Battle of Kolhapur

Part of the Imperial Maratha Conquests

Date	December 28, 1659
Location	Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
Result	Decisive victory for Maratha Empire

Belligerents

Maratha Empire

Adilshahi forces

Commanders and leaders

Shivaji
Netaji Palkar
Godaji
Jadhavroa
Siddhi Hilal
Ingale
Sidhoji Pawar
Mahadik
Wagh

Rustam Zaman
Fazal Khan
Fateh Khan
Sarjerao Ghadge
Baji Ghorpadhe
Malik Itbar
Sadat Khan
Yakun Khan
Ankush Khan
Santaji Ghatage

Strength

3,500

10,000

Casualties and losses

1000+

7000+

Battle of Kolhapur was a land battle that took place on December 28, 1659 near the city of Kolhapur, Maharashtra between the Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji and the Adilshahi forces. The battle is known for brilliant movement of flanks by Shivaji similar to tactics of Babur against Rana Sanga.

Shivaji had killed Afzal Khan and routed his army in the battle of Pratapgarh (10 November 1659). He took advantage of this victory and in a great offensive took a large hilly tract running about 200 km under his command. A number of forts like Vasota fell to Marathas. By December, 1659 Shivaji appeared near Panhala fort. Rustam Zaman was directed from Bijapur. He arrived near Miraj in the vicinity of Kolhapur on 27 December 1659.

Rustam Zaman was assisted by other chieftains Fazal Khan, Malik Itbar, Sadat Khan, Yakub Khan, Aankush Khan, Hasan Khan, Mulla Yahya, Santaji Ghatage. It consists of selected cavalry of Adilshahi which was well known. In addition elephants were deployed as first line of defense. The centre was commanded by Rustam Zaman himself, left flank by Fazal Khan, right flank by Malik Itbar. Fateh Khan and Mullah Yahya were on the rear guard.

Shivaji was assisted by Maratha Cavalry leader Netaji Palkar, Sardar Godajiraje Jagtap, Hiroji Ingale, Bhimaji Wagh, Sidhoji Pawar Jadhavrao, Hanmantrao Kharate, Pandhare, Siddi Hllal, and Mahadik. Center was commanded by Shivaji himself. Siddi Hilal and Jadhavrao were on left flank. Ingale and Sidhoji Pawar on right flank. Mahadik and Wagh on the rear guard. Netaji Palkar was off the centre.

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Wikipedia