Battle of Surat

Part of Imperial Maratha Conquests

Date	5 January 1664
Location	Surat, Gujarat, India
Result	Decisive victory for Maratha

Belligerents

Maratha Empire

Mughal Empire

Commanders and leaders

Shivaji

Inayat Khan

Strength

4,000 Cavalry

1,000

Casualties and losses

unknown

4 prisoners killed
24 prisoners wounded

Battle of Surat was a land battle that took place on January 5, 1664, near the city of Surat, Gujarat, India between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Inayat Khan, a Mughal captain. The Marathas defeated the small Mughal force.

According to 'History of The Marattas' a book written in 1826 by James Grant Duff, a captain in the British India Regiment,(page-198),'Surat was attacked by Shivaji on 5 January 1664. This was a wealthy port city in Mughal empire for the sea trade of the era. The city was well populated mostly by Hindus and a few Muslims, specially the officials in the Mughal administration of the city. The attack was so sudden that the population had no chance flee. The plunder was continued for six days, two third of the city was burned down and there was smoke in the air for many days. The loot was then transferred to Raigad fort.

As Shaista Khan, the Mughal governor, was in Deccan for more than three years fighting the Marathas, the financial condition of the Maratha state was dire. So to improve his finances, Shivaji planned to attack Surat, a key Mughal power centre, and a wealthy port town which generated a million rupees in taxes.

The defences of the city were poor, as the local Subedar, Inayat Khan appointed by Aurangzeb, had only 1000 men at his command. After sacking the Mughal garrison Shivaji attacked the Port of Surat and set the local shipping industry ablaze.

Shivaji was assisted by notable commanders along with cavalry of 8000 or more.

Shivaji attacked Surat after a demand for tribute was rejected. The Mughal Sardar, not the bravest, was very surprised by the suddenness of the attack and not willing to face the Maratha forces, he hid himself in the fort of Surat. However, there was an attempt of life on Shivaji by the emissary sent by the Mughal sardar. o Shivaji took the city and put it to the sack.

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