| Conflict: | Battle of Vellore |
| Partof: | Deccan Sultanates–Vijayanagara conflicts |
| Date: | January 1647 |
| Place: | Vellore |
| Result: | Deccan Sultanates alliance victory |
| Combatant1: | Bijapur Sultanate Golconda Sultanate |
| Combatant2: | Vijayanagara Empire |
| Commander1: | Mustafa Khan Shahaji Mir Julam |
| Commander2: | Sriranga III Jagadeva Venkaiya |
| Strength1: | Unknown |
| Strength2: | 300000 infantry 12000 Cavalry |
| Territory: | Vijaynagar Empire Annexed by Golconda and Bijapur |
The Battle of Vellore was fought between the Alliance of Sultanate of Bijapur commanded by Mustafa Khan and Shahaji and Sultanate of Golconda Commanded by Mir Jumla against Vijaynagar Empire Commanded by its ruler Sriranga III in which Sriranga III was defeated and was forced to pay tribute while the Remaining Vijaynagar Empire was equally annexed by Bijapur and Golconda[1] [2] [3] [4]
On October 29, 1642, Sriranga Raya ascended to the throne of Vijayanagara following the death of Venkatarati II. Sriranga Raya, the last ruler of Vijayanagara's fading glory, displayed greater strength and competence than his predecessors. He consolidated his resources at Vellore and aimed to bring several subordinate chieftains of the south back under Vijayanagara's authority, as they had declared independence. Another objective was to repulse the Muslim invasions advancing into the region.[5]
Sriranga Raya's efforts began to pose a challenge to Bijapur's interests in Karnataka. Recognizing the threat, Sultan Muhammad Adil Shah of Bijapur convened his advisors and ministers. Concerned about the chaos spreading across Karnataka, the Sultan sought a capable leader to lead an expedition. Mustafa Khan, the Prime Minister, volunteered eagerly, promising to conquer and submit Karnataka to the Sultan's authority, or not return to his court.
Pleased by Mustafa Khan's resolve, the Sultan dispatched him with a large, well-equipped army on June 5th, 1646, providing detailed instructions for the conquest of Karnataka. To bid him a grand farewell, the Sultan personally accompanied Mustafa Khan as far as Ibrahimpuri.
Mustafa Khan journeyed through Gadag and Lakshmeswar, arriving at Honnali, located 12 miles west of Basavapatna, where he encountered Shahaji and Asad Khan. These two had been dispatched earlier to safeguard Karnataka's borders.
On October 3, 1646, Mustafa Khan departed from Honnali. The next day, Shivappa Nayaka of Ikkeri arrived with 1000 horse and 2000 foot soldiers to support Mustafa Khan in his campaign to conquer Karnataka. After providing his forces to the general, Shivappa Nayaka stationed himself on the geographic boundaries of the Mysore kingdom, amassing 1000 horse and 30,000 foot soldiers to deter any aggression from the Mysore king against Muslim territorial gains.
Soon after, the rafa of Harpanahalli joined the Bijapur army, adding 30,000 horse and 2000 foot soldiers. Strengthened by reinforcements from local chieftains, Mustafa Khan, accompanied by Shahajiand others, reached Sakkarepatna in Shimoga district. There, additional leaders such as Husaini, Ambar Khan, Jujhar Rao, Abali Ghatge, Chikka Hanumappa Nayaka (brother of Kenge Nayaka), and the Desais of Lakshmeswar and Kopal, including Balaji Haibat Rao, joined with their contingents totaling 300 horse and 20,000 foot soldiers.
Throughout this campaign, Shahaji collaborated actively with Mustafa Khan as mandated by the Sultan of Bijapur. Shahaji's extensive knowledge of Karnataka's political landscape likely informed Mustafa Khan about the weakening of Bijapur's authority by the Mysore king in Turuvekere and his subsequent retreat from Piriyapatna.
After the Battle of Turuvekere in January 1647, Mustafa Khan led his army eastwards towards Sri Ranga's territories, advancing swiftly to Sivaganga in Bangalore District. On Muslim army's approach, Sri Ranga dispatched his envoy, Venkaiya Somayaji, with peace offerings, hoping to avert an invasion. However, the situation escalated when former vassals of Sri Ranga—chiefs from Madura, Tanjore, and Singee—pledged their allegiance to the Bijapur Government. This political shift angered Sri Ranga, prompting him to march with a force against these rebellious chiefs, comprising 12,000 cavalry and 300,000 infantry.
Mustafa Khan, recognizing the diplomatic maneuvers, cautiously assessed the situation, trusting peace offers from Sri Ranga's envoy. Despite initial distrust, Venkaiya Somayaji, eventually convincing Khan to consider the peace proposal. Shahaji, a figure in Khan's camp, carried the negotiations, assuring Khan of Venkaiya's loyalty. This led to Venkaiya securing permission to travel to Vellore with the Bijapur envoy to finalize peace terms.
However, Venkaiya Somayaji proved treacherous; instead of following his promise, he convinced Sri Ranga III to prepare for war, urging defensive measures and fortification. Upon learning of this betrayal, Mustafa Khan swiftly moved his forces towards Sri Ranga's territories, performing military actions. Mustafa Khan first targeted Jagdev Raya's territories, capturing Masti, located approximately 30 miles east of Bangalore. Sri Ranga responded by moving northward to Gudiyatam in the North Arcot District and later reaching Krishnagiri in the northwest of Salem District.Shahaji won the day for Bijapur as he was in command of the army, properly reinforced by Mustafa Khan.
A turning point occurred with the arrival of Mir Jumla, a general from Golkonda, bolstering the Muslim forces. Together, the armies of Bijapur and Golkonda intensified their efforts against Sri Ranga. Financially strained, Sri Ranga resorted to seizing jewels from women in Vellore and funds from the temple of Tirupati to fund the war effort.
Under Mir Jumla's leadership, supported by Mustafa Khan and Shahaji, the Muslim forces prepared for a decisive battle near Vellore. The ensuing conflict was fierce, resulting in heavy casualties among Sri Ranga's forces. Facing defeat, Sri Ranga had no choice but to surrender to Mustafa Khan's superior might. As part of the terms, Sri Ranga paid a substantial war indemnity of 50 lakhs of hun and offered 150 elephants.
In summary, Mustafa Khan's campaign against Sri Ranga Raya in 1647 was successful with the surrender of Sri Ranga III under pressure from combined Bijapur and Golkonda forces.
In April 1647, Mustafa Khan began his journey. Along the way, he conquered Judiatam, situated on the frontier of Jagadeva, and Ambur, perched atop a mountain. After taking Cauveriratan, Mustafa Khan directed his army towards Mysore.
The defeat of Sriranga Raya boosted Mustafa Khan's confidence. Despite setbacks at Turuvekere in 1647, he proceeded and arrived in Mysore around May 1647. Jesuit Missionary Leonardo Cinnami, an Italian, vividly describes the events at Mysore: "Kanthirava fought not only against the weak but also against the strong Muslims. Mustafa Khan, a close relative and captain general of the Idelean, led 60,000 infantry against Mysore (Uesore). However, he was forced to retreat to his original territory."
During his stay near Mysore, Mustafa Khan displayed great fear. He spent much of his time on his elephant, heavily guarded, anticipating attacks day and night from the Mysorean army, known for their ruthless tactic of cutting off the noses of captives.