Battle of Wai

The Battle of Wai was fought in the fall of 1687 as a part of the Mughal–Maratha Wars. Sambhaji sent his forces under his senapati, Hambirao Mohite, to oppose Mughal army led by Sarja Khan. The Mughal's were drawn into the dense jungles near Wai and Mahableshwar where the battle ensued and the Marathas were eventually victorious.

Background[]

In April 1685, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb managed to consolidate his power by first capturing Maratha allies, the Muslim kingdoms of Golkonda and Bijapur. He broke his treaties with both kingdoms, attacked them and captured them by September 1686. While Aurangzeb was away at the Siege of Golconda, the Mughals invaded Satara district. And after his victory at Golconda, Aurangzeb was able to concentrate on the Marathas.^[2]

Battle[]

Maratha Empire senapati, or general, Sardar Hambirao Mohite (Talbeed) led the Maratha side in the battle. Sarja Khan (a Bijapur general who has joined the Mughel's) led the Mughal force.^[3] The Mughals were defeated but Hambirao Mohite was struck and killed by a cannonball during the battle. The Samadhi of this Hambirrao Mohite is located somewhere on the banks of river Krishna in Wai taluka (Satara district). ^[4]

Aftermath[]

The battle was a major loss for the Marathas and the loss of the celebrated Hambirao Mohite weakened Sambhaji's political position considerably and many of his troops deserted him.^[5] Hambirao was replaced as senapati by Malhoji Ghorpade.^[6] Sambhaji went to the Western Ghats along with his close friend and counselor Kavi Kalash, leading eventually to the Mughal Army surrounding the Sambhaji's camp and capturing the Maratha leader.^[5]

References[]