Govind Panth Bundele's Raid & Abdali's Fifth Invasion (October-December 1759)

Marathi History Book Reading Session Summary

Govind Panth Bundele: The Administrator-Warrior

The Origin Story

How Bundelkhand Came to Marathas:

The Rescue Mission:

• Bajirao I went to help Bundelkhand king
• King was old and under attack by Bangush
• Bajirao saved his life

The Reward:

"I will give you one third of my kingdom because you saved my life and I will give you my daughter Mastani in marriage."

What Bajirao Got:

• 1/3 of Bundelkhand kingdom
• His daughter Mastani (the famous love story)
• Maybe treasure

Geographic Reality:

• Bundelkhand = far north from Pune
• Hundreds of kilometers away
• Not very close to Delhi, but "kind of close"
• Bajirao had to appoint officials to manage it

Govind Panth's Role

The Civilian Administrator

Who He Was:

• Originally from Maharashtra
• Appointed by Bajirao I
• Managed day-to-day affairs of Maratha Bundelkhand
• Civilian officer, not primarily military

His Title:

"His real name is not Bundele [as a last name] but he inherited this Bundele because he was based in Bundelkhand."

How Titles Work:

• Like "Peshwa" - becomes part of name
• Based in Bundelkhand = called "Bundele"
• Title from territory/role

His Longevity:

• Continued working after Bajirao I died
• Managed affairs for decades
• Fairly old now (mid-late 50s)

His Job Description

Tax Collector

The Primary Function:

"Typically what he will do is he will go from farm to farm and collect the farm revenue from the farmers."

Why:

• Taxes were money
• Money was essential
• Had to be collected "on an orderly and accurate basis"
• Civilian officer role

His Army:

• Had small force: 1,000-2,000 soldiers
• NOT meant for typical warfare
• Could do defensive/offensive posture if needed
• But primarily for administration/security

The Northern Outflanking Maneuver

Dattaji's Strategy

The Map Shows:

• Outflanking maneuver
• Govind Panth's raid in the north
• Going through Haridwar area

Why North:

• Ganga comes from the north
• As it comes into flatland, gains width
• Gains "voluminous water"
• But at Haridwar = "still a smaller stream"
• Not too big yet
• Easier to cross

The Recap: Failed Cavalry Charge

15 September 1759

What Happened:

• Dattaji's army split into two
• Approached from two directions
• Najeeb hid his men in ravines
• Waiting for Maratha charge

The Ambush:

"Immediately the cavalry reached the ravines of Shukratal a deadly fire greeted them and several hundred were killed."

The Casualties:

• Jankoji injured
• Barha Sayyids sustained big loss
• Dattaji had to hold back

The Decision:

• Send Govind Panth Bundele north
• Cross Ganga there
• Invade Najeeb's territory (Nazibabad)
• On eastern side of Ganga

Nazibabad: Najeeb's Achievement

The Personal City

The Name:

• "Bad" = like "ville" in English (town, city)
• Similar to "Pur" in Hindi
• Just attach to name
• Becomes "town of X"

Examples:

• Nazibabad = Najeeb's town
• Ahmadabad = Ahmad's city
• Pattern of naming

The Pride:

"So-and-so really grew up so much that he called it Nazibabad."

• Named after himself
• Shows his power/achievement
• Center of his small kingdom

The Raid Begins (Third Week of October 1759)

Crossing the Ganga

The Attack:

"Around the third week of October 1759, [Govind Panth] began attacking Najeeb's territory on the east of the Ganga."

Two-Sided Attack:

• One from front (Dattaji at Shukratal)
• One from back (Govind Panth from north)

The Rohilla Chiefs' Reluctance

Internal Rohilla Politics

Najeeb Appeals for Help:

"Najeeb watched in dismay, appealing for help from Hafiz Rehmat Khan and Dunde Khan, the Rohilla chiefs who did not see eye to eye with Najeeb."

Why They Didn't Like Him:

• Najeeb "was not the top Rohilla commander"
• He was ambitious
• Very creative
• Very deceptive

Their Refusal:

• Didn't want to help him
• Could have helped save Nazibabad
• Said: "We are not going to come to your help"
• Najeeb disappointed

The Family at Risk

Zabita Khan and Pathargarh

The Vulnerability:

"Najeeb's son Zabita Khan and his family were at his fort, Pathargarh."

The Eventual Response:

• Hafiz Rehmat and Dunde Khan finally came
• Confronted Govind Panth "a few miles from Nazibabad"

The Battle:

"But Govind Panth defeated them and headed for the bridge that was Najeeb's supply line from his capital."

Cutting the Supply Line

The Strategic Strike

The Impact:

"For a while, Govind Panth's raid created a shortage of food in Najeeb's camp."

Why:

• Bridge controlled by Govind Panth's force
• No food could come from city (Nazibabad)
• Army at Shukratal being strangled

The Principle:

"Supply line, once it cuts off, then it's tough. His army will be strangled because they won't get fresh supplies through that bridge."

Shuja's Gosavis Arrive

The Hindu Reinforcements

The Response:

"Meanwhile, the Hindu Gosavi army of Shuja-ud-Daula reached there and faced Govind Panth."

The Battle:

• Hindu vs. Hindu
• Gosavis working for Shuja (Muslim)
• Fighting Marathas (Hindu)
• Shows complexity of alliances

Shuja's Position Explained

Why He Opposed Marathas

His Natural Inclination:

• Mother pro-Maratha
• Father (Safdar Jang) worked with Marathas sometimes
• He was Shia (relatively moderate)
• Not extremist like Rohillas

The Problem:

• "Dead opposed to Imad"
• Imad = arch enemy
• Marathas allied with Imad
• Therefore must oppose Marathas

Dattaji's Real Goal:

"Dattaji had no interest in getting into Shuja-ud-Daula's territory or raiding him at all. He wanted to go eastward."

The Target:

• Patna = staging ground
• Then Bengal = revenue source

The Trap:

"But because of the politics played by Mr. Najeeb Khan, now he was bogged down and Shuja-ud-Daula was into the fray. So it became difficult."

The River Problem (Again)

The Persistent Weakness

The Reality:

"And again, Marathas didn't know how to cross the rivers. Technology wise."

Meanwhile in the Deccan (9 November 1759)

The Two-Front War

The Southern Campaign:

"In the Deccan, the Peshwa and Sadashiv Rao Bhau were planning a decisive move to reduce the Nizam and occupied the prestigious Ahmadnagar fort on 9th of November 1759."

Ahmadnagar: The Historical Significance

The Original Nizam Shah

What Is Ahmadnagar:

• Capital of original Nizam Shah kingdom
• NOT the new Nizam (Mughal Subedar)
• Original Nizam from this region

The History:

• Shivaji's father worked for him
• Mughal army conquered completely
• Kingdom "totally liquidated"
• Divided between Adil Shah and Mughals
• Major forts still there

Today:

• Located in Maharashtra
• Still important historical site

Abdali's Messenger (6 November 1759)

The Intelligence Mission

The Arrival:

"On 6th of November, 1759, Abdali's messenger came to Delhi with a letter inquiring about the situation there."

Five Days Later (11 November):

• Peshwa's agent wrote to Nana Saheb
• Reported on Abdali's message

What the Agent Said:

"Abdali's agent has brought orders for Madho Singh, Vijay Singh, Najeeb Khan, and Yakub Ali Khan."

Who Asked Abdali to Come

The Coalition

The List:

• Madho Singh (Jaipur)
• Vijay Singh (Jodhpur)
• Najeeb Khan (Rohilla)
• Yakub Ali Khan

Why They Called Him:

• "All were endangered by the Maratha army"
• Especially fratricidal affairs in Rajasthan
• Marathas interfering in succession wars

Najeeb's Desperation:

• His life in danger
• "Existential risk for him"
• Not going to live long without help
• "Going to be gone"

His Only Ally:

• Had Malhar Rao Holkar
• But Malhar Rao in Pune now
• Can't protect him
• Has to deal with Dattaji
• Dattaji has "no soft corner for him"

The Savior:

• Only hope = Abdali in Afghanistan
• Trying "every which way" to lure him
• Otherwise knows "he is going to be gone"

Abdali's Response

The Advance Force

Jahan Khan Sent:

"He has said he is ready to come to India and has dispatched Jahan Khan ahead with an army to Lahore."

Who Is Jahan Khan:

• One of Abdali's commanders
• Sent to Punjab capital (Lahore)
• Advance force

Abdali's Intelligence Requirements

The Information Request

What Abdali Asked For:

"Abdali has asked to be given a clear picture about the imperial court, the officers, Suraj Mal Jat, Shuja-ud-Daula, and the Srimanta's house."

Breaking It Down:

1. Imperial court - What's happening with Emperor
2. The officers - All the power players
3. Suraj Mal Jat - Status and position
4. Shuja-ud-Daula - His situation
5. Srimanta's house - The rich people

Why So Detailed:

"See, Abdali was strategic. Before coming to India, he wanted to get idea about what is happening."

The Calculation:

• "All the local players he wants to know about"
• "Doesn't want to get surprises"
• Must have allies
• "Doesn't want to fight a losing battle on his own"

The Resource Question

Why Abdali Needs Intelligence

The Army's Needs:

• His army = massive
• "Going to need resources"
• Animals have to be fed
• People have to eat
• Must pay salaries

The Solution:

"So he has to loot and make money."

The Strategic Approach:

• Must know terrain
• Must know allies
• Must know enemies
• Must know resource locations
• Very strategic in "rounding up allies"

The Enemy:

"And he knows that his only enemy is Marathas."

The Tribute Question

Extracting Money from Allies

Abdali's Request:

"He has also asked Najeeb Khan about the tributes from Hindustan."

The Money Details:

• Wants to know who will give how much
• Even allies must pay

The Parties:

• Madho Singh
• Vijay Singh
• Suraj Mal Jat
• Mughal Emperor
• Even the Rohillas

The Service:

"So driving up the Marathas is not a free service."

Abdali's Focus:

"Oh no, he's all about money. He wants to loot."

The Information Asymmetry

Why Details Matter

The Negotiation Advantage:

• If someone can pay $5 million
• Why ask for only $1 million?
• Need to know their capacity
• Maximize extraction

Getting the Intel:

"So that information he needs from Najeeb Khan. All the details."

The Letter Reaches Pune (Early December 1759)

Terrible Timing

When It Arrived:

"This letter from Delhi would have reached the Peshwa in early December 1759 when the Maratha army was heading out to face the Nizam."

The Situation:

• Peshwa in December 1759
• Heading SOUTH
• Large force committed to fighting Nizam

The Overstretch:

"No, Marathas are stretched thin. Fighting two big battles or in two different geographies."

Abdali's Fifth Invasion Begins

The March to India

The Decision:

"Meanwhile, Ahmad Shah Abdali, heeding appeals by Najeeb and other Indian kings, finally began his march into India for his fifth invasion, while Dattaji was still trying to enforce a siege at Shukratal."

Najeeb's Desperation:

• Cannot survive unless he distracts Maratha army
• Right at his doorstep (Shukratal)
• Needs "anything and everything" to convince Abdali

Abdali's Internal Situation

Why Now

The Afghan Security:

• Was fighting tribal wars in Afghanistan
• "Now he has concluded them"
• Knows he's secure in Afghanistan

The Calculation:

"When he goes to India, he's going to spend at least four to six months."

The Risk:

• In his absence, other tribes could attack
• "Then he'll be in trouble in Afghanistan itself"
• Doesn't want that

The Solution:

• "Wants to make sure that he's secure in Afghanistan"
• Now satisfied he is

December 1759:

• Decides: "I'm going to India now"
• Beginning his march
• Fifth invasion
• Perfect timing for allies

Chapter 15: Najeeb Bakes a Plot

The Ominous Title

The Quote:

• From Govind Panth Bundele
• November 1759

"A great disaster has befallen us."

Najeeb: The Schemer

Ahead of His Time

The Assessment:

"So Najeeb Khan is a schemer. He's ahead of his time. He's doing all this rumors and propaganda spreading. He's clever."

The Strategy:

"Because see what he lacks in battlefield, he's trying to make it up."

The Method:

• Through schemes
• Propaganda
• Rumors
• Political manipulation
• Coalition building

The New Plot:

• Now "baking a new plot"
• Something even more devious coming
• Cliffhanger for next session

Key Figures

Geographic Context

Key Locations:

• Bundelkhand - Territory given to Bajirao I, managed by Govind Panth
• Haridwar - Holy city in north, where Ganga still small
• Shukratal - Siege location, Najeeb entrenched
• Nazibabad - Najeeb's capital, under attack by Govind Panth
• Pathargarh - Najeeb's fort, family refuge
• Lahore - Punjab capital, where Jahan Khan sent
• Ahmadnagar - Deccan fort, taken by Peshwa
• Pune - Maratha capital, Peshwa's base
• Kandahar - Afghanistan, Abdali's base
• Patna - Bihar capital, Dattaji's intended destination
• Bengal - Far east, ultimate revenue target

Timeline

• 15 September 1759 - Failed cavalry charge, Jankoji injured
• Third week of October 1759 - Govind Panth crosses Ganga, attacks Nazibabad
• 6 November 1759 - Abdali's messenger arrives in Delhi
• 9 November 1759 - Peshwa takes Ahmadnagar fort
• 11 November 1759 - Peshwa's agent reports on Abdali's orders
• November 1759 - Govind Panth cuts supply line: "great disaster"
• Early December 1759 - News reaches Pune (army heading south to Nizam)
• December 1759 - Abdali begins march (5th invasion)

Major Themes

1. The Administrator Goes to War

Govind Panth = tax collector with small army, now executing critical military operation.

2. The Professional Invader

Abdali gathering intelligence, securing home front, calculating tribute. Methodical.

3. Reluctant Allies

Rohilla chiefs don't like Najeeb, but finally help. Coalition building works.

4. The Two-Front Trap

North vs. Najeeb/coalition, South vs. Nizam. Classic overextension disaster.

5. The Service Fee

Even "allies" must pay Abdali. Nothing is free. Professional looter.

6. Hindu vs. Hindu (Again)

Gosavi forces (Hindu) vs. Marathas (Hindu). Identity doesn't determine loyalty.

7. The Schemer's Advantage

Najeeb lacks battlefield strength, compensates with propaganda and plots.

The Strategic Picture (December 1759)

Maratha Position:

• Dattaji stuck at Shukratal siege
• Govind Panth cut supply line (temporarily successful)
• But Shuja's Gosavis arrived
• Two-front war: North (Najeeb) and South (Nizam)
• Forces stretched impossibly thin
• No real allies

Enemy Coalition:

• Najeeb entrenched at Shukratal
• All Rohillas unified (reluctantly)
• Shuja-ud-Daula committed forces
• All northern princes want Marathas gone
• Everyone calling for Abdali

Abdali's Preparations:

• Secured Afghanistan
• Gathered intelligence on all players
• Calculated tribute requirements
• Sent advance force (Jahan Khan to Lahore)
• Beginning march (5th invasion)
• Perfect timing

The Quote:

"A great disaster has befallen us."

The New Threat:

• Najeeb "baking a plot"
• Some new scheme brewing
• What he lacks in battle = makes up in manipulation

The Mastani Connection

Full Circle

The Origin:

• Bajirao I saved Bundelkhand king
• Received 1/3 kingdom + Mastani
• Famous love story
• Appointed Govind Panth to manage territory

Now (1759):

• That same territory's administrator
• Fighting to save Maratha position
• Territory secured 40+ years ago
• Now critical in northern war

The Irony:

• Romantic story → administrative appointment → military crisis
• Long-term consequence of short-term decisions
• Everything connected across decades

The Professional vs. The Amateur

Abdali's Approach

What He Does:

1. Secure home front first
2. Gather comprehensive intelligence
3. Identify all players and their positions
4. Calculate resource requirements
5. Ensure allies committed
6. Send advance force
7. Begin methodical march
8. Know exactly what tribute to extract

Why He Wins:

• Professional invader
• Done this multiple times
• Learns from each campaign
• Doesn't take unnecessary risks
• Maximizes profit, minimizes cost

Maratha Approach

What They Do:

1. Overextend across vast territories
2. Ignore warnings about enemies
3. Trust people who shouldn't be trusted
4. Fight on multiple fronts
5. Leave critical positions undermanned
6. Depend on technologies they don't have
7. Make enemies of potential allies

Why They're Vulnerable:

• Expansion over consolidation
• Optimism over realism
• Assumption over intelligence
• Stretched resources over focused strength

Govind Panth Bundele - a 50+ year old tax collector with 1,000-2,000 soldiers - just executed a brilliant flanking maneuver, crossed the Ganga up north, defeated Rohilla chiefs, and cut Najeeb's supply line. This is the GOOD news. The bad news: Shuja's Hindu Gosavis arrived. Abdali is marching from Afghanistan with his massive professional army, having gathered perfect intelligence, secured his home front, calculated his tribute extraction, and timed his arrival perfectly. The Peshwa just committed a large force to fight the Nizam in the south. Dattaji is stuck at an unbreakable siege. And Najeeb - the schemer who makes up in manipulation what he lacks on the battlefield - is "baking a plot." "A great disaster has befallen us" is right.