The Pindaris, notorious bands of irregular horsemen, emerged as a significant menace in the Indian subcontinent during the 17th and 18th centuries. Flourishing amidst the political instability and economic chaos of the era, they were essentially organized groups of plunderers and looters operating primarily in central India, Maharashtra, and other regions. Initially associated with the Maratha armies, they served as suppliers of commissariat, but crucially, they were never salaried soldiers. But Maratha rulers like Sindia, holker and others rewarded them well. Instead of wages, they were granted the freedom to plunder territories for their sustenance and profit.
The Pindaris were not a homogenous group and they comprised individuals from diverse castes, religious backgrounds, and tribes, united solely by the pursuit of loot. Simply as assortment of different castes, tribes, etc their main forte is creating terror among the villagers. When the Mogul power declined, Pindaris became more powerful. Pindaris were used by rulers like Tipu Sultan and the Nawab of Bengal to tackle enemies. Operating under self-chosen leaders, these groups often numbered in the thousands and were adept at swift, devastating raids on vulnerable villages. Their modus operandi involved lightning attacks on horseback, targeting valuable goods. While their primary aim was plunder, they readily resorted to violence and torture to extract wealth, leaving behind trails of destruction and terror. They strategically planned their raids, often during festivals, avoiding areas with strong military presence and meticulously charting escape routes.
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| Rajputana wordpress.com |
Above image: 1815. Pindaris (marauders) of 17th and 18th centuries. They were dangerous looters and plunderers in the past mostly operating in what is now called Maharashtra.They worked for many Indian rulers. In the image to avoid Pindaris, the panicked villagers burned themselves alive and the village.........
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| Pindaris in Bengal, en.wikipedia.com |
Above image: Pindaris In what is now West Bengal. When the EIC gave serious trouble to Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah, Pindaris loyal to him attacked Ft.William in Calcutta on 20 June 1756. (before the arrival of Robert Clive from Madras with enforcement). Unfortunately it led to the Black Hole incident. In the small room (dungeon) with poor ventilation about 40 British soldiers, died due to suffocation and stampede.......
As the power of the Marathas waned and the British East India Company's influence grew, the Pindaris became increasingly independent and bolder in their depredations. Their raids extended across vast territories, causing immense suffering and economic disruption. The British administration recognized the Pindari problem as a serious threat, undermining their authority and the trust of the local populace.
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| Lord Wellesley of EIC indianetzone.com/ |
The suppression of the Pindaris was a k
ey objective of the British in the early 19th century. Under the leadership of Governor-General
Lord Hastings, a concerted military campaign was launched between 1817 and 1818. Coordinating with various Indian rulers, the British forces decisively routed the Pindari bands.
Unaccustomed to regular warfare, the Pindaris offered little resistance. This decisive action effectively dismantled their organized structure and brought an end to their reign of terror, marking a significant step in establishing British dominance in India.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pindari
https://thefridaytimes.com/23-Feb-2018/prince-of-pindaris
https://glimpsesofhistory.com/pindari-issue-and-anglo-nepal-war
https://www.indianetzone.com/pindaris
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