| Conflict: | Battle of Damalcherry Pass |
| Place: | Damalcherry, Tamil Nadu |
| Partof: | Later Mughal-Maratha Wars |
| Date: | 20 May 1740 |
| Combatant1: | Maratha Empire |
| Combatant2: | Carnatic Sultanate |
| Commander1: | Raghoji Fateh Singh |
| Commander2: | Dost Ali Khan Hussain Ali Khan Mir Asad |
| Result: | Maratha Empire Victory |
| Strength1: | 40,000 -50,000 |
| Strength2: | Unknown |
When Maratha forces invaded the Carnatic region in southeastern India, Dost Ali Khan, the Nawab of Arcot, took a defensive stance at Damalcherry Pass, located 30 miles north of Ambur. In a disastrous defeat, Maratha General Raghoji I Fateh Singh and Murari Rao outflanked them and struck from the rear, resulting in the defeat and death of Dost Ali and his son Hassan Ali. Bhonsle then captured Arcot and subsequently besieged and took Trichinopoly on May 31, 1741.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
The Carnatic held little interest for Bajirao I, who was focused on Northern India. In his 1731 agreement with Nizam-ul-Mulk, Bajirao Ipromised to allow the Nizam free rein in the South if he gained the same in the North. However, his son could not afford to ignore the Carnatic, as Shahu might appoint rivals like Raghoji and his supporters to manage the region. Nana Saheb was determined to prevent Raghoji or Babuji Naik from gaining power there. The Karnatic already included the Maratha states of Tanjore and Gutti, with the former ruled by a branch of Shahu's family and the latter by Murari Rao Ghorpade. The region had five Nawabships—Karnool, Kudappa, Suvanoor, Shera, and Arcot—along with various European settlements. The Nizam's authority was mostly symbolic, and the Carnatic was fragmenting into competing states.
By 1740, rivalry between the English and the French intensified. The Carnatic was rich and fertile, with rivers like the Krishna, Tungabhadra, and Bhima, making it a valuable region that Nana Saheb was keen to control, especially given its internal divisions and weakness. When Baji Rao showed no interest in leading an expedition to the Carnatic, Shahu tasked Raghoji I and Fatteh Singh Bhonsla with the mission. Shahu's concern for the region stemmed from repeated pleas for help from Raja Pratap Singh of Tanjore, who faced a threat from Chanda Saheb. Shahu was determined not to let the Tanjore branch of his family be destroyed, so he sent Raghoji and Fatteh Singh to intervene. Murari Rao Ghorpade of Gutti provided loyal support for the expedition.
In early 1740, the Marathas enteredthe carnatic and by April had ravaged parts of the Arcot province. On May 15, Pondicherry received reports that a large force of Maratha cavalry, numbering between 40,000 and 50,000, had advanced on Kandanur. After extorting 60,000 to 70,000 rupees from the local inhabitants, they marched towards Cuddapah, burning villages and plundering the countryside. This prompted the local population to seek refuge in fortified cities and in the protection of the French at Pondicherry. Even the wives and female relatives of the Nawab of Arcot had to be sent there for safety. In response, Nawab Dost Ali Khan attempted to drive the Marathas out and confronted them at the Damalcherry pass on May 20. A fierce battle ensued, resulting in the Nawab's and his son Hussain Ali's death and the capture of Mir Asad. Around this time, news of Baji Rao's death reached the area, prompting Raghoji and Babuji Naik to rush to Satara to have Babuji Naik appointed as the new Peshwa.
See main article: Siege of Trichinopoly (1741). Despite the unexpected turn of events, Chanda Sahib remained steadfast in his defense. He placed his hopes in his brother, Bara Sahib, and urgently sought his assistance. Bara Sahib quickly responded, leading an army of 3,000 cavalry and 7,000 infantry to Trichinopoly. However, the Marathas, aware of Bara Sahib's movements, intercepted him with a force of 20,000, resulting in a fierce battle where Bara Sahib was killed. His sudden death significantly impacted his troops, who struggled in his absence and realized the extent of his leadership. As Chanda Sahib faced increasing isolation and dwindling resources, his resolve was tested to the limit. Ultimately, the harsh realities of the prolonged siege and scarce supplies compelled him to surrender. After withstanding the relentless assault for over three months, he reluctantly opened the gates of Trichinopoly on March 21st, accepting the stringent terms imposed by the Marathas.