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{{Short description|Historic battle between the Mughals and Maratha Empire}}
{{Draft topics|south-asia|military-and-warfare}}
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{{Infobox military conflict {{Infobox military conflict
| conflict = Battle of Umberkhind | conflict = Battle of Umberkhind
| partof = ] | partof = ]
| image = | image = Shivaji in action; bazaar art, 1910's.jpg
| caption = | caption = The painting of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
| date = 3 February 1661 | date = 3 February 1661
| place = Umberkhind (present-day ]) | place = Umberkhind (present-day ])
Line 10: Line 18:
| combatant1 = {{flagdeco|Maratha Empire}} ] | combatant1 = {{flagdeco|Maratha Empire}} ]
| combatant2 = ] ] | combatant2 = ] ]
| commander1 = {{flagdeco|Maratha Empire}} ] <br>{{flagdeco|Maratha Empire}} ] | commander1 = {{flagdeco|Maratha Empire}} ] <br/>{{flagdeco|Maratha Empire}} ]
| commander2 = ] Kartalab Khan {{surrender}} <br /> ] ] {{surrender}} | commander2 = ] Kartalab Khan {{surrender}} <br /> ] ] {{surrender}}
| strength1 = 20,000 | strength1 = 1000
| strength2 = 10,000 regular ] | strength2 = 25,000 regular ]
| image_size = | image_size =
}} }}


The '''Battle of Umberkhind''' took place on 3 February 1661 between the ] and ]. ] Maratha forces defeated the invading Mughal army, resulting in the Mughal army's surrender. The battle demonstrated ] ] and ] tactics, marking a significant victory for the Marathas and strengthening their position against the Mughals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Guerilla Victory At Umberkhind! |url=https://chanakyaforum.com/a-guerilla-victory-at-umberkhind/ |access-date=2024-12-20 |website=Chanakya Forum |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sorokhaibam |first=Jeneet |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Chhatrapati_Shivaji/ngCqCQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=battle+of+umberkhind&pg=PA169&printsec=frontcover |title=Chhatrapati Shivaji: The Maratha Warrior and His Campaign |date=2013-01-01 |publisher=Vij Books India Pvt Ltd |isbn=978-93-82573-49-4 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Bhave |first=Shreyas |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/The_Legend_of_Bahirji_Naik_Siege_of_Panh/yPzSEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=battle+of+umberkhind&pg=PT14&printsec=frontcover |title=The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Siege of Panhala (Book II) |publisher=Leadstart Publishing Pvt Ltd |isbn=978-93-5559-089-3 |language=en}}</ref> The '''Battle of Umberkhind''' took place on 3 February 1661 in the mountain range of ] near the city of ], ], ]. The battle took place between the ] and ]. ] Maratha forces defeated the invading Mughal army, resulting in the Mughal army's surrender. The battle demonstrated ] ] and ] tactics, marking a significant victory for the Marathas and strengthening their position against the Mughals.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bhave |first=Shreyas |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/The_Legend_of_Bahirji_Naik_Siege_of_Panh/yPzSEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=battle+of+umberkhind&pg=PT14&printsec=frontcover |title=The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Siege of Panhala (Book II) |publisher=Leadstart Publishing Pvt Ltd |isbn=978-93-5559-089-3 |language=en}}</ref>


== Background == == Background ==
{{See also|Battle of Chakan}} {{See also|Battle of Chakan}}
After winning at Chakan, Mughal general Shaista Khan sought to expand into Maratha territory but lacked the manpower. He requested reinforcements from Aurangzeb. With fresh troops, he launched an offensive against Konkan forts. Meanwhile, Shivaji mobilized to resist. Shaista Khan, accompanied by Maratha Brahmin lady Rai Bagan, led the campaign to capture the forts under Uzbek commander Kartalab Khan.<ref>{{Cite book |last=C V Vaidya |url=http://archive.org/details/shivajithefounde035304mbp |title=Shivaji_The_Founder_Of_Maratha_Swaraj |date=2005 |publisher=Poona |others=DR BR AMBEDKAR, Digital Library Of India |pages=157}}</ref> After his victory at ], the Mughal general ] aimed to expand his control over Maratha territories but was hesitant due to shortage of troops. Once reinforcements arrived, he initiated an offensive targeting the forts in the ]. At the same time, Shivaji began organizing his forces for a counter attack. Shaista Khan, along with ], led the campaign, entrusting the mission to capture the forts to ] commander Kartalab Khan.<ref>{{Cite book |last=C V Vaidya |url=http://archive.org/details/shivajithefounde035304mbp |title=Shivaji_The_Founder_Of_Maratha_Swaraj |date=2005 |publisher=Poona |others=DR BR AMBEDKAR, Digital Library Of India |pages=157}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale |url=http://archive.org/details/shivaji-his-life-and-times-1nbsped-9380875177_compress |title=Shivaji His Life and Times |date=2011 |pages=471–476}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vqYiBAAAQBAJ&dq=Shivaji+Umberkhind&pg=PA127 |title=Maratha Generals and Personalities: A gist of great personalities of Marathas |date=2014-08-01 |publisher=Pratik gupta |pages=127 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Setumadhavarao S Pagadi |url=http://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.220306 |title=Shivaji |date=1983 |pages=35–36}}</ref>

Kartalab Khan, under the orders of Shaista Khan, embarked on an expedition into North Konkan sometime after January 1661. The objective of this campaign, as recorded in the Shivabharat, was to capture strategic locations including Nagothane, Chaul, Panvel, Kalyan, and Bhiwandi, collectively known as North Konkan. The exact strength of the force led by Kartalab Khan remains uncertain, although it likely numbered less than 10,000 troopers, possibly accompanied by a detachment of Imperial infantry.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale |url=http://archive.org/details/shivaji-his-life-and-times-1nbsped-9380875177_compress |title=Shivaji His Life and Times |date=2011 |pages=471–476}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vqYiBAAAQBAJ&dq=Shivaji+Umberkhind&pg=PA127 |title=Maratha Generals and Personalities: A gist of great personalities of Marathas |date=2014-08-01 |publisher=Pratik gupta |pages=127 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last=Kulkarni V. B. |url=http://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.209617 |title=Shivaji The Portrait Of A Patriot |date=1963 |pages=78}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Setumadhavarao S Pagadi |url=http://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.220306 |title=Shivaji |date=1983 |pages=35–36}}</ref>


The expeditionary force, comprising contingents from various clans and commanders such as ], ], Amar Singh, Mitrasen, Sarjerao Gadhe, ], Jaswantrao Kokate, and Jadhavrao, began its descent from the ] range via the north-south route near ]. The passage through this narrow foot-track, resembling the barrel of a gun, posed numerous obstacles at every stage of the march. Subsequently, the army entered a dense forest known as Umbarkhand.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" />Historical analysis suggests that the pass mentioned in the Shivabharat corresponds to the Kuruwande Pass, situated approximately five kilometers south of the Bor Pass. Umbare village, located around six kilometers west of the Kuruwande Pass, marks the route's entry point into a precipitous gorge flanked by forest-clad hills. This terrain, described as a virtual death-trap, limited the army's mobility and exposed them to ambushes from adversaries concealed in the surrounding terrain.<ref name=":0" /> The expeditionary force, comprising contingents from various clans and commanders such as ], ], Amar Singh, Mitrasen, Sarjerao Gadhe, ], Jaswantrao Kokate, and Jadhavrao, began its descent from the ] range via the north-south route near ]. Subsequently, the army entered a dense forest known as ''Umbarkhand''.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /> This terrain, described as a virtual death-trap, limited the army's mobility and exposed them to ambushes from adversaries concealed in the surrounding terrain.<ref name=":0" /> The ''Bor Pass'', a more commonly used route, was heavily fortified by Shivaji's forces, prompting Khan to attempt an outflanking maneuver through the less guarded ].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajadhyaksha |first=Abhijit |title=The Marathas: Shivaji |url=https://www.historyfiles.co.uk/FeaturesFarEast/India_EarlyModern_Marathas05.htm |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=The History Files}}</ref>


⚫ == Battle at Umberkhind ==
The reasons behind Kartalab Khan's choice of this arduous route remain unclear. It is speculated that the Bor Pass, a more commonly used route, may have been heavily fortified by Shivaji's forces, prompting Khan to attempt an outflanking maneuver through the less guarded Kuruwande Pass. However, historical records do not provide definitive explanations for this strategic decision.<ref name=":0" />


==== Resemblance with roman tactics ==== === Ambush and Guerilla Attack ===
After Kartalab Khan descended the ] and entered the forest, Shivaji, fully aware of his plans, tactically positioned his forces for an ambush. The surprise guerrilla attack threw the Mughal army into chaos, leading to a stampede among the troops, despite efforts by some commanders to put up resistance.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=S_R_Sharma |url=http://archive.org/details/marathahistory035360mbp |title=Maratha_History |date=2005 |publisher=karnatak_Publishing_House |others=DR BR AMBEEDKAR, Digital Library Of India |pages=141}}</ref>
⚫ According to Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale, The Battle of Umbarkhind shares similar tactics with the ](217 BCE). In both cases, the general used deception to lure the enemy into a trap. ] had drawn the ] into an ambush by threatening Rome and positioning himself along their route as they rushed to its defense. However, it is unclear whether Shivaji intentionally set up his trap in a similar way or simply took advantage of the enemy's mistake.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale |url=https://archive.org/details/shivaji-his-life-and-times-1nbsped-9380875177_compress/page/n475/mode/2up?q=umbarkhind |title=Shivaji His Life and Times |date=2011 |quote=The Battle of Umbarkhind has a close tactical resemblance to the battle of Lake Trasimene (217 BCE). Hannibal had deliberately lured the Romans into a trap by threatening Rome and placing himself astride their route as they were hurrying to its relief. We do not know whether Shivaji had deliberately baited his trap by some such move or had merely exploited the opportunity presented by the enemy’s carelessness.}}</ref>


Capturing the Mughal forces might not have greatly benefited Shivaji’s position, as the Mughals viewed him more as a rebellious leader than an equal authority. Furthermore, given the Mughal Empire's vast manpower, the loss of Kartalab Khan's contingent would have had little effect on their overall military strength.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last=Kulkarni V. B. |url=http://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.209617 |title=Shivaji The Portrait Of A Patriot |date=1963 |pages=78}}</ref> For Shivaji, taking a large number of prisoners would have created logistical difficulties with minimal strategic advantage. Instead, he ambushed Kartalab Khan’s advancing Mughal forces at the Umberkhind pass, causing significant casualties.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> ], a commander accompanying Kartalab Khan, advised surrender due to the hopeless situation. Kartalab Khan dispatched an emissary to ] with Shivaji, who agreed to allow the Mughal army safe passage in return for their surrender of all possessions.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":1" />
⚫ == Ambush at Umberkhind Pass ==
After Kartalab Khan descended the ] and entered the forest, Shivaji, aware of his enemy's intentions, strategically positioned his forces in the terrain to ambush the Mughal army. As the Mughals advanced unsuspectingly into the trap, they were suddenly attacked by Maratha forces with musket-balls and arrows. The surprise onslaught caused chaos and a stampede among the Mughal troops, despite attempts by some commanders to resist.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=S_R_Sharma |url=http://archive.org/details/marathahistory035360mbp |title=Maratha_History |date=2005 |publisher=karnatak_Publishing_House |others=DR BR AMBEEDKAR, Digital Library Of India |pages=141}}</ref><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":3" /> ], a Maratha Brahmin lady accompanying Kartalab Khan, advised surrender due to the hopeless situation. Kartalab Khan then sent an emissary to parley with Shivaji, who granted safe passage for the Mughal army in exchange for surrendering their possessions. Consequently, the Mughal army abandoned their belongings and swiftly left the forest.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" /> The exact date of the battle is not recorded in contemporary sources, but it is estimated to have occurred around January 15, 1661. Shivaji's decision to allow safe passage to Kartalab Khan's force instead of capturing them entirely remains unclear.<ref name=":0" />


== Negotiation with Kartalab Khan == === Resemblance with roman tactics ===
⚫ According to Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale, The Battle of Umbarkhind shares similar tactics with the ](217 BCE). In both cases, the general used deception to lure the enemy into a trap. ] had drawn the ] into an ambush by threatening Rome and positioning himself along their route as they rushed to its defense. However, it is unclear whether Shivaji intentionally set up his trap in a similar way or simply took advantage of the enemy's mistake.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale |url=https://archive.org/details/shivaji-his-life-and-times-1nbsped-9380875177_compress/page/n475/mode/2up?q=umbarkhind |title=Shivaji His Life and Times |date=2011 |quote=The Battle of Umbarkhind has a close tactical resemblance to the battle of Lake Trasimene (217 BCE). Hannibal had deliberately lured the Romans into a trap by threatening Rome and placing himself astride their route as they were hurrying to its relief. We do not know whether Shivaji had deliberately baited his trap by some such move or had merely exploited the opportunity presented by the enemy’s carelessness.}}</ref>]
It is speculated that Shivaji, seeking to negotiate with the Mughals, refrained from annihilating the entire force to avoid further antagonizing them. Capturing the Mughals might not have significantly strengthened Shivaji's negotiating position, as they perceived him as a rebellious leader rather than an equal power. Additionally, the Mughals possessed vast manpower, and the loss of Kartalab Khan's force would not have significantly impacted their military capabilities.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> For Shivaji, capturing a large number of prisoners would have imposed logistical challenges without substantial benefits. Shivaji ambushed Kartalab Khan's advancing Mughal forces at Umberkhind pass, inflicting heavy casualties. Recognizing the dire situation, Mughal commander ] advised surrender to ], allowing the Mughal army to retreat safely to ].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />
]


== Tactics and Aftermath == == Aftermath ==
Shivaji's decision to allow safe passage to Kartalab Khan's force after the Battle of Umberkhind was driven by political considerations rather than military gains. Understanding the moral and political consequences of his actions, Shivaji aimed to keep the conflict with the Mughals low-key while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic negotiations to end the war.War, as famously stated by Clausewitz, is an instrument of policy. Shivaji's primary objective was not to inflict maximum damage upon the enemy but to compel them to accept his desired political settlement.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> Given his limited resources, ] focused on convincing the Mughals of their inability to impose their will on him at a reasonable cost while demonstrating his determination to defend his dominions.The tactical resemblance of the Battle of Umberkhind to the ] in 217 BCE is notable. Similar to Hannibal's strategy against the Romans, Shivaji either deliberately baited the trap or opportunistically exploited the enemy's carelessness. This strategic maneuver showcases Shivaji's adeptness in utilizing tactical advantages to further his political objectives.<ref name=":0" /> Shivaji allowed safe passage to Kartalab Khan’s forces after the Battle of Umberkhind to focus on diplomacy over conflict. His goal was to compel the Mughals to accept a political settlement rather than escalate the war.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> Given his limited resources, Shivaji sought to demonstrate to the Mughals that imposing their will on him would come at a high cost, while also asserting his determination to defend his territory.<ref name=":0" />


== See also == == See also ==
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== References == == References ==
{{Reflist}}{{MarathaEmpire}} {{Reflist}}{{MarathaEmpire}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Battle of Umberkhind}}
{{Draft categories|
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Historic battle between the Mughals and Maratha Empire
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Battle of Umberkhind
Part of Mughal-Maratha Wars

The painting of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Date3 February 1661
LocationUmberkhind (present-day Maharashtra)18°45′N 73°05′E / 18.750°N 73.083°E / 18.750; 73.083
Result Maratha Empire victory
Belligerents
Maratha Empire Mughal Empire
Commanders and leaders
Shivaji
Netaji Palkar		 Kartalab Khan  Surrendered
Rai Bagan  Surrendered
Strength
1000 25,000 regular infantry

The Battle of Umberkhind took place on 3 February 1661 in the mountain range of Sahyadri near the city of Khopoli, Maharashtra, India. The battle took place between the Mughal and Maratha Empire. Shivaji's Maratha forces defeated the invading Mughal army, resulting in the Mughal army's surrender. The battle demonstrated Shivaji's Ganimi kava and Guerrilla warfare tactics, marking a significant victory for the Marathas and strengthening their position against the Mughals.

Background

See also: Battle of Chakan

After his victory at Chakan, the Mughal general Shaista Khan aimed to expand his control over Maratha territories but was hesitant due to shortage of troops. Once reinforcements arrived, he initiated an offensive targeting the forts in the Konkan region. At the same time, Shivaji began organizing his forces for a counter attack. Shaista Khan, along with Rai Bagan, led the campaign, entrusting the mission to capture the forts to Uzbek commander Kartalab Khan.

The expeditionary force, comprising contingents from various clans and commanders such as Kachhwah, Chauhan, Amar Singh, Mitrasen, Sarjerao Gadhe, Rai Bagan, Jaswantrao Kokate, and Jadhavrao, began its descent from the Sahyadri range via the north-south route near Lohagad. Subsequently, the army entered a dense forest known as Umbarkhand. This terrain, described as a virtual death-trap, limited the army's mobility and exposed them to ambushes from adversaries concealed in the surrounding terrain. The Bor Pass, a more commonly used route, was heavily fortified by Shivaji's forces, prompting Khan to attempt an outflanking maneuver through the less guarded Kuruwande Pass.

Battle at Umberkhind

Ambush and Guerilla Attack

After Kartalab Khan descended the Sahyadri range and entered the forest, Shivaji, fully aware of his plans, tactically positioned his forces for an ambush. The surprise guerrilla attack threw the Mughal army into chaos, leading to a stampede among the troops, despite efforts by some commanders to put up resistance.

Capturing the Mughal forces might not have greatly benefited Shivaji’s position, as the Mughals viewed him more as a rebellious leader than an equal authority. Furthermore, given the Mughal Empire's vast manpower, the loss of Kartalab Khan's contingent would have had little effect on their overall military strength. For Shivaji, taking a large number of prisoners would have created logistical difficulties with minimal strategic advantage. Instead, he ambushed Kartalab Khan’s advancing Mughal forces at the Umberkhind pass, causing significant casualties. Rai Bagan, a commander accompanying Kartalab Khan, advised surrender due to the hopeless situation. Kartalab Khan dispatched an emissary to negotiate with Shivaji, who agreed to allow the Mughal army safe passage in return for their surrender of all possessions.

Resemblance with roman tactics

According to Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale, The Battle of Umbarkhind shares similar tactics with the Battle of Lake Trasimene(217 BCE). In both cases, the general used deception to lure the enemy into a trap. Hannibal had drawn the Romans into an ambush by threatening Rome and positioning himself along their route as they rushed to its defense. However, it is unclear whether Shivaji intentionally set up his trap in a similar way or simply took advantage of the enemy's mistake.

Monument Made at Umberkhind.

Aftermath

Shivaji allowed safe passage to Kartalab Khan’s forces after the Battle of Umberkhind to focus on diplomacy over conflict. His goal was to compel the Mughals to accept a political settlement rather than escalate the war. Given his limited resources, Shivaji sought to demonstrate to the Mughals that imposing their will on him would come at a high cost, while also asserting his determination to defend his territory.

See also

References

  1. Sardesai, GS (1946). "New History of the Marathas". Phœnix Publications. p. 137.
  2. Vaibhav, Purandare (22 August 2022). Shivaji: India' Great Warrior King. Juggernaut Books. p. 53. ISBN 9789391165505.
  3. Bhave, Shreyas. The Legend of Bahirji-Naik: Siege of Panhala (Book II). Leadstart Publishing Pvt Ltd. ISBN 978-93-5559-089-3.
  4. C V Vaidya (2005). Shivaji_The_Founder_Of_Maratha_Swaraj. DR BR AMBEDKAR, Digital Library Of India. Poona. p. 157.
  5. ^ Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale (2011). Shivaji His Life and Times. pp. 471–476.
  6. ^ Maratha Generals and Personalities: A gist of great personalities of Marathas. Pratik gupta. 2014-08-01. p. 127.
  7. ^ Setumadhavarao S Pagadi (1983). Shivaji. pp. 35–36.
  8. Rajadhyaksha, Abhijit. "The Marathas: Shivaji". The History Files. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
  9. ^ S_R_Sharma (2005). Maratha_History. DR BR AMBEEDKAR, Digital Library Of India. karnatak_Publishing_House. p. 141.
  10. ^ Kulkarni V. B. (1963). Shivaji The Portrait Of A Patriot. p. 78.
  11. Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale (2011). Shivaji His Life and Times. The Battle of Umbarkhind has a close tactical resemblance to the battle of Lake Trasimene (217 BCE). Hannibal had deliberately lured the Romans into a trap by threatening Rome and placing himself astride their route as they were hurrying to its relief. We do not know whether Shivaji had deliberately baited his trap by some such move or had merely exploited the opportunity presented by the enemy's carelessness.
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