Who was Daulat Rao Scindia, the Maharaja of Gwalior?
Daulat Rao Scindia was the Maratha Maharaja of Gwalior state in central India, ruling from 1794 until his death on the 21st of March 1827. He also held the title The Defender of Delhi.
Questions about Daulat Rao Sindhia
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Daulat Rao Scindia become Maharaja of Gwalior?
Daulat Rao Scindia ascended the Gwalior throne on the 12th of February 1794, at the age of 15, succeeding Mahadji Scindia, who died without an heir.
What wars did Daulat Rao Scindia fight against the East India Company?
Daulat Rao Scindia played a significant role in the Second and Third Anglo-Maratha Wars, suffering major defeats at Ahmadnagar, Assaye, Argaon, Asirgarh, and Laswari. These losses led him to sign the Treaty of Surji Anjangaon on the 30th of December 1803.
Why did the conflict between Daulat Rao Scindia and Yashwantrao Holkar break out?
The rivalry grew after Sindhia fell under the influence of his father-in-law, Sarjerao Ghatge, and seized territory from the Maratha Ponwars of Dhar and Dewas. Fighting escalated when Yashwantrao Holkar marched on Sindhia's capital, Ujjain, in July 1801, and culminated in Holkar's victory over the combined Scindia-Peshwa armies near Pune in 1802.
Did Daulat Rao Scindia's kingdom of Gwalior stay independent of British rule?
Scindia's kingdom of Gwalior maintained its independence even as late as 1832, while most other Indian rulers had already accepted British rule. It continued collecting chauth, a form of tribute, from neighbouring states, including the Mughals, until 1886, and a British parliamentary committee testified on the 16th of February 1832 that the kingdom "was independent."