Malhar Rao Holkar - Battle of Panipat

Battle of Panipat

It is alleged that he fled the battle-field in the Third Battle of Panipat. It is written by many historians that he fought courageously in the battle-field. It is also written that Sadashivrao Bhau had entrusted him the job of saving Parvatibai as soon as told to do so. When Vishwasrao was killed and Sadashivrao Bhau felt they were about to be defeated he sent a message to Malharrao to immediately act as per directions and leave the battlefield. Malharrao acted as per the directions of Sadashivrao and saved Parvatibai. Malharrao was considered to be the right hand man of Peshwa. Others who retreated from this battle were Mahadji Shinde and Nana Phadnawis.

It is clear from the last letters sent by Bhau and from the narration of Nana Phadnawis that Bhau had anticipated the outcome of the battle but he didn’t let it affect the morale of the soldiers. This is also clear from the fact that Bhau had placed Malharrao Holkar on the corner of the backside of the western side of the Battlefield. This was the safest and easiest place in the battlefield to escape if and when needed. There is no proof to show that Malharrao had no role in saving Parvatibai. Just because Janu Bhintada, Baravkar and Piraji Raut were awarded that does not mean Malharrao Holkar was not connected with saving Parvatibai. The fact is that five hundred shepherds were specially assigned the task of protecting Parvatibai and it cannot be believed that Parvatibai would choose to escape on her own by leaving these guards. Even Raghunatrao, who was annoyed with those who fled the battlefield, didn’t accuse Malharrao.

If he had fled the battle-field, as alleged, then Peshwa would have never returned the Subedari to Malharrao. By the letter dated 13 March 1761 Nanasaheb Peshwa asked Malharrao Holkar to look after the entire affairs of North India.

He set aside personal enmity with Surajmal Jat, who killed his son Khanderao, for the sake of Maratha Confederation. He had also agreed to forgive Madhosingh. Moreover Malharrao Holkar and Surajmal Jat had advised Sadashivrao Bhau to use Guerilla warfare against Ahmed Shah Abdali instead of a direct war which was declined by Bhau. He had also advised Bhau that instead of going forward to Panipat, they should wait for the enemy to come in their stronghold where it would become easy for them and difficult for Abdali. Even this advise was rejected by Bhau. Nana Phadnawis has stated that, at that time, Bhau didn't show his usual cleverness and rejected the advise of Malharrao Holkar.

He was pragmatic and always took decisions carefully and intelligently. After the Battle of Panipat, it was because of Malharrao Holkar that the Maratha Empire could be maintained and protected in North India. He believed that no one is a permanent friend or enemy and that if your head is intact, you can have fifty headgears. He believed that at times it is necessary to retreat and then at a fit time regain what is lost.

Renowned historian T. S. Shejwalkar says that Malharrao Holkar did no mistake and he behaved like Shrikrishna. If Malharrao Holkar had died in Panipat it would have only reaffirmed that he was loyal and brave, which he even otherwise was, but his death would have ended the Maratha Empire in North India. The Maratha Empire was only weakened but not annihilated by the Battle of Panipat. Urged by his troops Amhadshah Abdali returned to his mountains never to return to India. Ahmedshah praised the unbelievable bravery of Maratha soldiers who fought till the last breath and gave supreme sacrifice. The victory did not fetch any benefit to Abdali.

Sadashivrao Bhau denied Guerilla warfare in the battle of panipat because Guerilla warfare is good in the hilly areas where if we are losing the battle the n we can escape from the hills and the northern region near panipat is fully a ground and not a hilly. So in case of defeat if the marathas try to escape the army of Abdali could easily chased them and would have killed. But according to the book "Panipat" by Vishwas Patil the character of Malhar Rao seems very doubtful.