Pindaris
Pindaris were the marauders who were an integral part of the Maratha units.

Share this Article:

Lord WellesleyThe Pindaris are recognised as plunderers on horseback who came into prominence when the Mughal Empire was disintegrating. They were also known to accompany the Maratha armies. In the 18th century India the Pindaris were popular as marauders who received no payment for plundering but they seeked the privilege to plunder on their own accord. Each group with a self chosen leader was a part of the Maratha army. However in the late 17th century it was the Muslim rulers who for the first time organised the Pindaris. Maratha leaders like Holkar and Sindhia benevolently awarded them for their services. However, with the consolidation of the British Empire the Pindaris found themselves at the receivers` end.

It was Lord Wellesley who was the first to point out the necessity to crush the Pindaris of Central India. However, the Pitts` India Act prevented the Company from taking any steps. On the other hand, after the disintegration of the Maratha army in 1803-04, this group primarily dwelled in Malwa and received support from the rulers of Gwalior and Indore. They assembled in the beginning of November every year and attacked the British territories mercilessly. The British tolerated this menace for a long time but finally under the governorship of Lord Hastings measures were taken to put an end to the Pindari plunders.

In 1816, the Raja of Jaipur was pinned into his capital by Amir Khan (Pindari leader), who brought up 200 cannons. In his desperation he begged again and again for a subsidiary alliance, which was granted by Metcalfe. A British force assembled on the Jaipur frontier, and Amir Khan hurriedly withdrew his precious guns. The Raja thereupon sent expresses to his `vakils` at Delhi, telling them not to sign the treaty. Metcalfe in response merely asked for an explicit declaration that the matter was finished, and remarked that the Raja was now left to his fate. In October, the Raja took fright again, and said his `vakils` had been mistaken, and implored to be accepted as a feudatory. Lord Hastings observed that he wanted the appearance of alliance with the Company, without the objectionable fact of subordination to them. He replied to the Raja that he could sign the treaty he had already rejected, but without further argument. The Raja procrastinated. But his actions had ceased to have any relevance. The stage was set for war and a comprehensive settlement.

This occurrence of the last Anglo-Maratha war was unavoidable. Nevertheless, lesser factors than the inevitability of sooner or later clearing up the appalling chaos of Central India operated towards its outbreak. In April 1816 the Governor-General received the news of a Pindari incursion into British territory, the Guntur Sircar, south of Orissa. The violation led thousands of people to distract from leading normal life and to flee from being the witness of the massacre. By 1817, the Pindaris were expelled from Malwa by the British forces. Karim Khan, another influential Pindari leader, surrendered to the British on 18th February, 1818. The Marathas also handed over another leader, Wasil Muhammad. Thus, by the middle of the nineteenth century the Pindaris had been completely crushed by the British Raj in India.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.