Draft:Campaigns of Gwalior, Dholpur And Mandril

Campaigns of Gwalior Dholpur And Mandril
Date1502-1507 A.D.
Location26°42′N 77°54′E / 26.7°N 77.9°E / 26.7; 77.9
Result Lodi Victory[1][2]
Territorial
changes
Belligerents
Delhi Sultanate Tanwars of Dholpur
Tomaras of Gwalior
Commanders and leaders
Sikandar Lodi
Alam Khan
Khan-i-Khanan
Khawas Khan
Khwaja Ben 
Mian Makan
Mujahid Khan
Man Singh Tomar
Vinayaka-Deva
Raja Manik Dev
Strength
10000 Cavalry
100 Elephants
~Unknown~
Campaigns of Gwalior, Dholpur And Mandril is located in Rajasthan
Campaigns of Gwalior, Dholpur And Mandril
Location within Rajasthan
Campaigns of Gwalior, Dholpur And Mandril is located in India
Campaigns of Gwalior, Dholpur And Mandril
Campaigns of Gwalior, Dholpur And Mandril (India)

Background

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The Campaigns of Gwalior, Dholpur, and Mandril[5] were among the bold and strategic military expeditions undertaken by Sultan Sikandar Lodi during his reign, with a primary objective of territorial expansion.The Sultan issued commands to Alam Khan, the governor of Mewat, and Khan Khanan Lohani, the governor of Rapri, to launch an attack on Dholpur with the assistance of Khawas Khan of Bayana. Raja Vinayak Dev resisted the invaders and engaged in battles as they approached Dholpur, eventually leading to the siege of the fort. During the skirmishes, along with a few Muslim soldiers, a commander named Khwaja Ben lost his life in combat. Upon receiving news of Khwaja Ben's death in the battle, Sultan Sikandar Lodi swiftly departed from Sambhal towards Dholpur.[6]

The Conquest

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Conquest of Dholpur 1502-06 A.D.

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The Sultan arrived at Dholpur on Friday, the 6th of Ramazan 906H (March 25, 1501 A.D.). Upon approaching Dholpur, Raja Vinayak Dev fled to Gwalior, abandoning his family and followers in the Dholpur fort. Unable to withstand the attack, his men deserted the fort in the middle of the night. Consequently, the next morning, Dholpur fort fell without any further resistance. The Lodi soldiers engaged in rampant pillaging and destruction, even uprooting the gardens surrounding Dholpur, where the trees provided shade for a distance of seven karohs. The Sultan remained in Dholpur for a month before leaving Adam Lodi and a significant number of nobles in the city. Subsequently, he led his forces towards Gwalior. When the Sultan arrived at Gwalior, he was met by Raja Man Singh Tomar, who had committed a double offense by providing refuge to the plotters who had fled from his kingdom and by sheltering Raja Vinayak Dev (Raja Manik Deo) of Dholpur. After crossing the Chambal River, the Sultan set up camp on the banks of the Asi, also known as Mindki, for a duration of two months. Unfortunately, due to the poor quality of the water, a severe epidemic broke out in the army.

Raja Man Singh Tomar sought peace by sending a representative and offered his son, Prince Vikramjit, as a hostage to the Sultan as a gesture of sincerity. The Sultan was greatly pleased by this gesture and bestowed an honorary robe upon Prince Vikramjit. Later, he returned Dholpur to Raja Vinayak Dev (Raja Manik Deo) as a sign of goodwill. Subsequently, the Sultan Sikandar Lodi moved to Agral, where he spent the rainy season in the year 1503 A.D.[6][7][8]

Capture of Mandrayal 1503 A.D.

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In 1503 A.D., Sultan began a siege of Mandrayal Fort, located near Dholpur. The fort was held by Rajput chieftains who were under the suzerainty of Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior. Despite some initial resistance, the garrison eventually fled and those who remained were slaughtered. The chieftains eventually surrendered the fort to the Sultan, who then gave control of it to Mian Makan and Mujahid Khan. Temples within the fort were demolished and a mosque was built in their place. The Sultan also took prisoners from the fort before returning to Agra after his victory.Today, Mandrayal Fort is located in the Karauli district of Rajasthan.[6][7]

Invasion of gwalior 1505 A.D.

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Due to transportation difficulties, the grain merchants were unable to come, leading to a scarcity of provisions. When the imperial army reached Chatawar in Gwalior state.During an ambush by the Raja of Gwalior, a fierce battle broke out. Daud Khan and Ahmad Khan, the sons of Khan Jahan, showed immense courage and skill in combat, with additional support from troops led by the sultan. The Rajputs were ultimately defeated, with many being killed or captured in the process.[9][10]

Investment of Untgarh/Awantgarh 1506 A.D.

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Sultan dispatched a formidable army led by Imad Khan Farmuli and Mujahid Khan to conquer the fort of Utngarh. Later, Sultan himself joined the advanced party at Dholpur, while leaving Mujahid Khan stationed there. Crossing the Chambal River, Sultan arrived at Utngarh. After gathering all necessary siege implements, he launched a multi-directional offensive. The attackers encircled the fort and engaged in a heroic battle against the valiant defense put up by the Rajputs. Malik Alauddin led an attack on the fort's walls, leading to a fierce hand-to-hand combat. The fort was eventually taken by assault, yet the Rajputs persisted in their desperate resistance. In a tragic turn, Malik Alauddin was blinded by arrows striking his eyes during the fighting. Despite this setback, the remaining Rajputs continued to fight resolutely, with some choosing the ancient practice of jauhar - wherein their children and wives became victims. Sultan entrusted the fort to Mujahid Khan, who later joined Sultan after Malik Alauddin's blinding. Sultan ordered the demolition of all temples and mosques, replacing them with new structures.[6][7]

Aftermath

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Due to persistent rebellions across the Yamuna, the Sultan arrived at Dholpur where he seized control from Raja Manik Dev and expelled him from the fort. The Sultan then entrusted the fort of Dholpur to Malik Qamruddin.Raja Man Singh Tomar was compelled to accept vassalage.[11][12]

References

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  1. ^ Wolseley Haid (1928-01-01). The Cambridge History of India, Volume 3: Turks and Afghans. Internet Archive. MACMILLAN. p. 243."His precautions were opportune for, as he was retiring towards his camp on the Chambal, Mån Singh laid an ambush for his army. The officers whose troops were exposed to the sudden and unexpected attack displayed great valour, and held the enemy until succour arrived from the main body of the army, when the Hindus were defeated with great slaughter."
  2. ^ Allāh (Haravī.), Niʻmat Allāh ibn Ḥabīb (1958). Niamatullah's History of the Afghans: Part 1 - Lodi Period. Santiniketan Press. p. 85."The Raja of Gwalior attacked him in an ambuscade and a violent battle ensued. Daud Khan and Ahmad Khan, sons of Khan Jahan displayed boundless prowess and bravery and were reinforced from the rear by troops under the sultan. The Rajputs were defeated and a large number of them was either slain or taken prisoner."
  3. ^ Geographical Viewpoint: Journal of the Agra Geographical Society, Agra, India. Agra Geographical Society. 1991. p. 70."After conquering Dholpur , Gwalior and Malwa , Sultan Sikandar Lodi realized the necessity of establishing its military headquarters at a strategic place in close proximity to the places of his invasions and conquests ."
  4. ^ Publication, Mocktime (2011-01-01). MEDIEVAL INDIA: UPSC PREPARATION BOOKS HISTORY SERIES. by Mocktime Publication. p. 234.Thus, the process of cultural rapprochement between the Hindus and the Muslims continued apace during his reign.Sikandar Lodi also extended his dominions by conquering Dholpur and Gwalior. It was during these operations that after careful survey and deliberations Sikandar Lodi selected the site for the city of Agra (1506) Tine town was meant to command the area of eastern Rajasthan and the route to Malwa and Gujarat. In course of time, Agra became a large town and the second capital of the Lodis."
  5. ^ KHALIQ, AHMED NIZAMI (1970). A COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY OF INDIA VOL.5. PEOPLE’S PUBLISHING HOUSE,NEW DELHI. p. 695.
  6. ^ a b c d Halim, Abdul (1974). History Of The Lodi Sultans Of Delhi And Agra. pp. 80–88.
  7. ^ a b c PANDEY, AWADH BIHARI (1956). THE FIRST AFGHAN EMPIRE IN INDIA (1451-1526 A.D.). J. N. BASU, CALCUTTA. pp. 131–137.
  8. ^ Publication, Mocktime (2011-01-01). MEDIEVAL INDIA: UPSC PREPARATION BOOKS HISTORY SERIES. by Mocktime Publication. p. 234.Thus, the process of cultural rapprochement between the Hindus and the Muslims continued apace during his reign.Sikandar Lodi also extended his dominions by conquering Dholpur and Gwalior. It was during these operations that after careful survey and deliberations Sikandar Lodi selected the site for the city of Agra (1506) Tine town was meant to command the area of eastern Rajasthan and the route to Malwa and Gujarat. In course of time, Agra became a large town and the second capital of the Lodis."
  9. ^ Wolseley Haid (1928-01-01). The Cambridge History of India, Volume 3: Turks and Afghans. Internet Archive. MACMILLAN. p. 243."His precautions were opportune for, as he was retiring towards his camp on the Chambal, Man Singh laid an ambush for his army. The officers whose troops were exposed to the sudden and unexpected attack displayed great valour, and held the enemy until succour arrived from the main body of the army, when the Hindus were defeated with great slaughter."
  10. ^ Allāh (Haravī.), Niʻmat Allāh ibn Ḥabīb (1958). Niamatullah's History of the Afghans: Part 1 - Lodi Period. Santiniketan Press. p. 85."The Raja of Gwalior attacked him in an ambuscade and a violent battle ensued. Daud Khan and Ahmad Khan, sons of Khan Jahan displayed boundless prowess and bravery and were reinforced from the rear by troops under the sultan. The Rajputs were defeated and a large number of them was either slain or taken prisoner."
  11. ^ Halim, Abdul (1974). History Of The Lodi Sultans Of Delhi And Agra."He took active part in almost all the campaigns and never left one unfinished. Besides crushing the revolt of his brother and other relatives and their partisans, he had effected the final subjugation of the Sharqi kingdom, captured Dholpur, Narwar, and a considerable part of Central India, including Gwalior, whose Raja was reduced to a position of vassalage. He had waged war against Kashmir and kept friendly terms with Multan."
  12. ^ Geographical Viewpoint: Journal of the Agra Geographical Society, Agra, India. Agra Geographical Society. 1991. p. 70."After conquering Dholpur , Gwalior and Malwa , Sultan Sikandar Lodi realized the necessity of establishing its military headquarters at a strategic place in close proximity to the places of his invasions and conquests ."