Battle of Palkhed [1728]

Peshwa Baji Rao of Maharashtra and the Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah I of Hyderabad fought the Battle of Palkhed. This battle is an example of the brilliant execution of military strategy. Besides demonstrating the strategic intellect of the Maratha's leader, this battle led to the downfall of the Mughal Empire.

Battle of Palkhed Causes

The Battle of Palkhed was the direct challenge of Nizam-ul-Mulk of Hyderabad to the Marathas. Nizam-ul-Mulk was the Subedar of Mughal Deccan, but later, he separated himself from the Mughals and made his empire in Hyderabad.

After the death of Shambhaji Raje, the controversy over the title of king arose. Shahu proclaimed the title of King, whereas Sambhaji II, the son of Rajaram (half-brother of Shambhaji Raje), proclaimed Chhatrapati.

However, to obtain more territories and make himself more powerful by controlling the growing influence of the Marathas, Nizam got along with the Sambhaji II, rival factions of Marathas. He also attempted to invade the northern region of Maratha Deccan.

Battle of Palkhed Closer Look

The Battle of Palkhed was fought between the Maratha forces led by Peshwa Baji Rao and the Nizam Asaf Jah of Hyderabad on the 27th of February, 1728, at the village of Palkhed.

Palkhed is near Nashik, Maharashtra. Baji Rao was the second Peshwa (Prime Minister) of Maharaj Shahu's Maratha Empire. However, the Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar appointed Nizam-ul-Mulk as the Subedar of Deccan. Still, Nizam Asaf Jah I tried to establish his Empire at Hyderabad in 1713 CE and fulfilled it in 1724 CE.

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The origin of the Battle of Palkhed goes to 1713 CE when Maratha ruler Shahu Maharaj dismissed Bahiroji Pingale and appointed Balaji Vishwanath Rao as Peshwa to expand the Maratha Empire through various regions of India. Balaji Vishwanath proved himself worthy by extracting an enormous amount of wealth and territory from the Mughal Empire. But he died in 1720, and Shahu Maharaj appointed Baji Rao I (son of Balaji Vishwanath) as a Peshwa.

In 1724 CE, Asaf Jah I separated his kingdom from Mughal Empire and joined with rival factions of the Shahu to extract his territories. Moreover, the Nizam decided to halt the collection of taxes (Chauth) given by landowners of the regions of the Maratha Empire.

The Nizam also captured some parts of the Pune Pargana. Still, he was defeated by the genius military strategies of Baji Rao I. After that, he accepted all the conditions of Marathas.

Battle of Palkhed Consequences

With the brilliant military strategies of Baji Rao I, the Nizam of Hyderabad was defeated near Aurangabad in the Battle of Palkhed. However, Peshwa Baji Rao imposed specific terms and conditions and forced him to sign a peace treaty of Munji Shivagoan at the village of Mungi-Paithan on March 6, 1728.

The Nizam signed to accept the right of Marathas to recover taxes in all of their territories and also abandoned the cause of Sambhaji II.

The Battle of Palkhed played a significant role in demonstrating the intellectual military strategies of Marathas. This battle also indicates the success of the Marathas' ruling over the upcoming decades.

FAQs on the Battle of Palkhed

Q1) Who fought the Battle of Palkhed?

Peshwa Baji Rao of Maharashtra and the Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah 1 of Hyderabad fought the Battle of Palkhed.

Q2) What is the origin of the Battle of Palkhed?

The origin of the Battle of Palkhed goes to 1713 CE when Maratha ruler Shahu Maharaj dismissed Bahiroji Pingale and appointed Balaji Vishwanath Rao as Peshwa to expand the Maratha Empire through various regions of India

Q3) What was the consequence of the Battle of Palkhed?

The Nizam of Hyderabad was defeated near Aurangabad in the Battle of Palkhed.

Q4) Where is Palkhed of the Battle of Palkhed fame located?

Palkhed of the Battle of Palkhed fame is located near Nashik, Maharashtra.

Q5) What is the significance of the Battle of Palkhed?

The Battle of Palkhed plays a significant role in demonstrating the intellectual military strategies of Marathas. In fact, Marathas are responsible for the decline of the Mughal Empire over the maximum subcontinents of India.