The Battle of Gajendragad was fought in June 1786, during the Maratha-Mysore War. An army of the Maratha Empire led by Haripant Phadke captured the town and fortress at Gajendragad.
Between 1764 and 1772, Marathas led by its Prime Minister Madhavrao Peshwa had defeated Hyedarali, ruler of Mysore, in three successive battles. In all these battles, leader in action on battle front was Murarrao Ghorpade of Gooty who was bestowed upon title of Senapati by Peshwa. Hyedarali was looking out for an opportunity to take the revenge and avenge his defeat. Between 1775 and 1782, Maratha forces were engaged in first Anglo-Maratha war. Hyedarali seized this opportunity and besieged Gooty in 1776. Murarrao fought for four months but realising that Marathas can not come to his risque, surrendered fort to Hyedarali. Murarrao was imprisoned along with his wife and died as prisoner in 1779. Hyederali seized and annexed other Ghorpade territories like Dattawad, Gajendragad and appointed Fateh Ali Khan as Governor of province comprising Karnal (Nizam's territory), Gadag, Dharwad and Bellary (held by Marathas). Once war with East India Co was over ,Maratha guardian Minister Nana Phunuwees decided to take back areas occupied by Hyedarali's son Tipu Sultan. Since Scindias were busy in their war against Rohillas, Tukojirao Holkar, Maharaja of Indore was asked to lead the battlefront against Tipu sultan to be assisted by Peshwas Lieutenant General Hurripant Furkay and Malojiraje Ghorpurray of Mudhol. Nizam Ali, Asifjah of Hyederabad also joined Marathas and they raided Gajendragarh in June 1786. Tipus forces could not withstand artillery attack led by Ganesh Vyankaji. His berad infantry was trounced by Maratha cavalry led by Hurrypant & Morrow Girimaji. Ultimately Tipu offered truce and a treaty was signed in April 1787. As a part of treaty, Gajendragad with 14 villages was handed over to Daulatrao, younger brother of Murarrao Ghorpurray & half the talluq was handed over to Nizam. Here onwards, Marathas joined by HEIC forces & Nizam fought with Tipu till 1792 & freed Sandur,Dattawad & handed over Gooty to Nizam
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