Siege of Aligarh

Siege of Aligarh
Part of the Second Anglo-Maratha War
Date September 1–4, 1803 Location Aligarh, India Result British victory
Belligerents
British East India Company	Maratha Empire
Commanders and leaders
General Lake	Pierre Cuillier-Perron
Casualties and losses
900	?

The Siege of Aligarh also known as the Battle of Aligarh was fought between the Maratha Confederacy and the British East India Company during the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805) at Aligarh, India.^[1]

Aligarh Fort, one of the strongest forts in India, was fortified and commanded by a French mercenary officer Pierre Perron. It was laid under siege on 1 September 1803, by the British 76th Regiment, now known as the Yorkshire Regiment, under General Lord Gerard Lake. It was captured from the Marathas on 4 September 1803.^[2] During the assault, fourteen ditches were lined with sword-blades and poisoned chevaux-de-frise around the fort by the French. The walls were reinforced with French artillery and tigers and lions of Scindia’s menagerie were also used by the French.^[2] During the battle, the British lost as many as 900 soldiers.^[2] The then Duke of Wellington declared the capture as "One of the most extraordinary feats".^[3]

References

1. Naravane, M.S. (2014). Battles of the Honorourable East India Company. A.P.H. Publishing Corporation. p. 75. ISBN 9788131300343.
2. The Tremendous Adventures of Major Gahagan, William Makepeace Thackeraym chapter 2
3. Evolution of the Artillery in India, By R. C. Butalia, pg239

External links

• Decisive Battles of India from 1746 to 1849 Inclusive, By George Bruce Malleson