Battle of Mewar (1761)

Battle of Mewar
Date April 1761–April 1763 Location Mewar (modern day Rajasthan, India) Result Maratha victory
Belligerents
Maratha Empire	Kingdom of Mewar
Commanders and leaders
Malhar Rao Holkar	Raj Singh II

Battle of Mewar was fought between Malhar Rao Holkar of Maratha Empire and Raj Singh II of Mewar

Background

Following Malhar Rao Holkar's involvement in Mewar, Jankoji Sindhia also turned his attention to the region once the immediate matters had been resolved. Responding to an appeal from the Maharana, Jankoji travelled to Shahpura, where he dealt with the jagirdar who was reportedly aligned with local rebels. As a result of his intervention, Jankoji obtained a commitment of four lakh rupees from the ruler of Shahpura.

Battle

Malhar Rao Holkar, continuing his assertive approach, issued warnings to Maharana Ari Singh demanding payment of the Peshwa’s tribute (khiraj) as well as arrears linked to the parganas previously ceded to the Marathas by Maharana Raj Singh II. Because of financial difficulties and internal disputes within Mewar, payment was delayed, prompting Malhar Rao Holkar to launch an incursion into the state. Advancing as far as Untala, he plundered territories along the route.

Envoys were sent by the Maharana to negotiate, but Holkar insisted on a settlement of sixty lakh rupees before halting his campaign. Eventually, an agreement was concluded on Vaisakh Badi 5, V.S. 1820 (2 April 1763), fixing the amount at fifty-one lakh rupees. This settlement covered tribute obligations of ₹1,50,000 to the Peshwa and confirmed Maratha possession of the parganas of Bhudhara, Mukata, Jorda, Kanjera, Jamunya and Rampura, whose revenues had been previously transferred. Holkar subsequently established his personal authority over these territories.

Aftermath

The tribute, according to contemporary convention, was to be distributed among the Peshwa, Sindhia, and Holkar. Under the terms of the 1763 agreement, Mewar’s outstanding liabilities up to 1764 were assessed at ₹23,67,900, with ₹10,57,981 allocated to the Peshwa, ₹11,45,000 to Holkar, and ₹1,64,392 to Sindhia. Additionally, Holkar imposed an extra levy of twenty-five lakh rupees, of which five lakh were assigned to him and three lakh to Sindhia.