2. After Raja Martanda Varma's ascension to the Travancore throne in 1729, he adopted expansionist policies through the 1730s (interestingly enough, simultaneously as Bajirao Peshwa's policy vs Mughals in the north).
3. The expansion of Travancore into central Kerala threatened the monopoly of the Dutch in black pepper trade. Dutch commander Maten sought to warn Raja Martanda.
But, he received a warning in return, not to interfere in politics of Malabar & stay restricted to trade activities.
4. The Dutch governor could but only warn; and helplessly witness the rapid progress of Travancore for the next 4-5 years, since the Dutch Indonesia colony wasn’t able to reinforce Dutch Malabar to oppose Raja Martanda Varma.
5. 1739: Dutch Governor of Ceylon, Gustaff Willem van Imhoff, sent an envoy, as well as went to Travancore court himself to reverse the Raja's annexations. Martanda Varma did not agree, as he believed he had the upper hand if Dutch declared war on him.
War was inevitable.
6. 1739-40: Dutch carried out the war plans of *multi-pronged attacks* on Travancore kingdom, chalked out by van Imhoff. The Dutch captured Kollam, Attingal & Varkala.
7. 1741: In early 1741, Rani of Elayada Swaroopam was reinstated by the Dutch (her territory was earlier annexed by Raja Martanda Varma).
However, Travancore soundly defeated the combined (Dutch + Rani's) forces which were less sophisticated compared to Travancore's army.
8. Simultaneously, Dutch reinforcements from Sri Lanka occupied & fortified Colachel during Nov '40 - Feb '41. Dutch captured Travancore territory from Kanyakumari to Colachel.
At Kalkulam, Travancore army under Raja’s command defeated the Dutch to finally arrest their progress.
9. The Dutch were pursued back to Colachel. On the 10th Aug, Battle of Colachel took place.
The Dutch had no cavalry, while Travancore was equipped with mostly cavalry force. The Travancore army thus charged, and broke the Dutch lines completely.
10. Once the lines were broken, the Dutch were thrown into complete chaos & disorder. They immediately retreated from the battlefield.
The Dutch-fortified Colachel also surrendered to Raja Martanda Varma thereafter.
11. The defeat at the Battle of Colachel was a huge setback for the Dutch, as it ended all their political aspirations to expand in India, and relegated it to just trading activities.
12. On the other hand, the Travancore victory at Colachel increased prestige of Raja Martanda Varma. It removed the Dutch as an obstacle to his expansion in central & north Kerala.
2. 1503 CE: Prithviraj Kachwaha ascended the throne of Amer. His reign was marked by stability and progress for the Jaipur kingdom.
3. During his reign, he cultivated marital alliances with many neighbouring Rajput states. This contributed to making Amber a major regional political player.
Even the sister of Maharana Sanga was married to Prithviraj Kachwaha, thereby uniting with Mewar under Hindu banner!
1. #Thread on Peshwa Madhavrao - the Glorious Ornament of Maratha Empire
He became Peshwa this day 260 years ago. This thread forms the 1st part of two-part series on Peshwa Madhavrao.
2. 1745, Feb 16: Peshwa Madhavrao was born.
1761, Jul 20: Madhavrao becomes Peshwa at age of 16, with Raghunathrao (paternal uncle) as co-regent with Gopikabai, Madhavrao’s mother
3. Although Nizam had been humbled at Battle of Udgir (1760), the Maratha setback at Panipat (1761) had emboldened Nizam to invade Pune in Dec 1761. Nizam's army was surrounded by Marathas near Pune, and forced to cede territory to Marathas worth 40 lakhs.
2. Hyder Ali didn’t spare even girls of 4-5 years old, who were purchased on account of beauty to train them in music, dance and to give pleasure.
3. 1763: Hyder Ali fought with Rani of Bednur, Rani Virammaji. When people of Bednur heard about his attack, they fled to jungle. Hyder systematically looted Bednur. His loot was estimated 12 mn sterling.
2. 610 CE: Prophet Muhammad had first revelation of Islam. Till 630, he went on to increase his followers & gain control of Mecca.
632: Abu Bakr was made caliph after Muhammad died. 634: Two years later, Umar I became caliph after Abu Bakr's death. Umar I reigned till 644.
3. ~636/637: During Umar I's reign, the first ever Arab invasion of India took place! It was a naval attack on Thane (nr Mumbai), ruled by Chalukya Pulakeshin II (one of the most ambitious Hindu rulers of ancient India)
The attack was repelled, with Hindu victory over Arabs!