Battle of Surat

Battle of Surat was a land battle that took place on January 5, 1664 near the city of Surat, Gujarat, India between the Maratha "Chhatrapati" Shivaji and the "InayatKhan" of Mughal. The Marathas defeated the Mughal forces.

The battle is known for strategic movement of cavalry by Shivaji through enemy's terrain covering almost a distance of 300 km.

Background

As Shaista Khan was in Maharashtra for more than three years, the financial condition of the 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.

Battle

Composition of Mughal forces

The defences of the city were poor, as the local Sardar Inayatkhan appointed by Aurangzeb was corrupt and instead of the stipulated force of nearly 5000 soldiers had appointed only 1000 and pocketed the rest of the money himself.

Composition of Maratha forces

Shivaji was assisted by many commanders of note along with cavalry of 2000 or more.

Movement and clash of forces

When Shivaji arrived at Surat he demanded tribute from the Mughal commander and a small army stationed for port security, which was refused. There was an attempt of life on shivaji by the emissary sent by mughal sardar. So Shivaji took the city and put it to the sack. Surat was under sack for nearly 3 weeks, in which the Maratha army looted all possible wealth from Mughal and Portuguese trading centers.

Outcome

All this loot was successfully transported to Maharashtra before the Mughal Empire at Delhi was alerted. This wealth later was used for development & strengthening the Maratha Empire.

Casulties

Not known. No woman was molested or made captive. .

References

* Grant Duff - "History of Marathas"
* S.D.Samant - "Vedh Mahamanvacha"