Siege of Aligarh

Siege of Aligarh
Part of the Second Anglo-Maratha War
DateSeptember 1–4, 1803
LocationAligarh, India
Result British victory
Belligerents
British East India Company Maratha Empire
Commanders and leaders
General Lake Pierre Cuillier-Perron
Casualties and losses
900 ?

The Siege of Aligarh also known as the Battle of Aligarh was fought between the Maratha Confederacy and the British East India Company during the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805) at Aligarh, India.[1]

Aligarh Fort, one of the strongest forts in India, was fortified and commanded by a French mercenary officer Pierre Perron. It was laid under siege on 1 September 1803, by the British 76th Regiment, now known as the Yorkshire Regiment, under General Lord Gerard Lake. It was captured from the Marathas on 4 September 1803.[2] During the assault, fourteen ditches were lined with sword-blades and poisoned chevaux-de-frise around the fort by the French. The walls were reinforced with French artillery and tigers and lions of Scindia’s menagerie were also used by the French.[2] During the battle, the British lost as many as 900 soldiers.[2] The then Duke of Wellington declared the capture as "One of the most extraordinary feats".[3]

References

  1. ↑ Naravane, M.S. (2014). Battles of the Honorourable East India Company. A.P.H. Publishing Corporation. p. 75. ISBN 9788131300343.
  2. 1 2 3 Thackeray, William Makepeace (2013). "The Tremendous Adventures of Major Gahagan Chapter 2". CreateSpace. ISBN 978-1490979120. Archived from the original on 2007-06-23.
  3. ↑ Evolution of the Artillery in India, By R. C. Butalia, pg239


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