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On 23^rd September 1803 a newly appointed Major General leading a mixed British and Indian Army force of some 13,500 soldiers and 22 cannon won a battle against 40,000 Indian warriors with 100 cannon and war elephants. Using a combination of shrewd appreciation of the ground and firm control of his resources, particularly his Scottish infantry[1] and cavalry, Arthur Wellesley won the battle at Assaye and thereafter proclaimed it his best victory[2], better than one 12 years later at Waterloo.  The experience gained at Assaye and in India was to ensure that after moving to the Iberian Peninsula he was to push his Army forward, demanding an expectation of victory that was to be sustained for nearly ten years and lead to a British success over Napoleonic (previously Revolutionary) France that could seem almost inevitable.

[1] The 78^th (Seaforth) Highlanders were hailed as ‘The Saviours of India’ after this battle

[2] When asked at dinner which was his best victory, confounded those present by replying ‘Assaye’ and not Waterloo. Conversations with Chad pub London 1856

The Battle of Assaye 23 September, 1803

In charge of a British and sepoy army of some 13,500 men, General Arthur Wellesley took on a major Indian force at least three times the size of his own at Assaye.

The army of the princes of Scindia and Berar was drawn up between the Kaitna and Juah rivers - a position the leaders thought would force the British to attack them across the Kaitna.  (See Map here)

Wellesley, however, found a nearby ford and crossed the river near the village of Assaye and moved against the enemy's left flank. The move was not without its dangers and only a strong counterattack by the British cavalry forced the elite Mahratta cavalry away.

The well-trained Scindian infantry repositioned themselves quickly to cover the new threat and expert handling by a German soldier of fortune called Pohlman allowed the artillery to do likewise.

Against fierce resistance and with growing numbers of casualties, Wellesley led his men on, captured the enemy cannons and pushed the Scindian troops backwards.

The village of Assaye itself was a tough defensive nut to crack and, adding to Wellesley's difficulties, another Mahratta cavalry attack had to be seen off by the British cavalry. With the enemy horse dealt with, the British then turned their attention to the infantry and scattered several columns.

Wellesley now launched a major assault and broke the Scindians, who found themselves with their backs to the Juah river. By early evening, the princes were in retreat and left behind some 6000 casualties.

The British had suffered 1600 killed and wounded.

Another article from 'History Magazine' is here