Firepower and Tactics: The Arsenal of the Maratha Armies

The Maratha Arsenal: A Historical Perspective

From the time of Shahji Raje Bhonsale, the Marathas, a powerful Hindu confederacy in the Indian subcontinent, had access to firearms and cannons. The intricacies of Maratha military strategies are multifaceted, blending guerrilla warfare with the use of firepower. This article delves into the types of guns and cannons utilized in Maratha military forces, especially during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj and subsequent developments under the Maratha Peshwas.

Early Access to Gunpowder Weapons

Shahji Raje Bhonsale, a prominent Maratha noble, provided early access to gunpowder weapons. These weapons included muskets, capable of shooting iron balls, and cannons, which were frequently used in the Bijapur sultanates. Notably, during the conflict with Shivaji, Afghanzāl Khan employed one of these cannons to kill Sambhaji, Shivaji's elder brother. However, the preference for guerrilla warfare, particularly in mountainous terrains and difficult fortifications, led to a limited use of artillery.

Shivaji adopted a strategic approach of leveraging the terrain to their advantage, opting primarily for flanking maneuvers and ambushes, which required lightweight and maneuverable tools. Nonetheless, the Marathas were skilled in the use of gunpowder, integrating it into various tools and devices for surprise attacks or signaling. Explosives were also used to breach fort walls, though such attempts were not always successful.

Shifting Strategies and Artillery Accumulation

Later, with the rise of the Maratha Peshwas, there was an increased emphasis on artillery. After the defeats in the Panipat battles, especially the third battle, the Maratha leaders realized the need for more sophisticated weaponry. Sadashiv Rau Bhau recognized the importance of artillery and enlisted Ibrahim Khan Gardi, a skilled artilleryman, to oversee the artillery division.

Initially, the artillery division faced considerable challenges. Gun carriages, made primarily of timber and with minimal iron, were cumbersome and difficult to move. The guns themselves varied in size and design, many painted in spectacular, yet impractical, styles. Despite these limitations, Ibrahim Khan Gardi's artillery division managed to inflict significant damage on the enemy, particularly the Rohillas positioned at the front during the Panipat War. According to historian Major Dirom, the artillery park's gun carriages were so heavy that they required coordinated efforts between infantry, cavalry, and artillery to be effective.

The firing rate of the Maratha artillery was also a significant drawback, as it often took considerable time to load and fire a single shot. Furthermore, the Marathas often struggled with the tides of battle, as bullocks, essential for moving the cannons, became difficult to control amidst combat. The bulkiness and inefficiency of the artillery further compounded these issues.

Modernizing the Maratha Armies

Mahadji Scindia, under whom the Marathas strengthened their militaristic capabilities, introduced lighter cannons called zamburak. These were used effectively during the defeat of Marathas in the third battle of Panipat, as Ahmed Shah Abdali utilized them for a range of tactical advantages. Scindia later engaged French experts to build a more modern European-style artillery division, consisting of musketeers and artillery units.

On the other hand, James Forbes, a British writer, praised the Maratha use of war rockets, which were particularly effective against the British. These rockets, often attached to iron tubes or bamboo canes, could cause significant confusion and fear among enemy forces with their projectile capabilities.

However, despite these advancements, the Maratha artillery had its own limitations. Gholeswarias, the Maratha cannon, often exploded due to the quality of materials used and the conditions under which they were fired. This issue was exacerbated by a chronic shortage of ammunition, which left the Maratha artillery division unable to pose a significant threat to their enemies.

In summary, the Maratha military arsenal was a blend of traditional and modern methods. While they relied heavily on guerrilla tactics and the terrain, they also integrated gunpowder weapons and artillery, albeit with significant drawbacks. The evolution of their military strategies was marked by both triumphs and challenges, reflecting the complex nature of warfare during the Indian subcontinent's historical periods.