<!– Important, do not remove anything above this line before article has been created. –>[[File:Arthur Wellesley by John Hoppner.jpg|thumb|Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Wellesley, aged 26, in the 33rd Regiment.(5 years before Waugh Insurgency)]]
<!– Important, do not remove anything above this line before article has been created. –>[[File:Arthur Wellesley by John Hoppner.jpg|thumb|Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Wellesley, aged 26, in the 33rd Regiment.(5 years before Waugh Insurgency)]]
In 1800, whilst serving as Governor of Mysore, Wellesley was tasked with suppressing an [[insurgency]] led by [[Dhoondiah Waugh]], formerly a [[Patan district|Patan]] soldier who had served under [[Tipu Sultan]].<ref name=”:0″>{{Cite book |title=- Huw J. Davies, Wellington’s First Command: The Political and Military Campaign Against Dhoondiah Vagh, Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 44, No. 5 (2010), pp. 1081–1113 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}}</ref> After the [[Siege of Seringapatam (1799)|fall of Seringapatam]], Waugh had turned to [[Brigandry|brigandage]], having raised a sizeable force composed of disbanded Mysorean soldiers, and raided villages along the Maratha–Mysore border. Waugh had also captured some British-held outposts and forts in Mysore, and was receiving the support of several Maratha ”[[Killedar|killedars]]” opposed to [[Company rule in India]].<ref name=”:1″>{{Cite web |title=-The Battle of Konagal, 1800, Indian Culture Portal |url=https://indianculture.gov.in/digital-district-repository/district-repository/battle-konagal-1800 |publisher=Ministry of Culture, Government of India}}</ref> This drew the attention of the [[East India Company]] administration,<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.napoleon-series.org/military-information/an-account-of-his-majestys-de-meuron-regiment-chapter-7-the-campaigns-in-mysore/ |title=-An Account of His Majesty’s De Meuron Regiment: Chapter 7 – The Campaigns in Mysore, Napoleon Series |publisher=Napoleon Series Historical Archive}}</ref> and Wellesley was given independent command of a combined British Army and East India Company force.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Wellesley’s army strength and Dhoondiah’s 50,000 cavalry |title=-25 Facts About Dundiya Rebellion, Facts.net |url=https://facts.net/history/historical-events/25-facts-about-dundiya-rebellion/ |website=Facts.net}}</ref> In June 1800, with an army of 8,000 infantry and cavalry, Wellesley moved against Waugh, having learned that Waugh’s forces numbered over 50,000, although the majority (around 30,000) were [[Irregular military|irregular]] light cavalry and unlikely to pose a serious threat.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://lifeofwellington.co.uk/commentary/chapter-seven-the-mysore-years-1799-1802/ |title=- The Path to Victory 1769–1814, Chapter 7: The Mysore Years |publisher=Life of Wellington Project}}</ref> Throughout June–August 1800, Wellesley advanced through Waugh’s territory, his troops [[Escalade|escalading]] forts in turn and capturing each one with “trifling loss”.<ref name=”:0″ /> Waugh continued to retreat, but his forces were rapidly [[Desertion|deserting]], he had no infantry and due to the [[monsoon]] weather flooding river crossings he could no longer outpace the British advance. On 10 September, at the Battle of Conaghul, Wellesley personally led a charge of 1,400 British dragoons and [[sepoy]] cavalry, in single line with no reserve, against Dhoondiah and his remaining 5,000 cavalry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Battle of Conagul, FIBIwiki |url=https://wiki.fibis.org/w/Battle_of_Conagul}}</ref> Dhoondiah was killed in action during the charge, and his body was discovered and taken to the British camp tied to a cannon. With this victory Wellesley’s campaign was concluded, as British authority had been restored.
In 1800, whilst serving as Governor of Mysore, Wellesley was tasked with suppressing an [[insurgency]] led by [[Dhoondiah Waugh]], formerly a [[Patan district|Patan]] soldier who had served under [[Tipu Sultan]].<ref name=”:0″>{{Cite book |title=- Huw J. Davies, Wellington’s First Command: The Political and Military Campaign Against Dhoondiah Vagh, Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 44, No. 5 (2010), pp. 1081–1113 |publisher=Cambridge University Press}}</ref> After the [[Siege of Seringapatam (1799)|fall of Seringapatam]], Waugh had turned to [[Brigandry|brigandage]], having raised a sizeable force composed of disbanded Mysorean soldiers, and raided villages along the Maratha–Mysore border. Waugh had also captured some British-held outposts and forts in Mysore, and was receiving the support of several Maratha ”[[Killedar|killedars]]” opposed to [[Company rule in India]].<ref name=”:1″>{{Cite web |title=-The Battle of Konagal, 1800, Indian Culture Portal |url=https://indianculture.gov.in/digital-district-repository/district-repository/battle-konagal-1800 |publisher=Ministry of Culture, Government of India}}</ref> This drew the attention of the [[East India Company]] administration,<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.napoleon-series.org/military-information/an-account-of-his-majestys-de-meuron-regiment-chapter-7-the-campaigns-in-mysore/ |title=-An Account of His Majesty’s De Meuron Regiment: Chapter 7 – The Campaigns in Mysore, Napoleon Series |publisher=Napoleon Series Historical Archive}}</ref> and Wellesley was given independent command of a combined British Army and East India Company force.<ref =: /> In June 1800, with an army of 8,000 infantry and cavalry, Wellesley moved against Waugh, having learned that Waugh’s forces numbered over 50,000, although the majority (around 30,000) were [[Irregular military|irregular]] light cavalry and unlikely to pose a serious threat.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://lifeofwellington.co.uk/commentary/chapter-seven-the-mysore-years-1799-1802/ |title=- The Path to Victory 1769–1814, Chapter 7: The Mysore Years |publisher=Life of Wellington Project}}</ref> Throughout June–August 1800, Wellesley advanced through Waugh’s territory, his troops [[Escalade|escalading]] forts in turn and capturing each one with “trifling loss”.<ref name=”:0″ /> Waugh continued to retreat, but his forces were rapidly [[Desertion|deserting]], he had no infantry and due to the [[monsoon]] weather flooding river crossings he could no longer outpace the British advance. On 10 September, at the Battle of Conaghul, Wellesley personally led a charge of 1,400 British dragoons and [[sepoy]] cavalry, in single line with no reserve, against Dhoondiah and his remaining 5,000 cavalry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Battle of Conagul, FIBIwiki |url=https://wiki.fibis.org/w/Battle_of_Conagul}}</ref> Dhoondiah was killed in action during the charge, and his body was discovered and taken to the British camp tied to a cannon. With this victory Wellesley’s campaign was concluded, as British authority had been restored.
{{Infobox military conflict
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict = Waugh Insurgency
| conflict = Waugh Insurgency
=== Background ===
=== Background ===
Following the death of Tipu Sultan in May 1799, the British East India Company gained control over much of southern India. However, the northern districts of Mysore remained unstable. Among the most prominent threats was ”’Dhoondiah Waugh”’, a former Mysorean cavalry officer who had converted to Islam and styled himself ”Malik Jahan Khan”. After escaping imprisonment during the fall of Seringapatam, Waugh rallied a force of disbanded Mysorean soldiers, Maratha irregulars, and local insurgents.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Campaign against Dhoondia Waug |url=https://wiki.fibis.org/w/Campaign_against_Dhoondia_Waug}}</ref> By early 1800, he had seized several forts and outposts, levied taxes, and declared himself ”Ubhaya-Lokadheeshwara” (“King of Two Worlds”).<ref name=”:2″>{{Cite book |title=- The Despatches, Minutes and Correspondence of the Marquess Wellesley, Vol. I (1836), London: J. Murray.}}</ref>
Following the death of Tipu Sultan in May 1799, the British East India Company gained control over much of southern India. However, the northern districts of Mysore remained unstable. Among the most prominent threats was Dhoondiah Waugh, a former Mysorean cavalry officer who had converted to Islam and styled himself ”Malik Jahan Khan”. After escaping imprisonment during the fall of Seringapatam, Waugh rallied a force of disbanded Mysorean soldiers, Maratha irregulars, and local insurgents.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Campaign against Dhoondia Waug |url=https://wiki.fibis.org/w/Campaign_against_Dhoondia_Waug}}</ref> By early 1800, he had seized several forts and outposts, levied taxes, and declared himself ”Ubhaya-Lokadheeshwara” (“King of Two Worlds”).<ref name=”:2″>{{Cite book |title=- The Despatches, Minutes and Correspondence of the Marquess Wellesley, Vol. I (1836), London: J. Murray.}}</ref>
Alarmed by Waugh’s growing influence and the risk of a broader uprising, the British appointed ”’Arthur Wellesley”’—then newly made Governor of Mysore—to lead a campaign against him. On ”’26 May 1800”’, Wellesley wrote to his brother, ”’Governor-General Marquess Wellesley”’, warning of the insurgency’s potential to ignite widespread rebellion:<ref name=”:2″ /><ref>{{Cite book |title=John Gurwood, ed. (1844). The Dispatches of Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington Volume I. London: Parker, Furnivall, and Parker. pp. 106–107.}}</ref>
Alarmed by Waugh’s growing influence and the risk of a broader uprising, the British appointed Arthur newly made Governor of Mysore—to lead a campaign against him. On 26 May 1800, Wellesley wrote to his brother, Governor-General Marquess Wellesley, warning of the insurgency’s potential to ignite widespread rebellion:<ref name=”:2″ /><ref>{{Cite book |title=John Gurwood, ed. (1844). The Dispatches of Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington Volume I. London: Parker, Furnivall, and Parker. pp. 106–107.}}</ref>
”If we do not get him, we must expect a general insurrection of all the discontented and disaffected of these countries. I have information that letters have been received by most of them, either from him, or from others written in his name, calling upon them to take the opportunity to rebel against the Company’s government, or that of their allies; and his invasion of our territory is looked to as a circumstance favorable to their views. The destruction of this man, therefore, is absolutely necessary for our tranquillity.”<ref name=”:5″>{{Cite book |title=- Huw J. Davies, Wellington’s First Command: The Political and Military Campaign Against Dhoondiah Vagh, Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 44, No. 5 (2010), pp. 1081–1113}}</ref>
”If we do not get him, we must expect a general insurrection of all the discontented and disaffected of these countries. I have information that letters have been received by most of them, either from him, or from others written in his name, calling upon them to take the opportunity to rebel against the Company’s government, or that of their allies; and his invasion of our territory is looked to as a circumstance favorable to their views. The destruction of this man, therefore, is absolutely necessary for our tranquillity.”<ref name=”:5″>{{Cite book |title=- Huw J. Davies, Wellington’s First Command: The Political and Military Campaign Against Dhoondiah Vagh, Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 44, No. 5 (2010), pp. 1081–1113}}</ref>
==== Wellesley’s Troops ====
==== Wellesley’s Troops ====
”’Infantry”’
* ”’7 battalions total”’
* ”’2 European battalions”’
** Including ”’216 men from the De Meuron Regiment”’
* ”’5 Native (Indian) battalions”’
”’Cavalry”’
* ”’5 regiments total”’
* ”’3 European cavalry regiments”’
** Including the ”’19th Light Dragoons”’
* ”’2 Native cavalry regiments”’
”’Total Strength”’
* ”’Approximately 8,000 troops”’
==== Suppression ====
==== Suppression ====
In June 1800, General Arthur Wellesley assembled a composite force at ”’Chitradurga”’, comprising the ”’25th Light Dragoons”’, ”’73rd Foot”’, ”’77th Foot”’, and native infantry and cavalry units. As the British advanced, ”’Dhoondiah Waugh”’<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dhondia Wagh |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhondia_Wagh#cite_note-DBP_1917-2}}</ref> retreated into ”’Maratha-controlled territory”’, prompting Wellesley to seek permission from the ”’Maratha Peshwa”’ to continue the pursuit. The Peshwa not only granted access but also dispatched a Maratha contingent under ”’Chintamanrao Patwardhan”’ to assist in the campaign.<ref name=”:3″>{{Cite book |first=Dattatray Balwant Parasnis |url=https://archive.org/stream/sanglistate00pararich#page/24/mode/2up/search/waugh |title=The Sangli state |publisher=Bombay: Lakshmi Art}}</ref>
In June 1800, General Arthur Wellesley assembled a composite force at Chitradurga, comprising the 25th Light Dragoons, 73rd Foot, 77th Foot, and native infantry and cavalry units. As the British advanced, Dhoondiah Waugh<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dhondia Wagh |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhondia_Wagh#cite_note-DBP_1917-2}}</ref> retreated into Maratha-controlled territory, prompting Wellesley to seek permission from the Maratha Peshwa to continue the pursuit. The Peshwa not only granted access but also dispatched a Maratha contingent under Chintamanrao Patwardhan to assist in the campaign.<ref name=”:3″>{{Cite book |first=Dattatray Balwant |url=https://archive.org/stream/sanglistate00pararich#page/24/mode/2up/search/waugh |title=The Sangli state |publisher= }}</ref>
[[File:Body of Dhondji Wagh on gun carriage.jpg|thumb|Dhondia Waug’s body on the gun carriage]]
”’On 4 July, Wellesley wrote to Patwardhan, commending his bravery and inviting him to formally join British operations.”’<ref name=”:4″>{{Cite book |url=http://www.karnataka.gov.in/Gazetteer/Publications/District%20Gazetteers/Dharwad%20District/2003/Chapter%2002%20History%20Dharwad%20Dist%20Gaz%202002.pdf |title=Dharwad District Gazetteer |publisher=Government of Karnataka}}</ref> ”’The campaign continued with the capture of Savanur on 12 July, though progress was hampered by monsoon conditions. Waugh, meanwhile, moved toward Kittur, then retreated to Kundgol, leaving 600 men behind and reaching Annigeri via Kanavi on 17 July.”’<ref name=”:4″ />
On 4 July, Wellesley wrote to Patwardhan, commending his bravery and inviting him to formally join British operations.<ref name=”:4″>{{Cite book |url=http://www.karnataka.gov.in/Gazetteer/Publications/District%20Gazetteers/Dharwad%20District/2003/Chapter%2002%20History%20Dharwad%20Dist%20Gaz%202002.pdf |title=Dharwad District Gazetteer |publisher=Government of Karnataka}}</ref> The campaign continued with the capture of Savanur on 12 July, though progress was hampered by monsoon conditions. Waugh, meanwhile, moved toward Kittur, then retreated to Kundgol, leaving 600 men behind and reaching Annigeri via Kanavi on 17 July.<ref name=”:4″ />
On 25 July, Wellesley met Patwardhan to coordinate a joint offensive. The following day, their combined forces seized ”’Dambal Fort”’, defended by 1,000 of Waugh’s men. Despite these setbacks, Waugh continued to evade capture, moving through ”’Saundatti”’, ”’Annigeri”’, ”’Munavalli”’, ”’Kittur”’, ”’Khanapur”’, and ”’Badami”’.<ref name=”:4″ /> By the end of July, Wellesley had reclaimed most of Waugh’s former territory. As desertions thinned his ranks, Waugh fled toward ”’Nizam-controlled lands”’.
On 25 July, Wellesley met Patwardhan to coordinate a joint offensive. The following day, their combined forces seized Dambal Fort, defended by 1,000 of Waugh’s men. Despite these setbacks, Waugh continued to evade capture, moving through Saundatti, Annigeri, Munavalli, Kittur, Khanapur, and Badami.<ref name=”:4″ /> By the end of July, Wellesley had reclaimed most of Waugh’s former territory. As desertions thinned his ranks, Waugh fled toward Nizam-controlled lands.
On 30 July, British forces launched a surprise attack on Waugh’s column as it crossed the ”’Malaprabha River”’ at ”’Manoh”’, but he escaped. Wellesley then split his army into three columns, supported by Maratha and Nizam contingents, to maintain pressure. Skirmishes continued throughout August.
On 30 July, British forces launched a surprise attack on Waugh’s column as it crossed the Malaprabha River at Manoh, but he escaped. Wellesley then split his army into three columns, supported by Maratha and Nizam contingents, to maintain pressure. Skirmishes continued throughout August.
On 25 August, Waugh again crossed the Malaprabha. On 9 September, a column led by ”’Colonel Stevenson”’ intercepted him. The next morning, ”’10 September 1800”’, Waugh was killed in a cavalry engagement near ”’Konagal (Conaghalli)”’ by Wellesley’s ”’19th Light Dragoons”’. According to Maratha chronicles, Wellesley took Waugh’s blood-stained mustaches to England as a trophy.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bakshi |first=D C |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/240779/he-kept-british-guessing.html |title=He Kept the British Guessing |publisher=Deccan Herald |publication-date=(10 April 2012)}}</ref>
On 25 August, Waugh again crossed the Malaprabha. On 9 September, a column led by Colonel Stevenson intercepted him. The next morning, 10 September 1800, Waugh was killed in a cavalry engagement near Konagal (Conaghalli) by Wellesley’s 19th Light Dragoons. According to Maratha chronicles, Wellesley took Waugh’s blood-stained to England as a trophy.<ref>{{Cite |last=Bakshi |first=DC |url=://www.deccanherald.com///he-kept-british-guessing |=Deccan Herald}}</ref>
Wellesley later offered protection to Waugh’s four-year-old son, Salabat Khan, funding his care before departing for Europe. Salabat Khan was later employed by the King of Mysore and died of cholera in 1822.<ref name=”:3″ />
Wellesley later offered protection to Waugh’s four-year-old son, Salabat Khan, funding his care before departing for Europe. Salabat Khan was later employed by the King of Mysore and died of cholera in 1822.<ref name=”:3″ />
=== Aftermath ===
=== Aftermath ===
The death of ”’Dhoondiah Waugh”’ on 10 September 1800 at the Battle of Conaghul marked the end of the most significant post-Tipu rebellion in northern Mysore. His defeat by ”’General Arthur Wellesley’s cavalry”’, supported by Maratha and Nizam contingents, restored British authority across the region and solidified Wellesley’s reputation as a decisive field commander.<ref name=”:1″ />
The death of Dhoondiah Waugh on 10 September 1800 at the Battle of Conaghul marked the end of the most significant post-Tipu rebellion in northern Mysore. His defeat by General Arthur Wellesley’s cavalry, supported by Maratha and Nizam contingents, restored British authority across the region and solidified Wellesley’s reputation as a decisive field commander.<ref name=”:1″ />
==== Political Consequences ====
==== Political Consequences ====
The British East India Company reasserted control over ”’northern Mysore”’, integrating previously contested forts and districts.
The British East India Company reasserted control over northern Mysore, integrating previously contested forts and districts.
The campaign strengthened diplomatic ties with the ”’Maratha Peshwa”’ and the ”’Nizam of Hyderabad”’, both of whom had supported Wellesley’s operations.The suppression of Waugh’s rebellion discouraged further uprisings and stabilized the frontier between Mysore and Maratha territories. Legacy and Personal Outcomes.Wellesley’s success in this campaign laid the groundwork for his later victories at ”’Assaye”’ and ”’Argaum”’, and contributed to his rise as a prominent military leader. According to ”’Maratha chronicles”’, Wellesley took ”’Waugh’s blood-stained mustaches”’ to England as a trophy—a symbolic gesture reflecting the personal nature of the campaign. Wellesley offered protection to ”’Waugh’s four-year-old son,”’ Salbad Khan and funded his maintenance before departing to Europe. ”’Salbad Khan”’ ruled as the ”’King of Mysore till 1822”’ before he died of cholera.<ref name=”:5″ />
The campaign strengthened diplomatic ties with the Maratha Peshwa and the Nizam of Hyderabad, both of whom had supported Wellesley’s operations.The suppression of Waugh’s rebellion discouraged further uprisings and stabilized the frontier between Mysore and Maratha territories. Legacy and Personal Outcomes.Wellesley’s success in this campaign laid the groundwork for his later victories at Assaye and Argaum, and contributed to his rise as a prominent military leader. According to Maratha chronicles, Wellesley took Waugh’s blood-stained mustaches to England as a trophy—a symbolic gesture reflecting the personal nature of the campaign. Wellesley offered protection to Waugh’s four-year-old son, Salbad Khan and funded his maintenance before departing to Europe. Salbad Khan ruled as the King of Mysore till 1822 before he died of cholera.<ref name=”:5″ />
== References ==
== References ==
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First Independant Command of Arthur Wellesley(1st Duke of Wellington)
In 1800, whilst serving as Governor of Mysore, Wellesley was tasked with suppressing an insurgency led by Dhoondiah Waugh, formerly a Patan soldier who had served under Tipu Sultan.[1] After the fall of Seringapatam, Waugh had turned to brigandage, having raised a sizeable force composed of disbanded Mysorean soldiers, and raided villages along the Maratha–Mysore border. Waugh had also captured some British-held outposts and forts in Mysore, and was receiving the support of several Maratha killedars opposed to Company rule in India.[2] This drew the attention of the East India Company administration,[3] and Wellesley was given independent command of a combined British Army and East India Company force.[1] In June 1800, with an army of 8,000 infantry and cavalry, Wellesley moved against Waugh, having learned that Waugh’s forces numbered over 50,000, although the majority (around 30,000) were irregular light cavalry and unlikely to pose a serious threat.[4] Throughout June–August 1800, Wellesley advanced through Waugh’s territory, his troops escalading forts in turn and capturing each one with “trifling loss”.[1] Waugh continued to retreat, but his forces were rapidly deserting, he had no infantry and due to the monsoon weather flooding river crossings he could no longer outpace the British advance. On 10 September, at the Battle of Conaghul, Wellesley personally led a charge of 1,400 British dragoons and sepoy cavalry, in single line with no reserve, against Dhoondiah and his remaining 5,000 cavalry.[5] Dhoondiah was killed in action during the charge, and his body was discovered and taken to the British camp tied to a cannon. With this victory Wellesley’s campaign was concluded, as British authority had been restored.
| Waugh Insurgency | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Post-Tipu Rebellions | |||||
|
|||||
| Belligerents | |||||
| British East India Company | Dhoondiah Waugh’s rebel forces | ||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||
| Arthur Wellesley | Dhoondiah Waugh | ||||
| Units involved | |||||
|
De Meuron Regiment Madras Native Cavalry 19th Light Dragoon 25th Light Dragoons 73rd Foot 77th Foot |
Maratha irregular cavalry, disbanded Mysorean troops | ||||
| Strength | |||||
| 8000 | More than 50000(30000 irregular light cavalry) | ||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||
| Minimal |
Heavy Dhoondiah Waugh KIA |
||||
Following the death of Tipu Sultan in May 1799, the British East India Company gained control over much of southern India. However, the northern districts of Mysore remained unstable. Among the most prominent threats was Dhoondiah Waugh, a former Mysorean cavalry officer who had converted to Islam and styled himself Malik Jahan Khan. After escaping imprisonment during the fall of Seringapatam, Waugh rallied a force of disbanded Mysorean soldiers, Maratha irregulars, and local insurgents.[6] By early 1800, he had seized several forts and outposts, levied taxes, and declared himself Ubhaya-Lokadheeshwara (“King of Two Worlds”).[7]
Alarmed by Waugh’s growing influence and the risk of a broader uprising, the British appointed Arthur Wellesley—then newly made Governor of Mysore—to lead a campaign against him. On 26 May 1800, Wellesley wrote to his brother, Governor-General Marquess Wellesley, warning of the insurgency’s potential to ignite widespread rebellion:[7][8]
If we do not get him, we must expect a general insurrection of all the discontented and disaffected of these countries. I have information that letters have been received by most of them, either from him, or from others written in his name, calling upon them to take the opportunity to rebel against the Company’s government, or that of their allies; and his invasion of our territory is looked to as a circumstance favorable to their views. The destruction of this man, therefore, is absolutely necessary for our tranquillity.[9]
Wellesley’s infantry consisted of 2 European battalions including 216 men from the De Meuron Regiment and 5 Native (Indian) battalions.The cavalry under the command of colonel Stevenson[1] having 5 regiments,3 European cavalry regiment including the 19th Light Dragoons and 2 Native cavalry regiments. Approximately 8,000 troops from the East India Company we engaged.[10][11]
In June 1800, General Arthur Wellesley assembled a composite force at Chitradurga, comprising the 25th Light Dragoons, 73rd Foot, 77th Foot, and native infantry and cavalry units. As the British advanced, Dhoondiah Waugh[12] retreated into Maratha-controlled territory, prompting Wellesley to seek permission from the Maratha Peshwa to continue the pursuit. The Peshwa not only granted access but also dispatched a Maratha contingent under Chintamanrao Patwardhan to assist in the campaign.[13]
Wellesley reached Harihar on 16 June, while Waugh fled to Hubli by 19 June. On 20 June, British forces captured Airani Fort, followed by Ranibennur Fort within the week. These strongholds were handed over to Patwardhan in recognition of his support. On 27 June, the British stormed Bidnur Fort, though Waugh remained elusive.
Meanwhile, Dhondopant Gokhale, accompanied by his nephews Appaji Ganeshand Bapuji Ganesh, joined Patwardhan’s Maratha force. On 30 June, they engaged Waugh at Dawangi Nala near Kittur. In a brutal ambush at Londa, Waugh killed Gokhale and Appaji Ganesh, reportedly fulfilling a personal vow by staining his mustache with Gokhale’s blood. Patwardhan launched a counterattack but was severely wounded and forced to seek refuge in the British-held fort at Haliyal, along with Bapuji and other Maratha survivors.[13]
On 4 July, Wellesley wrote to Patwardhan, commending his bravery and inviting him to formally join British operations.[14] The campaign continued with the capture of Savanur on 12 July, though progress was hampered by monsoon conditions. Waugh, meanwhile, moved toward Kittur, then retreated to Kundgol, leaving 600 men behind and reaching Annigeri via Kanavi on 17 July.[14]
On 25 July, Wellesley met Patwardhan to coordinate a joint offensive. The following day, their combined forces seized Dambal Fort, defended by 1,000 of Waugh’s men. Despite these setbacks, Waugh continued to evade capture, moving through Saundatti, Annigeri, Munavalli, Kittur, Khanapur, and Badami.[14] By the end of July, Wellesley had reclaimed most of Waugh’s former territory. As desertions thinned his ranks, Waugh fled toward Nizam-controlled lands.
On 30 July, British forces launched a surprise attack on Waugh’s column as it crossed the Malaprabha River at Manoh, but he escaped. Wellesley then split his army into three columns, supported by Maratha and Nizam contingents, to maintain pressure. Skirmishes continued throughout August.
On 25 August, Waugh again crossed the Malaprabha. On 9 September, a column led by Colonel Stevenson intercepted him.[15] The next morning, 10 September 1800, Waugh was killed in a cavalry engagement near Konagal (Conaghalli) by Wellesley’s 19th Light Dragoons. According to Maratha chronicles, Wellesley took Waugh’s blood-stained mustache back to England as a trophy.[16]
Wellesley later offered protection to Waugh’s four-year-old son, Salabat Khan, funding his care before departing for Europe. Salabat Khan was later employed by the King of Mysore and died of cholera in 1822.[13]
The death of Dhoondiah Waugh on 10 September 1800 at the Battle of Conaghul marked the end of the most significant post-Tipu rebellion in northern Mysore. His defeat by General Arthur Wellesley’s cavalry, supported by Maratha and Nizam contingents, restored British authority across the region and solidified Wellesley’s reputation as a decisive field commander.[2]
Political Consequences
[edit]
The British East India Company reasserted control over northern Mysore, integrating previously contested forts and districts.
The campaign strengthened diplomatic ties with the Maratha Peshwa and the Nizam of Hyderabad, both of whom had supported Wellesley’s operations.The suppression of Waugh’s rebellion discouraged further uprisings and stabilized the frontier between Mysore and Maratha territories. Legacy and Personal Outcomes.Wellesley’s success in this campaign laid the groundwork for his later victories at Assaye and Argaum, and contributed to his rise as a prominent military leader. According to Maratha chronicles, Wellesley took Waugh’s blood-stained mustaches to England as a trophy—a symbolic gesture reflecting the personal nature of the campaign. Wellesley offered protection to Waugh’s four-year-old son, Salbad Khan and funded his maintenance before departing to Europe. Salbad Khan ruled as the King of Mysore till 1822 before he died of cholera.[9]
- ^ a b c d – Huw J. Davies, Wellington’s First Command: The Political and Military Campaign Against Dhoondiah Vagh, Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 44, No. 5 (2010), pp. 1081–1113. Cambridge University Press.
- ^ a b “-The Battle of Konagal, 1800, Indian Culture Portal”. Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
- ^ -An Account of His Majesty’s De Meuron Regiment: Chapter 7 – The Campaigns in Mysore, Napoleon Series. Napoleon Series Historical Archive.
- ^ – The Path to Victory 1769–1814, Chapter 7: The Mysore Years. Life of Wellington Project.
- ^ “Battle of Conagul, FIBIwiki”.
- ^ “Campaign against Dhoondia Waug”.
- ^ a b – The Despatches, Minutes and Correspondence of the Marquess Wellesley, Vol. I (1836), London: J. Murray.
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