Hyder Ali’s Relations with the Marathas, 1769-70

Hyder Ali's relations with the Marathas during 1769-70 were marked by escalating tensions and military confrontations. The Marathas, led by Peshwa Madhav Rao, sought to challenge Hyder's territorial expansion, suspecting his ambitions extended beyond mere collection of chauth (tribute). The Peshwa planned a major expedition involving southern Poligars, including Chitradurg's chief and Murar Rao of Gooti, to defeat Hyder and reclaim territories worth 2-3 crores rupees. Hyder retaliated by instigating the Peshwa's domestic rivals, particularly Raghunath Rao, even after the 1769 reconciliation between Janoji and the Peshwa. Hyder's aggressive actions included attacking Mahimaji Sindhia's garrison at Balapur with a 10,000-strong force, seizing Talpul treacherously, and extracting tribute from Murar Rao of Gooti. He also captured Chiknatkhalli after a surprise attack, severely defeating the Maratha garrison. The Peshwa responded by advancing toward Seringapatam with a large army, but Hyder avoided a pitched battle, instead adopting defensive tactics like burning supplies and fortifying key locations. The Peshwa captured several forts, including Budhehal and Kandikire, while Hyder retreated to the Udagani forest. Despite the Peshwa's military pressure, he refrained from directly attacking Seringapatam or Bangalore, instead focusing on secondary forts like Chikbalapur and Kolar. The conflict highlighted strategic maneuvering on both sides, with the Marathas systematically dismantling or garrisoning captured forts to limit

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