Battle of Assaye
Assaye, Jalna district, Maharashtra, India
What happened
A British East India Company army under Major General Arthur Wellesley fought the Maratha armies of Daulatrao Scindia and Raghoji II Bhonsle. Wellesley found the much larger Maratha army behind a river. Instead of attacking the guarded main crossing, he found an unguarded ford and led his army across to strike the Maratha flank. After hard fighting against strong Maratha artillery, the Maratha army retreated.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was Wellesley's first major victory and strengthened British power in central India. Wellesley, later the Duke of Wellington, called it the finest action of his career, even above Waterloo.
What came next
Within two months the British won again at Argaon and Gawilghur, and the Maratha leaders sought peace.
Did you know?
The British 74th Regiment became known as the 'Assaye Regiment' because of its stand in the battle.
Timeline
- 23 September 1803Wellesley wins at Assaye.
- Late 1803British victories at Argaon and Gawilghur.