Battle of Farrukhabad

01The chase across the Doab

In October 1804 Holkar’s army besieged Delhi, where Ochterlony held out. When Lake came to its relief, Yashwantrao split his force: his infantry and guns went towards Deeg, and he led his cavalry east across the Yamuna, burning and plundering through the Doab. Lake followed with his cavalry and horse artillery, covering great distances day after day, while General Fraser took the infantry after the Maratha guns.

02Dawn at Farrukhabad

Holkar camped at Farrukhabad believing Lake was far behind. News reached him that night that his infantry had been beaten at Deeg on 13 November. Lake’s column had marched through the night, and at first light his horse artillery opened on the sleeping camp, followed by a charge of dragoons and native cavalry. The Maratha horsemen scattered. Yashwantrao got away and rode west to join what was left of his army at Deeg.

Dynasty · 1733–1948 CEHolkars of IndoreMalhar Rao Holkar, a shepherd’s son from Hol near Jejuri, rose under Bajirao I to hold western Malwa. His daughter-in-law Ahilyabai ruled from Maheshwar for twenty-eight years and rebuilt temples across Bharat, including the Kashi Vishwanath temple that stands today.Read →