Capture of Delhi (1771)

The Capture of Delhi (1771) refers to the seizure of Delhi, the Mughal capital, by the Maratha Empire under the leadership of Mahadji Shinde (Scindia) in 1771. This event marked a significant turning point in the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of Maratha power in North India.

Prior to 1771, Delhi was nominally under the control of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, who was then residing in Allahabad under the protection of the British East India Company. The Mughal Empire had been weakened by internal strife, invasions by Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali, and the growing power of regional rulers like the Sikhs, Jats, and the Rohillas.

Mahadji Shinde, seeking to expand Maratha influence and restore the Mughal Emperor to his throne as a puppet ruler, orchestrated the campaign to capture Delhi. He skillfully navigated the complex political landscape, dealing with various factions and local chieftains.

The Maratha forces, led by Shinde's generals, successfully entered Delhi and forced the Rohilla garrison to surrender. Shah Alam II was then escorted from Allahabad back to Delhi and re-enthroned as Emperor. However, he was now effectively under Maratha control.

The capture of Delhi in 1771 gave the Marathas significant political and economic leverage. They controlled the Emperor and had access to the resources of the Delhi region. This victory, however, also brought them into direct conflict with other regional powers, particularly the Sikhs and the British East India Company, ultimately leading to further conflicts and the eventual decline of Maratha power. The Maratha control over Delhi lasted until the Second Anglo-Maratha War in 1803, when the British East India Company gained control of the city.