Capture of Shimoga facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Capture of Shimoga
Part of the Third Anglo-Mysore War
Date 29 December 1791 – 3 January 1792 Location Shimoga, Kingdom of Mysore Result Maratha-British victory
Belligerents
Maratha Empire East India Company	Mysore
Commanders and leaders
Purseram Bhow John Little	Reza Sahib  (POW)

The Capture of Shimoga was an important event during the Third Anglo-Mysore War. It happened in a town and fort called Shimoga. This place was controlled by the Kingdom of Mysore. The battle ended on January 3, 1792, when the fort was taken.

Before the main capture, a smaller fight took place on December 29, 1791. This fight was near Shimoga. Soldiers from the British East India Company and the Marathas attacked. They managed to scatter many of Mysore's defending soldiers. After this, the remaining defenders in the fort gave up. This happened once holes were made in the fort's strong walls.

What Was the Capture of Shimoga?

The Capture of Shimoga was a key moment in a bigger plan. This plan was led by a Maratha leader named Purseram Bhow. His goal was to get back lands that Hyder Ali had taken. Hyder Ali was a ruler of Mysore. He had taken these lands from the Marathas in an earlier war.

The fight for Shimoga showed the strength of the Maratha and British forces. They worked together against the Kingdom of Mysore. This event helped them gain control over more areas. It also weakened Mysore's power in the region.

Who Fought at Shimoga?

Two main groups were involved in the battle for Shimoga. On one side were the combined forces. These included soldiers from the Maratha Empire. They were led by Purseram Bhow. Also fighting with them were troops from the British East India Company. Their commander was John Little.

On the other side were the defenders of Shimoga. These were soldiers from the Kingdom of Mysore. They were protecting their town and fort. A main commander for Mysore was Reza Sahib. He was captured by the Maratha and British forces.

Why Was Shimoga Important?

Shimoga was important because of its location. It was a strong fort and a key town. Controlling Shimoga meant controlling an important area. This area was part of the lands that Purseram Bhow wanted to take back.

The capture of Shimoga was a big win for the Marathas and the British. It helped them move forward in the Third Anglo-Mysore War. It also showed that their alliance was strong. This victory helped them achieve their goals in the war.

The Battle and Siege

The fighting began on December 29, 1791. This was a first battle outside the main fort. The Maratha and British forces attacked Mysore's army. They fought hard and managed to defeat many of Mysore's soldiers. This made it easier to attack the fort itself.

After this first win, the allied forces began to surround Shimoga fort. This is called a siege. They worked to break down the fort's defenses. They used cannons and other tools to create openings in the walls.

On January 3, 1792, they succeeded. Holes were made in the fort's strong walls. With their defenses broken, the Mysore soldiers inside had to give up. The fort and town were then captured.

What Happened After Shimoga?

The capture of Shimoga was a significant victory. It helped the Maratha and British forces gain more control. It also showed the weakness of Mysore's defenses. This event was part of a larger plan. The plan was to weaken Mysore and take back lands.

The Third Anglo-Mysore War continued after Shimoga. However, this victory was a big step. It helped shape the outcome of the war. It also showed the power of the alliances formed during this time.