Battle of Kalpi (1774)

After capturing Etawah in 1773 Shuja ud Daula planned an expedition of Bundelkhand supported by the Rana of Gohad who was given the title of "Son" by Nawab he sent Naim Khan and Fazal Ali Khan to Bundelkhand. The Invaders met the Maratha Forces at Kapli.

Battle of Kalpi (1774)
Part of Shuja-ud-Daula's Occupation of Rohillakhand
Date 1773–1774 A.D Location Kalpi ( Uttar Pradesh, Modern day India) Result Maratha victory
Belligerents
Nawab of Awadh	Maratha Empire
Commanders and leaders
Naim Khan Fazal Ali Khan René Medec	Gangadhar Pant Bundele Balaji Pant Bundele
Strength
30000	2700

The strong force of 30000 under Naim Khan clashed with 2700 Marathas under Gangadhar Pant Bundele and Balaji Pant Bundele the sons of late Govind Pant Bundele inspite of outnumbered the Marathas defeated the enemy and made them flee accross Yamuna.

Battle

After Shuja conquered Etawah, his wazir invited Rana Madeo Singh from Gohad to join his service. Together, they planned a campaign to capture Kalpi and nearby areas, which were still controlled by the Marathas. At the time, the Marathas in the north were isolated due to internal conflicts in Pune and had little support. The wazir also formed an alliance with the Rana of Gohad, who visited Etawah and was given the honorary title of "son."

Once preparations were finished, Naim Khan, a commander under Sabit Khan, was chosen to lead the campaign. He was given the title Naim-ud-Daulah Sabit Jung and sent with Rene Madec at the head of an army of 30,000 soldiers, including cavalry and infantry. News of their large force spread, causing panic among Gangadhar and Balaji, the sons of Govind Pant Bundele, who were defending Kalpi. They abandoned the fort and retreated further into the countryside.

When the invading army arrived, the Marathas decided to fight near Kalpi. Despite being heavily outnumbered – with only 2,700 soldiers against 30,000 the Marathas managed to defeat Naim Khan’s forces and forced them to retreat across the Jamuna River.