depresses me is the fact that even today, blame-games do not end, and events of 1761 are used to further extend regional and castist differences. It is essential to realize that it was these very differences that presented a weak India, open to exploitation from without.
These lessons have left a deep imprint on my mind. And when we ride out again from our city to stake a claim for India, we shall be much smarter, learn from the mistakes of our ancestors and create a stronger and more prosperous nation.
February 1, 2016
A veritable time machine, the book by Dr Uday S Kulkarni threw open doors to the not so distant past, hitherto little known to me. Probably I'm not the only one whose knowledge of the Marathas (and India) is so less. History in school was so dry.
It is my firm belief that, history or any story for that matter cannot be clearly described only in black and white, but always in shades of grey. The book too reinforces this belief.
It was a revelation of sorts to learn that the Marathas were responsible for the security of the Mughal empire. As was learning about the impervious relations between the Rajputs and the Marathas.
Malhar Rao Holkar and Najib Khan seem to be the key nobles of the time who made a difference. I couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if Malhar Rao Holkar would not have protected Najib Khan. Probably Abdali wouldn't have come to India, and the Marathas would have established much more control over the whole of North India. And this might have helped blocking the English from gaining a foot hold and later extending their presence in the whole of India.
Another salient point that could be gleaned is the fact that most of India was under constant turmoil during the same time European countries were experiencing relative calm in their mainland. This probably explains the lack of industrial advancement in India as compared to Europe and America though we were quite advanced in fields like architecture, medicine, etc.
The amount of research that has gone into writing the book, contrasts with the abysmal level of analysis and general lack of application by other well known contemporary historians.
The only criticism that I can think of is that in the midst of the narration, references are made asynchronously which made it difficult to follow. But then, just explaining things chronologically would have made it yet another high school textbook.
The book and the author are an inspiration for students of Indian history. And a must buy and read. (The author himself has published it. Hence, the recommendation to buy and support)
It is my firm belief that, history or any story for that matter cannot be clearly described only in black and white, but always in shades of grey. The book too reinforces this belief.
It was a revelation of sorts to learn that the Marathas were responsible for the security of the Mughal empire. As was learning about the impervious relations between the Rajputs and the Marathas.
Malhar Rao Holkar and Najib Khan seem to be the key nobles of the time who made a difference. I couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if Malhar Rao Holkar would not have protected Najib Khan. Probably Abdali wouldn't have come to India, and the Marathas would have established much more control over the whole of North India. And this might have helped blocking the English from gaining a foot hold and later extending their presence in the whole of India.
Another salient point that could be gleaned is the fact that most of India was under constant turmoil during the same time European countries were experiencing relative calm in their mainland. This probably explains the lack of industrial advancement in India as compared to Europe and America though we were quite advanced in fields like architecture, medicine, etc.
The amount of research that has gone into writing the book, contrasts with the abysmal level of analysis and general lack of application by other well known contemporary historians.
The only criticism that I can think of is that in the midst of the narration, references are made asynchronously which made it difficult to follow. But then, just explaining things chronologically would have made it yet another high school textbook.
The book and the author are an inspiration for students of Indian history. And a must buy and read. (The author himself has published it. Hence, the recommendation to buy and support)
June 1, 2019
Read this book long back. Uday S. Kulkarni is someone, we all should look for. He writes well. Have read his all 3 books. I am waiting for his 4th book. I so want him to write book on Maratha empire considering he is expert in this topic. These kind of history is never taught in school and college. Go read it. You will like it.
September 8, 2021
With the growing reach of social media, I have been noticing a trend that on discussions of India History, many people would say it is a boring subject, it should be avoided, and we have not been taught this in school. There is a feeling of apathy, a belief that there is nothing to recommend Indian history which is mired by foreign invasions, subjugation, internecine battles, treachery of Hindu Kings where their greed used to turn the course of a battle at a critical juncture, paving way for our enslavement. The word History is often associated with the curriculum of school-days – the mugging of dates of historical events, memorizing the names of the Mughal Kings, to stencil the ideas of Gandhi and the Indian Independence movement on our minds.
The problem is not only that our Indian History is distorted beyond repair by a handful of agenda-driven people. But a more significant issue is that our education system is built on only one pillar – ace the exam. The students are not expected to learn, they are expected to memorize textbook and copy it word-perfect on an answer-sheet. A process that kills the natural curiosity of a child, whom nature has mandated to learn by exploring its environment and the world around.
When this curiosity is killed at a young age and you are taught a dry and uninspiring subject, you would not, in later years, go exploring the subject. To do that, you would need to be inspired. And that is where a lot of contemporary authors and historians come into play. It may look like a slow-start, mired by mud-slinging by the established intelligentsia, rejections by publishers, and sometime even loss to personal reputation. However, if we look closely there is a new voice emerging, questioning, hungering for answers. And thanks to historians like Dr. Uday Kulkarni, we are getting interested in learning about our History, we are reading, questioning and debating, we are adjusting to the “newer” facts that are brought to the common populace.
Solstice at Panipat is a case in point. It is one such historical event that we need to read carefully and understand deeply. The (in)famous battle of Panipat, is etched into our minds as one where Hindus were summarily defeated against the Islamic invasion. A lasting shame brought about by the treachery of Hindu Kings, another testament to the oft-touted non-unity among Hindus as a people and their identity as a nation. And the death blow to the Maratha warriors’ aspiration to move beyond the Narmada.
This is where this book, Solstice at Panipat: 14 January 1761, by Dr. Kulkarni is helpful in filling the gaps and busting the lies. The book looks at the events of January 14 not in isolation but traces the history of the battle, it also assesses the gains made and the losses suffered by the major players post-war.
The book is a gripping account of the events leading up to the battle and then the gruesome battle itself as it happened on the fateful day of Winter Solstice. The author has done an honest job narrating the story in a neutral tone without creating heroes or villains, sharing references and notes to give more context to certain events and/or individuals. The narration brings out the deep research that has shaped the book. The author tells the story as it unfolded before, during and after the war; giving accounts of the changing geopolitical climate of Bharat above Narmada, the Deccan region and the Afghanistan-Iran region. The alliances and political intrigues among the players like Peshwa, Nizam, Holkar, Scindia, Mughal Emperor, Najib Jung and many more. The Indian subcontinent topography of that period on which the battle strategy depended, the army and the armaments as they lined up for the battle. All these pieces may mean a lot of details, but they are very necessary details which creates a vivid picture in the reader’s mind as the warriors arrayed themselves in their battle formation.
Dr. Kulkarni does not shy away from pointing out the mistakes, errors in judgement, the difference in war-strategy by the Maratha Army vis-à-vis Afghan army and the treachery of key player as it happened. However, shines light on the great courage of the Maratha warriors, the great wins they enjoyed gaining swathes of territories beyond Deccan region, and the fear the mere mention of their names evoked in the hearts of their opposition. So much so, the marauders realized that the only way they could win against the unstoppable force of the Maratha is by treachery and division among their key allies. As the reader immerse herself in the book she realizes that looking on the battle of January 14 in itself is a very narrow view of the larger picture. There is no denying the fact that the Maratha lost the battle, and they carried the shame of this loss with them. But then as the readers of history it is incumbent on us to understand that even when Abdali won the Battle of Panipat, what was the net gains and losses of both the parties; the negotiations made and new alliances created in the post-battle environment; and the fate of the key participants after the gruesome Winter Solstice of 1761.
I loved reading this book and I cannot now wait to read the second book, The Era of Baji Rao, by the same author. This book has shed light on hidden facts and corroborated them with extensive references. I recommend this book to fellow readers of history. We need to keep an open mind while reading our history because a lot of what we have read for past several decades were essentially adhered to only one line of thought which was neither the complete truth nor even factual. We need to shed away our defeatism and pacifism; and embrace our history which is expansive, vivid, multi-cultural and above all courageous.
The problem is not only that our Indian History is distorted beyond repair by a handful of agenda-driven people. But a more significant issue is that our education system is built on only one pillar – ace the exam. The students are not expected to learn, they are expected to memorize textbook and copy it word-perfect on an answer-sheet. A process that kills the natural curiosity of a child, whom nature has mandated to learn by exploring its environment and the world around.
When this curiosity is killed at a young age and you are taught a dry and uninspiring subject, you would not, in later years, go exploring the subject. To do that, you would need to be inspired. And that is where a lot of contemporary authors and historians come into play. It may look like a slow-start, mired by mud-slinging by the established intelligentsia, rejections by publishers, and sometime even loss to personal reputation. However, if we look closely there is a new voice emerging, questioning, hungering for answers. And thanks to historians like Dr. Uday Kulkarni, we are getting interested in learning about our History, we are reading, questioning and debating, we are adjusting to the “newer” facts that are brought to the common populace.
Solstice at Panipat is a case in point. It is one such historical event that we need to read carefully and understand deeply. The (in)famous battle of Panipat, is etched into our minds as one where Hindus were summarily defeated against the Islamic invasion. A lasting shame brought about by the treachery of Hindu Kings, another testament to the oft-touted non-unity among Hindus as a people and their identity as a nation. And the death blow to the Maratha warriors’ aspiration to move beyond the Narmada.
This is where this book, Solstice at Panipat: 14 January 1761, by Dr. Kulkarni is helpful in filling the gaps and busting the lies. The book looks at the events of January 14 not in isolation but traces the history of the battle, it also assesses the gains made and the losses suffered by the major players post-war.
The book is a gripping account of the events leading up to the battle and then the gruesome battle itself as it happened on the fateful day of Winter Solstice. The author has done an honest job narrating the story in a neutral tone without creating heroes or villains, sharing references and notes to give more context to certain events and/or individuals. The narration brings out the deep research that has shaped the book. The author tells the story as it unfolded before, during and after the war; giving accounts of the changing geopolitical climate of Bharat above Narmada, the Deccan region and the Afghanistan-Iran region. The alliances and political intrigues among the players like Peshwa, Nizam, Holkar, Scindia, Mughal Emperor, Najib Jung and many more. The Indian subcontinent topography of that period on which the battle strategy depended, the army and the armaments as they lined up for the battle. All these pieces may mean a lot of details, but they are very necessary details which creates a vivid picture in the reader’s mind as the warriors arrayed themselves in their battle formation.
Dr. Kulkarni does not shy away from pointing out the mistakes, errors in judgement, the difference in war-strategy by the Maratha Army vis-à-vis Afghan army and the treachery of key player as it happened. However, shines light on the great courage of the Maratha warriors, the great wins they enjoyed gaining swathes of territories beyond Deccan region, and the fear the mere mention of their names evoked in the hearts of their opposition. So much so, the marauders realized that the only way they could win against the unstoppable force of the Maratha is by treachery and division among their key allies. As the reader immerse herself in the book she realizes that looking on the battle of January 14 in itself is a very narrow view of the larger picture. There is no denying the fact that the Maratha lost the battle, and they carried the shame of this loss with them. But then as the readers of history it is incumbent on us to understand that even when Abdali won the Battle of Panipat, what was the net gains and losses of both the parties; the negotiations made and new alliances created in the post-battle environment; and the fate of the key participants after the gruesome Winter Solstice of 1761.
I loved reading this book and I cannot now wait to read the second book, The Era of Baji Rao, by the same author. This book has shed light on hidden facts and corroborated them with extensive references. I recommend this book to fellow readers of history. We need to keep an open mind while reading our history because a lot of what we have read for past several decades were essentially adhered to only one line of thought which was neither the complete truth nor even factual. We need to shed away our defeatism and pacifism; and embrace our history which is expansive, vivid, multi-cultural and above all courageous.
June 26, 2013
A well researched book written in a detached and unbiased manner.The third battle of panipat and its effects have a bearing on our national life to the present day.if sadashiv bhau / marathas had won the battle,the course of next 250 years would have been different.It would be an exaggeration ,but still i do feel that many geopolitical issues like partition of the Indian subcontinent would have been avoided if the marathas were victorious.But i do know very well that their is no scope for if s and but s in history
October 11, 2020
Best book on Panipat. Read at once.
October 29, 2016
An excellent treatise on the war of Panipat. The book is a neutral account written and in no way exemplifies or puts blame of the defeat on one. It also gives very realistic viewpoints on the war and the diplomacy around it, commenting how the outcome of the war led to the entry of the British in Indian confederation.
The book is simple and provides quantitative evidences to all its statements and articulations. An insightful read to those wishing to read up on the Peshwas, Maratha history in its splendour, medieval war methods and strategies of India and mainly for those looking for a book that tells a historic tale in a very interesting retelling.
Kudos to the author Uday Kulkarni for this one!
The book is simple and provides quantitative evidences to all its statements and articulations. An insightful read to those wishing to read up on the Peshwas, Maratha history in its splendour, medieval war methods and strategies of India and mainly for those looking for a book that tells a historic tale in a very interesting retelling.
Kudos to the author Uday Kulkarni for this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2016
book give very fine details for the reason of war. Initial chapter explain about chattrapati family. One of the reason that writer has given for the war is border issue of India with afghan king. one thing that I didn't find accurate is King Hemu details which writer first describe as general of afghan king (Sher shah suri) during 2 panipat war, but as a fact he was the king at that time. Writer has mentioned that north India was describe as Hindustan by Martha's .
Overall book is very good to know about panipat war, its reason , about Ahemad shah abdali, N how Martha's had struggled.
Overall book is very good to know about panipat war, its reason , about Ahemad shah abdali, N how Martha's had struggled.
October 9, 2014
A must read, if you are interested in the bleak period of Indian history. A wonderful follow up, if you are into Martha history. Obviously Jadunath Sarkar did an excellent work on documenting the early maratha growth, but this book throws light on the war, and strategy part of it. Highly recommended.
February 8, 2014
This is a very engaging book about all the political and strategic happenings in 18th century India. This was truly the era of the Marathas. We generally associate Panipat with the end of Maratha power. But that is not so. The Maratha power was dominant till 4 decades after that battle.
July 24, 2016
An engaging account of the Maratha Empire written in an extremely lucid and engaging style. What makes it even more remarkable is that the author is a practicing dentist and that speaks volumes for the passion with which research has been undertaken. A must-read for any military history enthusiast.
February 19, 2020
- *Reads like a literature work and not at all boring*
- Chronological summary of events leading up to the Battle and aftermath
- Adequate profiles of the main characters involved (birth, rise, tactics)
- Rich illustrations, plenty (20) of maps, timelines, genealogies to engage the reader
- Chronological summary of events leading up to the Battle and aftermath
- Adequate profiles of the main characters involved (birth, rise, tactics)
- Rich illustrations, plenty (20) of maps, timelines, genealogies to engage the reader
November 17, 2015
Excellent piece of work!
Very detailed, very articulate. No over-dramatization - told in facts. Great read.
Very detailed, very articulate. No over-dramatization - told in facts. Great read.
March 6, 2015
Bhau was such a hero!
December 22, 2015
Hats off to the author for providing such a detailed history about 3rd battle of panipat. Yes, Sadashiv Bhau is indeed the Abhimanyu of Mahabharatha!!
April 27, 2016
Beyond doubt, one of the best books I have ever read, on Indian History, with special reference to the Maratha empire. Again, no shelf on Indian history is complete without this volume.
October 5, 2020
Most reliable book About The Third Battle of Panipat which fought between Afghans And Marathas.
January 15, 2018
5 stars. A must read for any history enthusiast. The illustrations, the pictures, the references, just like history needs to be told. Special mention to the quality of printing and binding. The font is a very readable serif, may be Adobe Caslon. Good job publishers!
Marathas saved India by sacrificing a hundred thousand men at Panipat.This is how i look at Panipat 1761. Look at Syria, Libya, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan to see what would have befallen India had it not for the Marathas. Sure they lost the battle. They also lost a whole generation of battle hardened leaders and able administrators. But they inflicted enough damage to Abdali's forces that he left for Kabul and never eyed Delhi again.
The battle: My school text book, and its current version, had one line on Panipat 1761. No context. No mention that it was Abdali's sixth invasion of Delhi. No mention that he reportedly took off with 12 crores worth treasure in 1757. Nothing on Marathas defeating Abdali's son at Attock in 1758.
Now the book review:
Here Mr Kulkarni sets the context going back 50 years before 1761, and does a great job. He also engages readers about the aspect of financing a battle, using Sadashiv Bhau's letters to his elder cousing, the Peshwa.
This is a story with too many actors, too many heroes. Mr Kulkarni takes time to tell each of their stories. Without dramatizing them, and is mostly non judgmental. Again, great work.
For me, he shines as a narrator when he is writing about Sadashiv Rao Bhau. The hero of this book. A courageous general and an administrator of rare integrity, who attained Veergati at Panipat.
I also enjoyed reading the descriptions of the battle formations, which convinced me feel Ahmad Shah Abdali was one hell of a general. He won Panipat, because he invested a lifetime's instinct and ruthlessness in it.
Of course, the outcome of the battle was a culmination of years of strategic and tactical decisions, good, bad and ugly, from both sides. Mr Kulkarni's book at times meanders, and at times gallops to reach the epic conclusion through most of these events.
Again, a must read for history buffs.
P.S. Also published on my personal blog.
Marathas saved India by sacrificing a hundred thousand men at Panipat.This is how i look at Panipat 1761. Look at Syria, Libya, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan to see what would have befallen India had it not for the Marathas. Sure they lost the battle. They also lost a whole generation of battle hardened leaders and able administrators. But they inflicted enough damage to Abdali's forces that he left for Kabul and never eyed Delhi again.
The battle: My school text book, and its current version, had one line on Panipat 1761. No context. No mention that it was Abdali's sixth invasion of Delhi. No mention that he reportedly took off with 12 crores worth treasure in 1757. Nothing on Marathas defeating Abdali's son at Attock in 1758.
Now the book review:
Here Mr Kulkarni sets the context going back 50 years before 1761, and does a great job. He also engages readers about the aspect of financing a battle, using Sadashiv Bhau's letters to his elder cousing, the Peshwa.
This is a story with too many actors, too many heroes. Mr Kulkarni takes time to tell each of their stories. Without dramatizing them, and is mostly non judgmental. Again, great work.
For me, he shines as a narrator when he is writing about Sadashiv Rao Bhau. The hero of this book. A courageous general and an administrator of rare integrity, who attained Veergati at Panipat.
I also enjoyed reading the descriptions of the battle formations, which convinced me feel Ahmad Shah Abdali was one hell of a general. He won Panipat, because he invested a lifetime's instinct and ruthlessness in it.
Of course, the outcome of the battle was a culmination of years of strategic and tactical decisions, good, bad and ugly, from both sides. Mr Kulkarni's book at times meanders, and at times gallops to reach the epic conclusion through most of these events.
Again, a must read for history buffs.
P.S. Also published on my personal blog.
August 20, 2018
This book starts with a comprehensive version of the events which led to the bloodiest battle of the 18th century. The battle itself is described by the author in a very lucid manner. The author has done a thorough research on this topic which can be understood by the reader when reading the book. A truly engaging story and a must read for all history/war enthusiasts.
The Marathas lost the battle not because of their poor military or fighting skills, but because the enemy was an outstanding military general who was himself the king of Afghanistan. The Maratha soldiers were also outnumbered in this battle and they had the burden of protecting the women going on a pilgrimage. Ridiculous right? Who takes women with them to the battle? Some of the blunders committed by Maratha general Sadashiv Rao bhau such as taking women to the battlefield, not forging an alliance with Sikhs and Jats, waiting too long which led to starvation in the army. These mistakes proved very costly in the end and around 100,000 Marathas (soldiers + non combatants) were killed in a single day . Even Bhau was a great military general but not as experienced or clever as the great Shivaji Maharaj or the undefeated Peshwa Bajirao. After reading this book, I couldn't help but think about all the 'ifs and buts' in this battle. Marathas captured Delhi just 10 years after this debacle which proves that even though they lost the battle, they didnt lose the war.
The Marathas lost the battle not because of their poor military or fighting skills, but because the enemy was an outstanding military general who was himself the king of Afghanistan. The Maratha soldiers were also outnumbered in this battle and they had the burden of protecting the women going on a pilgrimage. Ridiculous right? Who takes women with them to the battle? Some of the blunders committed by Maratha general Sadashiv Rao bhau such as taking women to the battlefield, not forging an alliance with Sikhs and Jats, waiting too long which led to starvation in the army. These mistakes proved very costly in the end and around 100,000 Marathas (soldiers + non combatants) were killed in a single day . Even Bhau was a great military general but not as experienced or clever as the great Shivaji Maharaj or the undefeated Peshwa Bajirao. After reading this book, I couldn't help but think about all the 'ifs and buts' in this battle. Marathas captured Delhi just 10 years after this debacle which proves that even though they lost the battle, they didnt lose the war.
December 5, 2020
This book contains objective account of the events that lead to the 3rd battle of Panipat, of the battle of Panipat and of the after effects. Initially it becomes difficult to keep track of too many characters, but one gets used to it after 1st 2 chapters. Even if the book is non fiction, it's written like a story. The book starts with death of Aurangzeb.
At the beginning of the book, the author has given a list of major characters in the book, which helps the reader as the list can be referred to while reading the book. The book has also given family trees of some main families.
The author narrated the story well and I never felt like I was reading non fiction book.
The book is neither from Maratha's point of view, nor from Afgan's point of view. The death of Bhau was more painful for Nanasaheb than that of his son. He never recovered from the shock.
I read Marathi translation of the book.
जर तुम्ही मराठी वाचू आणि समजू शकतात, तर मी तुम्हाला मराठी भाषांतर वाचायचं सुचवेन कारण मराठ्यांनी त्या वेळी मराठीत लिहिलेली पत्रे तुम्ही जशीच्या तशी वाचू शकतात.
At the beginning of the book, the author has given a list of major characters in the book, which helps the reader as the list can be referred to while reading the book. The book has also given family trees of some main families.
The author narrated the story well and I never felt like I was reading non fiction book.
The book is neither from Maratha's point of view, nor from Afgan's point of view. The death of Bhau was more painful for Nanasaheb than that of his son. He never recovered from the shock.
I read Marathi translation of the book.
जर तुम्ही मराठी वाचू आणि समजू शकतात, तर मी तुम्हाला मराठी भाषांतर वाचायचं सुचवेन कारण मराठ्यांनी त्या वेळी मराठीत लिहिलेली पत्रे तुम्ही जशीच्या तशी वाचू शकतात.
January 10, 2020
Excellent narration of the third battle of Panipat. I liked this even more because none of the history books that were prescribed in the school hashed out the details of the decisive war and furthermore none goes even as far as mentioning Sadashiv rao Bhau, let alone redeeming his repute. Kudos to the author for the research put in. Last but definitely not the least, it was easy for the author to slant the narrative on the side of Maratha and turn this write up into a cheesy one sided novel, instead the author true to a historian laid bare the facts, based on the evidences. His colour commentary also is laudable and trustworthy.
Must read for all those who still bear the pride of Maratha empire and yearn with curiosity about what transgressed at Panipat.
Must read for all those who still bear the pride of Maratha empire and yearn with curiosity about what transgressed at Panipat.
October 29, 2018
It is rare to find a book on history with such balanced view, specially books on Indian history were often the national heroes are exaggerated. Stating both bhau and shah as protagonists by author backs my remark. Sadashiv Rao bhau, Dattaji Scindia,Jankoji Scindia are the maratha warriors beyond Shivaji and Baji Rao who need recognition. The book covers various hidden reasons for the defeat:
like difference between holkars and Scindias or the whole debt ridden administration of Peshwa. Such in-depth analysis is something which needs to be cherished. It's a must read!
like difference between holkars and Scindias or the whole debt ridden administration of Peshwa. Such in-depth analysis is something which needs to be cherished. It's a must read!
March 13, 2016
Tedious beginning. Keeping track of multiple characters and timelines gets unnerving at first. From 2nd part onward, they start converging and it all pays off in the final part. The final part has amazing description of circumstances around the battle. And the description of the battle itself is kinetic.
Great book. Has extensive citations and a balanced perspective. This one's for keeps.
Great book. Has extensive citations and a balanced perspective. This one's for keeps.
September 3, 2015
A very engaging book, astonishing account of the political, diplomatic manoeuvrings of the Maratha empire and the powers of India in the 17 hundreds. A detail account of the Panipat war and its implications. A must read for people interested in Indian & subcontinental history.
August 30, 2017
Excellent book, history told in a spell-binding fashion and, for a change, from an Indian perspective. Would recommend it for gaining a good perspective into the glorious past of the maratha period which we seldom get from our standard history textbooks.
January 12, 2020
Oh! A compelling, could-hardly-put-down kinda book. Although it's history, the story is known, no suspense, obviously! Yet, it grips you.. You hold your breath reading through the chapters, especially when the author describes the battle. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
April 12, 2020
Read the marathi version. Excellent and detailed analysis of the 3rd Battle of Panipat. A must read for everyone who is interested to know about the powerful Peshwa/Maratha empire and the actual battle of Panipat.
April 13, 2013
Must read for all Indians
January 24, 2021
Book: Solstice at Panipat, 14 January, 1761
Author: Uday S. Kulkarni (Author), Ninad Bedekar (Foreword), Vijay Bapaye (Translator)
Publisher: Mula Mutha Publishers; First edition (1 January 2015)
Language: English
Paperback: 352 pages
Item Weight: 454 g
Price: 475/-
Whenever one reads of ‘The Third Battle of Panipat’, he learns that it gave a cataclysmic blow to the extension of the Marathas in Northern India. ‘It was nation-wide disaster like Flodden Field’ says Jadunath Sarkar.
But one tends to disregard the fact that the Marathas promptly recovered from this shudder under the very next Peshwa, Madhav Rao I and remained a daunting power in India till the English, by virtue of their grander clout and subtlety on one hand hand and treachery coupled with cunning on the other, were able to wrench the sceptre from them at the beginning of the 19th century.
Shivaji had visited Delhi merely as a hostage of the Mughals. Balaji Vishwanath visited Delhi with a contingent of 15,000 as a confederate of the Sayyid brothers and helped them remove Emperor Farrukhsiyar from the throne and install Rafi-ud-Darajat as a puppet King.
Baji Rao I made many audacious excursions in northern India and reached the outskirts of the Imperial Capital in March, 1737. He remained there only for three days when the Imperial courtiers trembled in alarm, finding themselves incompetent of resisting the Marathas. However, Baji Rao did not enter the town, because he did not want to scar the sentiments of the Emperor.
In 1739 Baji Rao hearing of the invasion of Nadir Shah, made plans to offer a cohesive resistance to the foreign aggressor, with the help of his Muslim neighbours. But before anything could be done, the Peshwa died a hasty death in April 1740.
His son, Balaji Baji Rao who became a Peshwa after his death remained occupied in the South for the first decade or so of his reign. As such, he could not look towards the affairs of Delhi. In the hiatus, Nadir Shah invaded Delhi in 1739 and after defeating the feeble resistance offered by the Mughal forces at Karnal under Khan Dauran, Amir-ul-Umara reached Delhi. He stayed on for 57 days in the capital, inflicted horrible atrocities over the innocent inhabitants and returned with a large booty.
His successor, Ahmad Shah Abdali, repeated the appalling performance of his master and between 1748 and 1758, made four invasions over the Punjab and Delhi. Accordingly, Punjab became a province of Afghanistan and Timur Shah, son of Ahmad Shah Abdali was appointed Governor of Punjab.
In 1752, when Ahmed Shah Abdali invaded India, and the Emperor sought help from the Marathas, the latter agreed to help Delhi against the invader. But as the formalities of agreement took some time, the panic-striken Emperor ceded the provinces of Lahore and Multan to Abdali.
At the end of 1756, Balaji Baji Rao sent the Maratha Generals, Malhar Rao Holkar and Raghunath Rao for the conquest of northern India. The Marathas secured the coalition of the Jats and brought Doab under them.
They attacked Delhi in August 1757 and compelled Najib-ud-daulah whom Ahmed Shah Abdali had left at Delhi as his agent and who had complete control over the Emperor, to capitulate to their terms. Having captured Delhi and placed it under their ally, the Wazir Imad-ul Mulk, the Marathas embarked upon the conquest of Punjab on request from Adina Beg, the able Governor of Jalandhar Doab.
They captured Sarhind in March, Lahore in April and Attock in May, 1758. They stationed a robust garrison at Attock and appointing Adina Beg as the Governor of Punjab, returned to Deccan. The Maratha flag thus hoisted over large tracks of southern and northern India up to Attock.
The conquest of the Punjab by the Marathas brought them into unswerving conflict with Ahmed Shah Abdali, the ruler of Afghanistan, and thus caused the Third Battle of Panipat.
This is the background story of the fabulous book by Uday S. Kulkarni. Solstice at Panipat tells the readers the story of the Marathas, from the time of Shivaji’s death till the Battle of Panipat.
The battle fought on the outskirts of the town of Panipat (presently in Haryana) on the 14th of January 1761, four days after Makar Sankranti, the Winter Solstice, lends the book its title.
The author divides the book into three parts.
Book One, titled ‘The Spring’ has been divided into twelve chapters. These dozen chapters provide the background to the final showdown.
Book Two, entitled ‘Summer’ containing eight chapters extends upon the background and introduces the major players in detail.
Book Three, called ‘Fall’ speaks of the skirmish in cinematic exuberance almost. The final part of the book, entitled ‘Epilogue’, contains four chapters, which speak of the aftermath of Panipat.
Unfortunate as it was, the occupation of Punjab by the Marathas did not survive long. Adina Beg, the competent Governor of Punjab appointed by the Maratha Chiefs as their agent, died on 15th September, 1758. His death caused much muddle and disorder, which his lieutenants, son-in-law Khwajah Mirza Khan and brother Khwajah Said Khan could not bring under control, though they committed a grim blunder in recalling the Maratha detachment from Peshawar and Attock for their help.
As the Maratha position was weakening, a strong Durrani army invaded Punjab and by November, 1759 the province was entirely lost to the Marathas. Abdali then marched towards Delhi to avenge the expulsion of his Governor Timur Shah from the Punjab. He had this time an additional advantage of being helped by Ruhillas and the Nawab of Oudh, both of which bore enemity toward the Marathas.
The Hindu princes, specifically the Rajputs and the Sikhs had been estranged to the Maratha cause because of the imprudent policies of Balaji Raó expressly his desertion of the model of Hindu-pad-padshahi.
Thus in the Maratha-Afghan skirmish, they did not support the cause of the Marathas and decided to remain neutral.
In these circumstances, it was not surprising that Abdali easily defeated Dattaji Sindhia at Thanesar in December, 1759, whom the Maratha authorities had sent with a robust army to reinstate the Maratha authority in Punjab. The Afghans followed up their success by inflicting another crushing defeat over the Maratha forces at Saran Ghat, ten miles north of Delhi on the 9th January, 1760, where Dattaji Sindhia was killed.
Kulkarni paints a grim picture of the aftereffects of the death of Dattaji, which created much panic among his troops. Every person attempted to run away to save oneself in whatever way it seemed possible. The news of the Maratha disaster at Barari Ghat spread ail over India like a wild fire.
The Peshwa heard about it at Ahmedabad on the 13th of February, 1760 and at once ordered that a large army be recruited and sent to the north under Sadashiv Rao Bhau, whose recent laurels at Udgir in defeating Nizam had added a new feather to his cap.
Before the expedition finally started, all Maratha leaders met at Patdur on March 7, 1760 and detailed deliberations continued day and night over a week to plan the strategy of success.
The expedition was to be led by Sadashiv Rao with a formal command of Vishwasrao, son of the Peshwa.
This was done for two purposes:
1) to afford an opportunity to Vishwasrao to acquaint himself with the conduct of war and
2) to keep a check upon Sadashiv Rao’s impetuosity.
From this point on, as we cross the first half of the book and approach the chapters of Book Two, the narrative almost gives you a cinematic feel. The author has kept the chapters very very precise, while all the time keeping his eye steadfast on details.
The strength of the Maratha army was thirty thousand men when Bhau left Patdur on the 14th March, 1760 but it went on augmenting on way. Bhau captured Delhi on the 3rd August, 1760. But unluckily for the Marathas the capital of India had already been drained of its resources by the army of Afghans having stayed there for a long time.
The Marathas, therefore, did not get any supplies from the capital.
In the circumstances Bhau found that he could not stay at Delhi for long and moved towards the north from the Imperial city. He reached Kunjpura, an outpost on the homeward march of Abdali which, although it had a strong garrison, surrendered to the Marathas without any effective resistance. It was at this place that the Maratha General celebrated the festival of Dussehra on the 19th October, 1760 with great pomp and splendour. After the celebrations, Bhau arrived at Panipat on the 29th October, 1760.
In the meantime, Ahmed Shah Abdali had captured Aligarh and obtained submission of the Jats. He also reached Panipat on the 1st November, 1960. The two armies lay encamped facing each other on the historic field where the two decisive battles had been fought in previous ages as a result of which the Mughals had twice seized the Empire of India from the indigenous powers.
The strength of the Afghan army was about 60,000 half of which was from India and the other half from Afghanistan. The Maratha troops numbered about 45,000 in cavalry and including 8,000 foot-muskteers under Ibrahim Gardi.
The strength of the Marathas was thus inferior to the Afghans. Besides it, the Maratha leaders had serious differences of approach about tactics they wanted to employ on the field.
Compared to them, the Afghans had the advantage of a unified command and Abdali’s troops moved like one man at the will of their Shah. Then Abdah was a more experienced general than his adversary, the Maratha general Bhau.
It still remains unknown why none of the two hostile forces which had encamped themselves so close to each other did embark upon major offensive. But when the provisions of the Maratha forces got exhausted, Bhau found no alternative but to bring out his army and attack the enemy.
The final encounter took place on the 14th January, 1761.
Kulkarni writes in some detail about how the Maratha forces were arranged in three wings with Bhau himself along with the Peshwa’s son Vishwas Rao in the centre, Ibrahim Khan Gardion his left and Malhar Rao Holkar and Jankoji Sindhia on the right. Abdali himself commanded the Afghan forces from the centre with the Ruhelas on this right and Najib Khan along with the Nawab of Oudh on the left.
The Marathas fought with reckless courage and valour causing confusion in the enemy’s camp. The Gardis of Ibrahim Khan made so heavy a charge that thousands of Ruhelas were wounded or slain.Bhau himself made a formal attack on the centre of the Afghan troops and it looked for some time that the Marathas would win the day.
Finding his position weak, Abdali bolstered his centre by calling about 13,000 renewed troops from the rear. This undoubtedly strengthened the Afghan position. However, Bhau was becoming so reckless that he did not allow the Afghans to have any advantage by intrusion of their fresh forces.
At quarter past two, a stray shot killed the Peshwa’s son Vishwas Rao on his horse. It turned the scale against the Marathas.
As Bhau could not withstand the doleful sight of his dead nephew, he lost self-control. He took an elephant and rushed headlong into the Afghan ranks until he found himself lost among them.
The disappearance of Bhau from his horse disheartened the Maratha troops, and the rout began.
Thousands were killed and only few could run away to save their life. Before four in the evening the Marathas had lost the field and the Afghans won the day.
When battle ground was visited next day by Kashiraj, he found 32 large heaps of corpses which when counted were 28 thousand. An equally large number had been made prisoners or slaughtered in cold blood by the heartless Afghans. It was estimated that 74 thousand Marathas were killed and some 22 thousands saved their lives by paying ransom.
As Kulkarni’s book enters its concluding phase with the aftermath, we get to know that the news of the disaster reached the Peshwa in Malwa after a week of the event when he was himself proceeding towards Delhi to help Bhau in exterminating the Afghans bag and baggage from the sacred land of Hindustan.The news of the cataclysm was conveyed in a merchant’s secret message, “Two pearls have been dissolved, twenty seven gold mohurs have been lost, and of the silver and copper the total cannot be cast up.”
The news broke his heart and he died of the angst within a few months.
The rout of the Marathas at Panipat was a nation-wide disaster.
There was not a home in Maharashtra that had not to grieve the loss of a member, and several houses their very heads. An entire generation of leaders was cut oft at one stroke. Panipat produced calamitous imports for the Marathas and earnestly deflected the course of Maratha imperialism. Besides the immense losses in men and money, the moral effect of the defeat at Panipat was even greater. It revealed to the Indian world that Maratha bond was a very feeble reed to lean upon in any real danger. The powerful Maratha confederacy hereafter lost its cohesion, and the Peshwa’s authority was appallingly damaged.
Kulkarni speaks abut this history very dispassionately. He does not eulogize anyone. He is severe in pointing out mistakes. He affords every character his historical due. With 312 plus 32 preliminary pages, eight art pages with twenty colour photographs, Kulkarni weaves enchantment through his pen. His book, with an Index, a comprehensive glossary, a marvelous bibliography, references, appendices, notes to illustrations, introduction to principal characters, timeline, genealogies, and 26 maps through the book clarifying the text in lucid detail, is the best book on Panipat I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
To conclude there’s just one aspect, which I’d like to harp upon -- the point with which I had begun this review.
The Marathas did suffer an inordinate blow to their power at Panipat. But the loss was only a provisional set-back.
Notwithstanding the terrible losses in manpower suffered on that field by the Marathas, the disaster sealed nothing. Not long after the Battle Panipat, the Maratha power began to flourish as before and continued to do for forty years, until the death of Mahadaji Sindhia or until British supremacy was established early in the 19th century by the Second Maratha War. And though the Marathas were defeated, the triumphant Afghans retired and never again interfered in the affairs of India.
The Marathas were, of course, able to recover the damage done to their increasing power at Panipat but in another way, the battle of Panipat ushered a new era in the Indian history. As the Hindus and Muslims weakened themselves by entering into a perturbing combat at Panipat, the English reaped unintended benefit to institute their sway in Bengal and it is not without meaning that Clive was able to attain the Dewani of Bengal, Bihar and Oudh from Shah Alam.
My salute and genuflection to the author of this book!!
Author: Uday S. Kulkarni (Author), Ninad Bedekar (Foreword), Vijay Bapaye (Translator)
Publisher: Mula Mutha Publishers; First edition (1 January 2015)
Language: English
Paperback: 352 pages
Item Weight: 454 g
Price: 475/-
Whenever one reads of ‘The Third Battle of Panipat’, he learns that it gave a cataclysmic blow to the extension of the Marathas in Northern India. ‘It was nation-wide disaster like Flodden Field’ says Jadunath Sarkar.
But one tends to disregard the fact that the Marathas promptly recovered from this shudder under the very next Peshwa, Madhav Rao I and remained a daunting power in India till the English, by virtue of their grander clout and subtlety on one hand hand and treachery coupled with cunning on the other, were able to wrench the sceptre from them at the beginning of the 19th century.
Shivaji had visited Delhi merely as a hostage of the Mughals. Balaji Vishwanath visited Delhi with a contingent of 15,000 as a confederate of the Sayyid brothers and helped them remove Emperor Farrukhsiyar from the throne and install Rafi-ud-Darajat as a puppet King.
Baji Rao I made many audacious excursions in northern India and reached the outskirts of the Imperial Capital in March, 1737. He remained there only for three days when the Imperial courtiers trembled in alarm, finding themselves incompetent of resisting the Marathas. However, Baji Rao did not enter the town, because he did not want to scar the sentiments of the Emperor.
In 1739 Baji Rao hearing of the invasion of Nadir Shah, made plans to offer a cohesive resistance to the foreign aggressor, with the help of his Muslim neighbours. But before anything could be done, the Peshwa died a hasty death in April 1740.
His son, Balaji Baji Rao who became a Peshwa after his death remained occupied in the South for the first decade or so of his reign. As such, he could not look towards the affairs of Delhi. In the hiatus, Nadir Shah invaded Delhi in 1739 and after defeating the feeble resistance offered by the Mughal forces at Karnal under Khan Dauran, Amir-ul-Umara reached Delhi. He stayed on for 57 days in the capital, inflicted horrible atrocities over the innocent inhabitants and returned with a large booty.
His successor, Ahmad Shah Abdali, repeated the appalling performance of his master and between 1748 and 1758, made four invasions over the Punjab and Delhi. Accordingly, Punjab became a province of Afghanistan and Timur Shah, son of Ahmad Shah Abdali was appointed Governor of Punjab.
In 1752, when Ahmed Shah Abdali invaded India, and the Emperor sought help from the Marathas, the latter agreed to help Delhi against the invader. But as the formalities of agreement took some time, the panic-striken Emperor ceded the provinces of Lahore and Multan to Abdali.
At the end of 1756, Balaji Baji Rao sent the Maratha Generals, Malhar Rao Holkar and Raghunath Rao for the conquest of northern India. The Marathas secured the coalition of the Jats and brought Doab under them.
They attacked Delhi in August 1757 and compelled Najib-ud-daulah whom Ahmed Shah Abdali had left at Delhi as his agent and who had complete control over the Emperor, to capitulate to their terms. Having captured Delhi and placed it under their ally, the Wazir Imad-ul Mulk, the Marathas embarked upon the conquest of Punjab on request from Adina Beg, the able Governor of Jalandhar Doab.
They captured Sarhind in March, Lahore in April and Attock in May, 1758. They stationed a robust garrison at Attock and appointing Adina Beg as the Governor of Punjab, returned to Deccan. The Maratha flag thus hoisted over large tracks of southern and northern India up to Attock.
The conquest of the Punjab by the Marathas brought them into unswerving conflict with Ahmed Shah Abdali, the ruler of Afghanistan, and thus caused the Third Battle of Panipat.
This is the background story of the fabulous book by Uday S. Kulkarni. Solstice at Panipat tells the readers the story of the Marathas, from the time of Shivaji’s death till the Battle of Panipat.
The battle fought on the outskirts of the town of Panipat (presently in Haryana) on the 14th of January 1761, four days after Makar Sankranti, the Winter Solstice, lends the book its title.
The author divides the book into three parts.
Book One, titled ‘The Spring’ has been divided into twelve chapters. These dozen chapters provide the background to the final showdown.
Book Two, entitled ‘Summer’ containing eight chapters extends upon the background and introduces the major players in detail.
Book Three, called ‘Fall’ speaks of the skirmish in cinematic exuberance almost. The final part of the book, entitled ‘Epilogue’, contains four chapters, which speak of the aftermath of Panipat.
Unfortunate as it was, the occupation of Punjab by the Marathas did not survive long. Adina Beg, the competent Governor of Punjab appointed by the Maratha Chiefs as their agent, died on 15th September, 1758. His death caused much muddle and disorder, which his lieutenants, son-in-law Khwajah Mirza Khan and brother Khwajah Said Khan could not bring under control, though they committed a grim blunder in recalling the Maratha detachment from Peshawar and Attock for their help.
As the Maratha position was weakening, a strong Durrani army invaded Punjab and by November, 1759 the province was entirely lost to the Marathas. Abdali then marched towards Delhi to avenge the expulsion of his Governor Timur Shah from the Punjab. He had this time an additional advantage of being helped by Ruhillas and the Nawab of Oudh, both of which bore enemity toward the Marathas.
The Hindu princes, specifically the Rajputs and the Sikhs had been estranged to the Maratha cause because of the imprudent policies of Balaji Raó expressly his desertion of the model of Hindu-pad-padshahi.
Thus in the Maratha-Afghan skirmish, they did not support the cause of the Marathas and decided to remain neutral.
In these circumstances, it was not surprising that Abdali easily defeated Dattaji Sindhia at Thanesar in December, 1759, whom the Maratha authorities had sent with a robust army to reinstate the Maratha authority in Punjab. The Afghans followed up their success by inflicting another crushing defeat over the Maratha forces at Saran Ghat, ten miles north of Delhi on the 9th January, 1760, where Dattaji Sindhia was killed.
Kulkarni paints a grim picture of the aftereffects of the death of Dattaji, which created much panic among his troops. Every person attempted to run away to save oneself in whatever way it seemed possible. The news of the Maratha disaster at Barari Ghat spread ail over India like a wild fire.
The Peshwa heard about it at Ahmedabad on the 13th of February, 1760 and at once ordered that a large army be recruited and sent to the north under Sadashiv Rao Bhau, whose recent laurels at Udgir in defeating Nizam had added a new feather to his cap.
Before the expedition finally started, all Maratha leaders met at Patdur on March 7, 1760 and detailed deliberations continued day and night over a week to plan the strategy of success.
The expedition was to be led by Sadashiv Rao with a formal command of Vishwasrao, son of the Peshwa.
This was done for two purposes:
1) to afford an opportunity to Vishwasrao to acquaint himself with the conduct of war and
2) to keep a check upon Sadashiv Rao’s impetuosity.
From this point on, as we cross the first half of the book and approach the chapters of Book Two, the narrative almost gives you a cinematic feel. The author has kept the chapters very very precise, while all the time keeping his eye steadfast on details.
The strength of the Maratha army was thirty thousand men when Bhau left Patdur on the 14th March, 1760 but it went on augmenting on way. Bhau captured Delhi on the 3rd August, 1760. But unluckily for the Marathas the capital of India had already been drained of its resources by the army of Afghans having stayed there for a long time.
The Marathas, therefore, did not get any supplies from the capital.
In the circumstances Bhau found that he could not stay at Delhi for long and moved towards the north from the Imperial city. He reached Kunjpura, an outpost on the homeward march of Abdali which, although it had a strong garrison, surrendered to the Marathas without any effective resistance. It was at this place that the Maratha General celebrated the festival of Dussehra on the 19th October, 1760 with great pomp and splendour. After the celebrations, Bhau arrived at Panipat on the 29th October, 1760.
In the meantime, Ahmed Shah Abdali had captured Aligarh and obtained submission of the Jats. He also reached Panipat on the 1st November, 1960. The two armies lay encamped facing each other on the historic field where the two decisive battles had been fought in previous ages as a result of which the Mughals had twice seized the Empire of India from the indigenous powers.
The strength of the Afghan army was about 60,000 half of which was from India and the other half from Afghanistan. The Maratha troops numbered about 45,000 in cavalry and including 8,000 foot-muskteers under Ibrahim Gardi.
The strength of the Marathas was thus inferior to the Afghans. Besides it, the Maratha leaders had serious differences of approach about tactics they wanted to employ on the field.
Compared to them, the Afghans had the advantage of a unified command and Abdali’s troops moved like one man at the will of their Shah. Then Abdah was a more experienced general than his adversary, the Maratha general Bhau.
It still remains unknown why none of the two hostile forces which had encamped themselves so close to each other did embark upon major offensive. But when the provisions of the Maratha forces got exhausted, Bhau found no alternative but to bring out his army and attack the enemy.
The final encounter took place on the 14th January, 1761.
Kulkarni writes in some detail about how the Maratha forces were arranged in three wings with Bhau himself along with the Peshwa’s son Vishwas Rao in the centre, Ibrahim Khan Gardion his left and Malhar Rao Holkar and Jankoji Sindhia on the right. Abdali himself commanded the Afghan forces from the centre with the Ruhelas on this right and Najib Khan along with the Nawab of Oudh on the left.
The Marathas fought with reckless courage and valour causing confusion in the enemy’s camp. The Gardis of Ibrahim Khan made so heavy a charge that thousands of Ruhelas were wounded or slain.Bhau himself made a formal attack on the centre of the Afghan troops and it looked for some time that the Marathas would win the day.
Finding his position weak, Abdali bolstered his centre by calling about 13,000 renewed troops from the rear. This undoubtedly strengthened the Afghan position. However, Bhau was becoming so reckless that he did not allow the Afghans to have any advantage by intrusion of their fresh forces.
At quarter past two, a stray shot killed the Peshwa’s son Vishwas Rao on his horse. It turned the scale against the Marathas.
As Bhau could not withstand the doleful sight of his dead nephew, he lost self-control. He took an elephant and rushed headlong into the Afghan ranks until he found himself lost among them.
The disappearance of Bhau from his horse disheartened the Maratha troops, and the rout began.
Thousands were killed and only few could run away to save their life. Before four in the evening the Marathas had lost the field and the Afghans won the day.
When battle ground was visited next day by Kashiraj, he found 32 large heaps of corpses which when counted were 28 thousand. An equally large number had been made prisoners or slaughtered in cold blood by the heartless Afghans. It was estimated that 74 thousand Marathas were killed and some 22 thousands saved their lives by paying ransom.
As Kulkarni’s book enters its concluding phase with the aftermath, we get to know that the news of the disaster reached the Peshwa in Malwa after a week of the event when he was himself proceeding towards Delhi to help Bhau in exterminating the Afghans bag and baggage from the sacred land of Hindustan.The news of the cataclysm was conveyed in a merchant’s secret message, “Two pearls have been dissolved, twenty seven gold mohurs have been lost, and of the silver and copper the total cannot be cast up.”
The news broke his heart and he died of the angst within a few months.
The rout of the Marathas at Panipat was a nation-wide disaster.
There was not a home in Maharashtra that had not to grieve the loss of a member, and several houses their very heads. An entire generation of leaders was cut oft at one stroke. Panipat produced calamitous imports for the Marathas and earnestly deflected the course of Maratha imperialism. Besides the immense losses in men and money, the moral effect of the defeat at Panipat was even greater. It revealed to the Indian world that Maratha bond was a very feeble reed to lean upon in any real danger. The powerful Maratha confederacy hereafter lost its cohesion, and the Peshwa’s authority was appallingly damaged.
Kulkarni speaks abut this history very dispassionately. He does not eulogize anyone. He is severe in pointing out mistakes. He affords every character his historical due. With 312 plus 32 preliminary pages, eight art pages with twenty colour photographs, Kulkarni weaves enchantment through his pen. His book, with an Index, a comprehensive glossary, a marvelous bibliography, references, appendices, notes to illustrations, introduction to principal characters, timeline, genealogies, and 26 maps through the book clarifying the text in lucid detail, is the best book on Panipat I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
To conclude there’s just one aspect, which I’d like to harp upon -- the point with which I had begun this review.
The Marathas did suffer an inordinate blow to their power at Panipat. But the loss was only a provisional set-back.
Notwithstanding the terrible losses in manpower suffered on that field by the Marathas, the disaster sealed nothing. Not long after the Battle Panipat, the Maratha power began to flourish as before and continued to do for forty years, until the death of Mahadaji Sindhia or until British supremacy was established early in the 19th century by the Second Maratha War. And though the Marathas were defeated, the triumphant Afghans retired and never again interfered in the affairs of India.
The Marathas were, of course, able to recover the damage done to their increasing power at Panipat but in another way, the battle of Panipat ushered a new era in the Indian history. As the Hindus and Muslims weakened themselves by entering into a perturbing combat at Panipat, the English reaped unintended benefit to institute their sway in Bengal and it is not without meaning that Clive was able to attain the Dewani of Bengal, Bihar and Oudh from Shah Alam.
My salute and genuflection to the author of this book!!
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