Siege of Bahadur Benda

Siege of Bahadur Benda
Part of Mysore-Maratha War
Date January 1787 Location Bahadur Benda Result Mysore Victory. Maratha's surrender. (Last battle in the war between the Kingdom of Mysore and the Maratha Empire)
Belligerents
Maratha Empire	Sultanate of Mysore
Commanders and leaders
Haripant	Tipu Sultan

The Siege of Bahadur Benda happened between the forces of Tipu Sultan of Mysore and the Maratha forces of Haripant. On January 1, 1787 the Marathas had taken up position between Gajendragad and Koppal. On January 3, Tipu Sultan laid siege upon the fort of Bahadur Benda, which was occupied by the Marathas at that time. Haripant attempted to try and stop Tipu's advances, however he was unable to do so. The Maratha forces capitulated on condition of their lives being saved. After conquering Bahadur Benda, Tipu continued his efforts against the Marathas and the Nizam. These hostilities would continue until February 10. This was the final battle between the Maratha Empire and the Kingdom of Mysore.

Reception

This battle dealt a severe blow to the Marathas. An English reporter of the Malet's News Agency reported that "It is amazing that such a strong fort as this was taken in seven or eight days and the Maratha army between four or five leagues distance."

Aftermath

Following this battle and the defeat of the Marathas by Tipu Sultan's forces, Tipu seems to have decided that it would be wiser to focus his energy against the invading British. Tipu wrote a letter to the Marathas recommending that they should sue for peace by sending 2 representatives. The Marathas, who had suffered immensely in the war between them and the Kingdom of Mysore, however, planned to do no such thing as they were certain of British military aid helping them. However, when the British were unable to provide the aid to the Marathas, the Marathas under Nana decided to sue for peace.

Peace Agreement

In a series of exchanges, the peace agreement would solidify that Tipu would release Kalopant and return Adoni, Kittur, and Nargund to their previous rulers. Badami would be ceded to the Marathas. Tipu would also pay an annual tribute of 12 lakhs per year to the Marathas. In return, Tipu would get all the places that they had captured in the war, including Gajendragarh and Dharwar. Tipu would also be addressed by the Marathas by an honorary title of "Nabob Tipu Sultan, Fateh Ali Khan." The peace agreement has been criticized as too easy on the Marathas, who had lost the war against the Kingdom of Mysore. Tipu Sultan, however, seemed much more concerned about the British than the Marathas.