Battle of Moti Talab

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The Battle of Moti Talab, which took place on March 5, 1771, was a significant engagement between the forces of Mysore, led by Hyder Ali and the Maratha army, commanded by Trimbak Rao. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Maratha Empire.

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Battle of Moti Talab
Part of the Maratha–Mysore Wars
Battle of Moti Talao 8 Mar 1773.jpg
DateMarch 5, 1771
Location
Result Maratha victory [1] [2]
Belligerents
Flag of the Maratha Empire.svg  Maratha Empire
Nayakas of Chitradurga [3]
Flag of Mysore Hyder Ali & TipuSultan.png Kingdom of Mysore
Commanders and leaders
Flag of the Maratha Empire.svg Trimbak Pethe
Flag of the Maratha Empire.svg Vaman Rao Patwardhan
Flag of the Maratha Empire.svg Anand Rao Raste
Flag of the Maratha Empire.svg Sakharam Hari
Flag of the Maratha Empire.svg Gaekwad
Flag of Mysore Hyder Ali & TipuSultan.png Hyder Ali  (WIA) [4]
Flag of Mysore Hyder Ali & TipuSultan.png Tipu Sultan
Flag of Mysore Hyder Ali & TipuSultan.png Mir Reza (POW)
Flag of Mysore Hyder Ali & TipuSultan.png Ali Jami Khan 
Flag of Mysore Hyder Ali & TipuSultan.png M. Hughel (WIA)
Strength
7000 Huzurat cavalry
30,000 troops
4,000 infantry
10 guns
30 pieces
8,000 horse
20,000 gardi's and Firangi rifles
10,000 Kanarese infantry
40 canons and 50 camel mounted rockets
Casualties and losses
6,000 Killed 12,000 Killed [5]

Background

Trimbak Rao moved cautiously through the districts of Shimoga and Tumkur, capturing small forts along the way. Near the end of February or early in March, he arrived at Seringapatam. [6] It's possible that Hyder, feeling less intimidated by Madhav Row's superior intelligence or more confident in his own strength due to completing his army's preparations, also Madhavrao was ill and returned to Pune after capturing Devrayadurga and Nijgal, Hyder Ali decided to challenge Trimbak Rao. From Tumkur, Trimbak Rao went to Hebbur. [7] Moti Talab is a large tank located in Tonnur, approximately 10 miles northwest of Seringapatam city. It was formed by building a dam across a gap between two rocky hills that holds back water from nearby mountain terrains. [8]

Battle

Peshwa left 10,000 troops and 10 guns to reinforce Trimbak Rao.As the Maratha army approached Seringapatam in March 1771, Trimbak Rao, a Maratha leader, approached Seringapatam after capturing several forts during his journey. [9] Haidar, the ruler of Mysore, have deployed troops to defend the fort in anticipation of the Maratha invasion of Bidnur. When Haidar's army met Trimbak Rao's forces at Moti talab, [10] around 10 miles northwest of Seringapatam city, Tipu Sultan, son of Haider ali, faced multiple setbacks against the Maratha army but was ultimately forced to retreat back to his capital with significant losses of approximately 12,000 soldiers. [11] On March 5, 1771, the Marathas emerged victorious. [12] [13] According to Trimbak Rao's account, they captured around 75 guns, approximately 8,000 horses, 20-25 elephants, treasure, and jewels. Some of Haidar's senior officials were killed, [14] including Mir Reza, were also taken captive. Haidar himself fled to Seringapatam disguised as a monk or beggar. [15]

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References

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