23 September, 1803
charge of a British and sepoy army of some 13,500 men, General
Arthur Wellesley took on a major Indian force at least
three times the size of his own at Assaye.
army of the princes of Scindia and Berar was drawn up between
the Kaitna and Juah rivers - a position the leaders thought
would force the British to attack them across the Kaitna.
however, found a nearby ford and crossed the river near
the village of Assaye and moved against the enemy's left
flank. The move was not without its dangers and only a strong
counterattack by the British cavalry forced the elite Mahratta
well-trained Scindian infantry repositioned themselves quickly
to cover the new threat and expert handling by a German
soldier of fortune called Pohlman allowed the artillery
to do likewise.
fierce resistance and with growing numbers of casualties,
Wellesley led his men on, captured the enemy cannons and
pushed the Scindian troops backwards.
village of Assaye itself was a tough defensive nut to crack
and, adding to Wellesley's difficulties, another Mahratta
cavalry attack had to be seen off by the British cavalry.
With the enemy horse dealt with, the British then turned
their attention to the infantry and scattered several columns.
now launched a major assault and broke the Scindians, who
found themselves with their backs to the Juah river. By
early evening, the princes were in retreat and left behind
some 6000 casualties.
British had suffered 1600 killed and wounded.