Battle of Seedaseer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Seedaseer
Part of the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War
Date 6 March 1799 Location Seedaseer Hill, near present-day Siddapura, Karnataka Result British victory
Belligerents
British East India Company	Mysore
Commanders and leaders
James Stuart Lieutenant Colonel Montressor	Tipu Sultan
Strength
6,400	unknown
Casualties and losses
135	150

The Battle of Seedaseer was an important fight during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War. It happened on March 6, 1799. The battle took place at Seedaseer, a hill and pass near what is now Siddapura in Karnataka, India. This area was on the border between the Coorg and Mysore regions. The battle was a key moment as the British forces tried to join up to attack Seringapatam, the capital of Mysore.

The Armies and Their Plans

Lieutenant-General James Stuart led the Bombay Army. This army had about 6,500 soldiers. They started their journey from Cannanore. Their goal was to cross the Western Ghats mountains. Stuart's army planned to meet up with a larger British force. This other force was called the Madras Army. It was coming from the east. Both armies wanted to meet at Seringapatam.

General Stuart set up his troops in a defensive spot. This was on the border of the Anglo-Mysore lands. He placed one group of soldiers, called a brigade, at Seedaseer. This was on March 2. This group was led by Lieutenant-Colonel Montressor. It included soldiers from what are now the 1st and 2nd Maratha Light Infantry battalions. Stuart kept his other two brigades further back. These were at Siddapura and Ahmootenaar, about 8 to 12 miles from Seedaseer.

The Battle Begins

News arrived that the Mysorean army might be on the move. So, General Stuart sent more soldiers to Seedaseer. He sent one more battalion of sepoys. Sepoys were Indian soldiers serving in the British army.

This advance was actually Tipu Sultan's main army. Tipu Sultan was the ruler of Mysore. His plan was to destroy the Bombay Army. At the same time, a smaller Mysorean force would hold off the Madras Army. Tipu Sultan's army reached Seedaseer at 9 AM on March 6, 1799.

General Stuart quickly led his Left Brigade to Seedaseer. They arrived as reinforcements by 2 PM. With these extra soldiers, the British were stronger. Tipu Sultan's forces were then forced to pull back. This meant the British won the battle.

Why This Battle Was Important

The Governor-General of India was very impressed. He wrote to the directors of the British East India Company. He said that the Bombay Army's actions at Seedaseer were outstanding. He believed their success had "seldom been equalled and never surpassed."

Because of this important victory, the battle's anniversary is still celebrated. It is known as "Seedaseer Day." Every year, there are regimental sports. The 2nd Battalion even puts on a pageant. This pageant shows scenes from the battle. The soldiers wear replicas of the 1799 uniforms. It is a way to remember the bravery of the soldiers.