Battle of Delhi
Patparganj, Delhi, India
What happened
East India Company troops under General Gerard Lake fought the Maratha army of Daulat Rao Scindia, led by the French officer Louis Bourquin. Bourquin set an ambush with heavy guns hidden in tall grass between two swampy lakes. Lake ordered his infantry to pretend to retreat while his cavalry moved around the flank. When the Marathas left their positions, the Company infantry turned and attacked.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Lake took control of Delhi. The Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II came under British protection and became a figurehead.
What came next
British troops entered Delhi on 14 September 1803. Arthur Wellesley won at Assaye nine days later, and Maratha power slowly declined.
Did you know?
It was the last time British and French officers fought each other in South Asia.
Timeline
- 1765Shah Alam II signs the Treaty of Allahabad.
- 1772Shah Alam II returns to Delhi with Maratha help.
- 11 September 1803The Company wins at Delhi.
- 14 September 1803British troops enter Delhi.
- 23 September 1803Wellesley wins at Assaye.