Battle of Assaye
1803 · Assaye (in modern Maharashtra, India) · World · Modern
Wellesley won against the odds, risking a river crossing to attack the flank; the Maratha allied army was routed
Belligerents
East India Company army
- Commanders
- Arthur Wellesley
- Strength
- c. 9,500 men
Maratha allied army
- Commanders
- Scindia, Bhonsle
- Strength
- About 40,000 to 50,000 (accounts vary)
Background
In the Second Anglo-Maratha War, the allied armies of the Maratha chiefs Scindia and Bhonsle mustered in the Deccan, and the young Arthur Wellesley led his troops in search of a decisive battle.
Course of the battle
- EncounterWellesley found that the allied main force was much larger than expected and decided to attack at once
- Wading across to strike the flankHe found a ford, crossed the Kaitna River, and deployed on the enemy flank
- Artillery duelThe Maratha artillery, trained by European officers, kept up heavy fire, and the British suffered severe casualties
- Allies routedBritish infantry and cavalry charged onto the gun positions, and the allied army retreated
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1803 |
|---|---|
| Place | Assaye (in present-day Maharashtra, India) |
| Result | Wellesley won against the odds, risking a river crossing to attack the flank; the Maratha allied army was routed |
| Winner | East India Company |
| Casualties | British casualties about 1,600; Maratha casualties about 6,000 |
| Territorial change | British power advanced deep into the Deccan, and the Maratha Confederacy began to fall apart |
Impact
Assaye was, by his own account, the hardest battle ever fought by the future Duke of Wellington; he gained experience in India long before defeating Napoleon at Waterloo.
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