Battle of Vellore: Difference between revisions

'''Battle of Vellore''' was fought between the combined forces of [[Bijapur Sultanate]] and [[Qutb Shahi dynasty|Golconda Sultanate]] against the  [[Vijayanagara Empire]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=B. Muddachari |url=http://archive.org/details/mysore-maratha-relations-under-shahji-shivaji-sambhaji-and-rajaram-as-revealed-in-kannada-sources |title=Mysore-Maratha Relations Under Shahji, Shivaji, Sambhaji And Rajaram (As Revealed In Kannada Sources)}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=B. Muddhachari |url=http://archive.org/details/the-mysore-maratha-relations-in-the-17th-century |title=The Mysore-Maratha Relations in the 17th Century |date=1965-05-04}}</ref>

ascended to the throne of Vijayanagara following the death of Venkatarati II. Sriranga Raya, the last ruler  of Vijayanagara's fading glory, displayed greater strength and competence than his predecessors. He consolidated his resources at Vellore and aimed to bring several subordinate chieftains of the south back under Vijayanagara's authority, as they had declared independence. Another objective was to repulse the Muslim invasions advancing into the region.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Bhosale |first=Tulajendra Rajah P. |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Rajah_Serfoji_II_with_a_Short_History_of/ym5uAAAAMAAJ?hl=en |title=Rajah Serfoji-II, with a Short History of Thanjavur Mahrattas |date=1995 |publisher=T.R.P. Bhosale |pages=4 |language=en}}</ref>

Sriranga Raya's efforts began to pose a challenge to Bijapur's interests in Karnataka. Recognizing the threat, Sultan Muhammad Adil Shah of Bijapur convened his advisors and ministers. Concerned about the chaos spreading across Karnataka, the Sultan sought a capable leader to lead an expedition. Mustafa Khan, the Prime Minister, volunteered eagerly, promising to conquer and submit Karnataka to the Sultan's authority, or not return to his court.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last=Aiyar |first=R. Sathyanatha |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=uXdyGtJH6E0C&pg=PA113&dq=sriranga+iii+Vellore&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&ovdme=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwil4rqp-pWOAxXsT2wGHZJmOa8Q6AF6BAgFEAM#v=onepage&q=sriranga%20iii%20Vellore&f=false |title=History of the Nayaks of Madura |date=1991 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |isbn=978-81-206-0532-9 |language=en}}</ref>

Pleased by Mustafa Khan's resolve, the Sultan dispatched him with a large, well-equipped army on June 5th, 1646, providing detailed instructions for the conquest of Karnataka. To bid him a grand farewell, the Sultan personally accompanied Mustafa Khan as far as Ibrahimpuri.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Raman |first=K. V. |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=myK8ZYEIu4YC&pg=PA34&dq=sriranga+iii+vellore&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&ovdme=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjP_IPQ-pWOAxVZfGwGHfnNJq0Q6AF6BAgNEAM#v=onepage&q=sriranga%20iii%20vellore&f=false |title=Sri Varadarajaswami Temple, Kanchi: A Study of Its History, Art and Architecture |date=2003 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=978-81-7017-026-6 |pages=34–35 |language=en}}</ref>

After the Battle of Turuvekere in January 1647, Mustafa Khan led his army eastwards towards Sri Ranga's territories, advancing swiftly to Sivaganga in [[Bangalore]] District.  On Muslim army's approach, Sri Ranga dispatched his envoy, Venkaiya Somayaji, with peace offerings, hoping to avert an invasion. However, the situation escalated when former vassals of Sri Ranga—chiefs from Madura, Tanjore, and Singee—pledged their allegiance to the Bijapur Government. This political shift angered Sri Ranga, prompting him to march with a  force against these rebellious chiefs, comprising 12,000 cavalry and 300,000 infantry.<ref name=":0" />

Mustafa Khan, recognizing the diplomatic maneuvers, cautiously assessed the situation,  trusting peace offers from Sri Ranga's envoy. Despite initial distrust, Venkaiya Somayaji , eventually convincing Khan to consider the peace proposal. [[Shahaji]], a  figure in Khan's camp, carried the negotiations, assuring Khan of Venkaiya's loyalty. This led to Venkaiya securing permission to travel to Vellore with the Bijapur envoy to finalize peace terms.<ref name=":1" />

However, Venkaiya Somayaji proved treacherous; instead of following his promise, he convinced [[Sri Ranga III]] to prepare for war, urging defensive measures and fortification. Upon learning of this betrayal, Mustafa Khan swiftly moved his forces towards Sri Ranga's territories, performing military actions. Mustafa Khan first targeted Jagdev Raya's territories, capturing Masti, located approximately 30 miles east of [[Bangalore]]. Sri Ranga responded by moving northward to Gudiyatam in the North Arcot District and later reaching Krishnagiri in the northwest of Salem District.[[Shahaji]] won the day for Bijapur as he was in command of the army, properly reinforced by Mustafa Khan.<ref name=":2" />

A turning point occurred with the arrival of Mir Jumla, a general from Golkonda, bolstering the Muslim forces. Together, the armies of Bijapur and Golkonda intensified their efforts against Sri Ranga. Financially strained, Sri Ranga resorted to seizing jewels from women in [[Vellore]] and funds from the temple of Tirupati to fund the war effort.<ref name=":3" />

Under Mir Jumla's leadership, supported by Mustafa Khan and [[Shahaji]], the Muslim forces prepared for a decisive battle near Vellore. The ensuing conflict was fierce, resulting in heavy casualties among Sri Ranga's forces. Facing  defeat, Sri Ranga had no choice but to surrender to Mustafa Khan's superior might. As part of the terms, Sri Ranga paid a substantial war indemnity of 50 lakhs of hun and offered 150 elephants .<ref name=":4" />

In summary, Mustafa Khan's campaign against Sri Ranga Raya in 1647 was successful with the surrender of [[Sri Ranga III]] under pressure from combined Bijapur and Golkonda forces.<ref name=":2" />