Battle of Delhi (1803)

The Battle of Delhi took place on September 11, 1803, during the Second Anglo-Maratha War between British forces under General Gerard Lake and Maratha forces of the Scindia dynasty, commanded by French mercenary General Louis Bourquin. The battle was a decisive victory for the British East India Company, leading to the capture of Delhi and the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II from Maratha control.

Prior to the battle, the Marathas had established significant influence over the Mughal Empire, effectively ruling in the name of the Emperor. Control of Delhi and the person of the Emperor provided legitimacy and prestige. General Lake’s objective was to break Maratha power in the region and secure the Mughal Emperor as a British puppet.

The battle was fought near the village of Patparganj, east of Delhi, on the banks of the Yamuna River. Bourquin’s forces consisted primarily of sepoys trained and equipped in the European style, as well as cavalry and artillery. Lake's forces, although smaller in number, were better disciplined and equipped, particularly in artillery.

The British artillery inflicted heavy casualties on the Maratha lines. Lake then launched a successful infantry assault, routing the Maratha forces. Bourquin surrendered shortly after the battle.

The victory at Delhi was a major turning point in the Second Anglo-Maratha War. It allowed the British to take control of Delhi, restoring Shah Alam II to his throne under British protection. This significantly increased British influence in northern India and weakened the Maratha Confederacy. Following the battle, the British East India Company became the dominant power in Delhi, paving the way for further territorial expansion.