# Randaula Khan's invasion of Mysore

Randaula Khan's invasion of Mysore marks an important chapter in the history of interstate relations between Mysore and Maharashtra. This advancing wave of the Muslim invasion not only instilled fear in Mysore but also captured neighbouring areas in Karnataka. Shahaji served as the second-in-command of the Bijapur army under the esteemed general Randaula Khan during the campaign to conquer Mysore. Afzal Khan and Hanumappa Nayak joined later and collectively they made Mysore sue for peace.

## Background
### Causes of invasion

The primary causes of the invasion can be attributed to the lack of patriotism among the Hindu chieftains. An important factor was a dispute between Kempe Gowda, the ruler of Bangalore, and the chieftain of Sumuki Bagur. In an act of disregard for the larger implications of his actions, the chieftain of Sumuki Bagur sought military assistance from the Sultan of Bijapur to defeat his rival, Kempe Gowda. This decision ultimately paved the way for external intervention.
According to Govinda Vaidya, the Sultan of Bijapur aimed to impose tribute on Mysore and annex Srirangapatna into the Bijapur Sultanate.
Chennaiah, the chieftain of Nagamangala, was deposed and disgraced by Chamaraja Wodeyar of Mysore. Unable to endure the humiliation, Chennaiah sought refuge in Bijapur, where he entered the service of the Sultan as a Mansabdar commanding 200 horsemen. Known as Gurikara Channalah, he reportedly informed the Sultan:
   Kanthirava Narasaraja I, the present roler of Mysore has incurred the displeasure of his subjects by assassinating a powerful Dulvoy, Vikrama Raya and confering the office on Thimmarpalah. Aa the party feeling ran high in Srirangapatna, it is the opportune moment to effect its conquest."
The Sultan displayed an excessive zeal to enhance the prestige of his kingdom by suppressing the Hindus, demolishing Hindu temples, desecrating idols of deities, and seizing hidden treasures from the Hindus to transport them to Bijapur.
The treasures looted during the recent Karnataka war and transported from Ikkeri to Bijapur attracted the attention of the Sultan. Impressed by Randaula Khan's performance, the Sultan appointed him as the Commander-in-Chief and dispatched him with a large army, instructing him to launch an immediate campaign to capture Srirangapatna.

## Prelude

In this military expedition, Randaula Khan was tasked with relying on the guidance of Channiah of Nagamangala, who was reputed for his knowledge of every corner of Mysore. Shahaji was appointed as the second-in-command of the army. Accompanied by Shahaji, Hanumappa Nayaka, and Gurikara Channalah as his chief advisers and guides, Randaula Khan led an army consisting of 40,000 cavalry, 40 elephants, and 100,000 infantry.

### Alliance with local Powers

The large army set up camp near Basavapatna following an arduous journey from the Tungabhadra River. The forces of Puvala Hanuma joined the Bijapur contingent at this location.
   Arriving in Basavapatna, Randaula Khan received reinforcements from Hanumappa Nayak and started his journey southwards. On his way, the forces of the lords of Harenanahalli, Kanakagiri, Sondur, Rayadurg, Turugere (Turuve-kere), Belur, Narasimhapura (Hole Narasipura) palupare, Hiriyur and Chikkanayakanahalli Joined the army of Hanumappa Nayaka."

## The Expedition
### Attack on Tarpatri Fort

Randaula Khan crossed the Tungabhadra River with the intent to launch an attack on the fort of Tarpatri. Anticipating his plan, the neighboring Rajas secretly sent a message to Hanumappa Nayaka to alert him.
   "If the fort of Tarpatri falls in the hands of the Muhammadans, the whole country will be easily over run by them. So you should make an effort to dissuade them from coming to this side."
Hanumappa Nayaka devised a clever strategy to prevent Randaula Khan from invading Tarpatri.

### Capture of Sira

Randaula Khan dispatched his capable general, Afzal Khan, to capture the fort of Sira, which lay on the route to Bangalore. Kasthuri Ranga, the chieftain of Sira, was caught off guard by the unexpected arrival of a large Muslim army. Despite the surprise, Kasthuri Ranga resisted valiantly but was ultimately defeated. After receiving solemn assurances, under sacred oaths, that his life would be spared, Kasthuri Ranga agreed to meet Afzal Khan. However, Afzal Khan betrayed this promise and killed him in cold blood. The city was subsequently plundered, and its wealth was transported to the army's camp. Sira was then handed over to Hanumappa Nayaka, as previously promised. It is believed that Shahaji played a key role in influencing Randaula Khan's decision to restore Sira to Hanumappa Nayaka.

### Capture of Tumkur

Randaula Khan, emboldened by his success, advanced further into the region. In response to his plundering campaign, the chieftain of Tumkur abandoned his capital and sought refuge in the nearby dense forests. Khan subsequently stormed the capital, seizing substantial wealth.
Contemporary accounts describe the devastation caused by Khan's expedition. Villages and towns in Karnataka reportedly fell to his forces with little resistance, akin to "a house of cards." According to Govinda Vaidya, the inhabitants, fearing the brutal atrocities and looting, fled in various directions. Many sought shelter in dense jungles, while others escaped to Coorg and the surrounding hilly areas.

### Conquest of Bangalore

Under the instructions of Hanumanpa Nayaka, Randaula Khan entered the Morasu kingdom. The local population, intimidated by the pillaging activities of the Muslim forces, submitted to Khan in exchange for protection. Leading his army, Randaula Khan advanced and eventually set up camp near Sivaganga, located northwest of Bangalore.

#### Siege of Bangalore

Upon learning of the encampment of Randaula Khan, Kempe Gowda, a formidable conqueror, assembled his forces and resolved to confront the enemy. The ensuing battle raged for three days, during which the Muslim forces fought tenaciously, ultimately defeating Kempe Gowda's army and advancing into the city with the intent of seizing its resources. However, Kempe Gowda remained resolute and invincible. Utilizing his intelligence and tactical acumen, he successfully persuaded Kenge Nayaka to join his side, strengthening his position and preparing for the next confrontation.
During a turbulent conflict, Kempe Gowda implemented a divide-and-rule strategy, which unsettled Randaula Khan. With no other options available, Khan sought to bring Hanumappa over to the Muslim camp. To achieve this, he visited Hanumappa's tent and persuaded him by promising royal favors and a share of the spoils. In response, Hanumappa said to Khan:
   It is not advisable to try to take this fort at this time because most of us are wounded and exhausted while the enemy is greater in number. I will negotiate with the Rajah and bring him out of the fort.
At this time, Prince Sriranga Raya, who had rebelled against Emperor Venkatapati II of the Vijayanagara Empire, provided important military assistance to Randaula Khan in his campaign against Kempe Gowda. With the support of Sriranga Raya and other military leaders, Randaula Khan launched an offensive and successfully captured Bangalore with relative ease, forcing Kempe Gowda to flee. Historian Paramananda notes, "The ruler of Bangalore was skilled in the art of warfare and, after a prolonged resistance lasting several days, ultimately surrendered the fort of Bangalore.

#### Treaty of Bangalore

Shahaji, celebrated as a great savior of Hinduism, played a pivotal role in resolving the conflict between Randaula Khan and Kempe Gowda in Bangalore. Through his intervention, a treaty was established with the following terms:
1. Kempe Gowda surrendered the fort of Bangalore along with all its property.
2. He agreed to send his son as a hostage to R.D. Khan.
3. Randaula Khan, in return, pledged to provide protection to Kempe Gowda.
4. Kempe Gowda was allowed to return to Magadi.
5. Additionally, Kempe Gowda committed to paying an annual tribute to the Bijapur Sultanate.
Kempe Gowda resided in Magadi, benefiting from the protection provided by Savandurga. He ruled the region for an additional 18 years, regularly paying an annual tribute to the conquerors of Bangalore. From this period onward, Kempe Gowda and his successors became commonly known as "Kagadi Kempe Gowda."

#### Bangalore was conferred upon Shahaji

Following the conclusion of the Bangalore Treaty, Randaula Khan recognized the need to appoint a trusted general to oversee the newly conquered city. He selected Shahaji for the role. Acting on the orders of the Bijapur Sultan, Khan formally entrusted Bangalore to Shahaji's administration and proceeded to advance his broader political agenda.

### Capture of Ramgiridurg

Bangalore was granted to Shahaji, but his presence was deemed crucial in the Bijapur army's campaign to conquer other kingdoms in Karnataka. As a result, Randaula Khan positioned Shahaji at the forefront and left Bangalore in mid-December 1638, heading towards Ramagiri Durga. He captured the fort without facing any resistance. Afterward, Randaula Khan continued his march towards Kunigal.

### Conquest of Srirangapatna

Randaula Khan focused his efforts on the conquest of Srirangapatna. Recognizing that capturing the city would not be easy, he spent considerable time deliberating on how to bring the ruler to submission. He reasoned, "If we seize the capital city, it will be much easier to gradually annex the surrounding territories."
Randaula Khan held a council of war in his tent, where he provided the Vazirs with an accurate account of Kanthirava's unwavering determination and strength, as well as the loyalty of his army generals and state ministers. It is likely that R. D. Khan obtained this information from Channaish. He shared these details with his Vazirs.
   "No opponent on the face of the earth can stand up in arms against the commanders of his (Kanthirava's) army. So you must move with all care and caution accompanied by a vast force"

#### Siege of Srirangapatna

On January 18, 1639, Randaula Khan laid siege to the forts of Srirangapatna and Mysore simultaneously, but the attacking forces were repelled with heavy losses. On the first day, the defeated Bijapur army retreated and set up camp at Palya. In addition to this main army, several other divisions of the Bijapur forces were scattered across the surrounding areas of Mysore and Srirangapatna.
Nanjarajendra took advantage of the vulnerable position of the besieged forces and launched a night attack. One section of the Mysore army targeted the enemy camped at Arakere, capturing and mutilating those they seized. Another division attacked the Muslims at Losaholalu, while a third division ambushed the Muslims at Yadavagiri (Melkote). The Mysore army committed severe atrocities and acts of plunder against several encampments of the Bijapur army during the night. Despite facing successive defeats in various regions of Mysore and strong opposition from his own officers, Randaula Khan remained resolute in his decision.
Randaula Khan appointed skilled generals and strategically positioned them to ensure the fort would be demolished. The battle intensified as the Khans and Vasirs immediately surrounded the fort and began scaling its ramparts. Yakalas Khan, Mustafa Khan, and others skillfully climbed the walls on one side, while Farithi Khan, Shahaji, and Afzal Khan ascended on the opposite side. Seeing the determined efforts of the Bijapuris, Nanigrajendra commanded his generals to confront the besieging army. The Mysore generals fought valiantly, ruthlessly slaughtering those who fell into their hands, and successfully drove the remaining forces away from the area surrounding the fort.
On Saturday, January 19, 1639, Channalsh entered the fort and sent word to Randaula Khan to enter swiftly. Randaula Khan, who had been eagerly waiting for the opportunity to strike, entered the fort and engaged in battle. Nanjarajendra confronted the besiegers on equal terms in a fierce battle. It was a brutal conflict in which hundreds of Muslims either lost their noses or perished. The remaining forces, unable to maintain their position on the battlefield, were forced to flee. This marked a significant victory for the King of Mysore. After liberating the historic fort from the control of the Bijapur forces, the Mysore army encircled the fort to thwart any potential counterattack from the aggressors.

#### Night Attack

After suffering heavy losses in both men and materials, the Bijapur army camped three miles away from the city.
Nanjarajendra informed the king about the events at the fort and urged him to seize the golden opportunity to expel the enemies from the country before daybreak. In response, Kanthirava Narasaraja personally went to the battlefield. On January 20, 1639, Kanthirava divided his army into two sections: one led by Nanjarajendra and the other by Lingendra. He positioned both sections on opposite sides and advanced toward the encampment of the Bijapur army.
During a night attack on the Muslim camp by Nanjarajendra, the soldiers were caught off guard and perplexed. However, Randaula Khan, a resourceful and enterprising general, maintained his composure in the face of the surprise assault. He quickly took action to counter the threat by mobilizing the scattered elements of his army and rousing his soldiers from their deep slumber. With determination, the heroic general mounted his horse and stood ready to confront the overwhelming Mysore forces. In this moment, Randaula Khan faced a critical decision, either to face certain destruction or to seize control of the situation.The Mysore army's onslaught, coupled with the terrifying sounds of firearms fired by the Muslim forces, caused widespread panic on the battlefield. Amidst the chaos, the entire atmosphere was thrown into turmoil. Confusion and disorder dominated the night as hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals on both sides were either wounded or killed.
Despite strong resistance, the Muslim forces were ultimately overwhelmed by the superior military power of Mysore. Fortune favored the Mysoreans, who managed to rout the entire Muslim army, leaving many dead on the battlefield. This battle proved disastrous for the Muslims. Kanthirava, returning with the remnants of the army, entered the city in high spirits. The spoils of war were presented to King Kanthirava, who, celebrating the army's victory, rewarded the prominent chiefs and warriors with gifts.
Randaula Khan, having lost hundreds of his best soldiers, along with numerous trained horses and elephants on the battlefield, could not bear the disgrace. Overcome with deep sorrow and regret, he returned to Hanumappa Nayaka and shared his grief and lamented his mistakes.
   "Oh; Nayaka what you have said before is true, since my departure from Vijayapur(Bijapur) up to this day, never since my birth up to this day I have never seen a hero of this type."
Randaula Khan returned to Bijapur, his heart heavy due to the calamity that had befallen him.

#### Source analysis

The Kanthirava Narasaraja Vijayam, Chikkadevaraja Vamsavali, and other Kannada texts such as Hagalavadi Paleyagararu by M.S. Puttanna and K.N.V. (Chapter V, p. 14) clearly state that the Bijapur army was defeated. Additional references to this event are found in epigraphic evidence. A record from 1639, issued shortly after the battle, describes Kanthirava Narasa as "the destroyer of the demons, the race of yavanas." Another inscription calls him "God Narasimha incarnate, born on earth to destroy the Turushkas" and states that "when he went forth to war, the Mlechchas fell down in a swoon." These literary and epigraphic sources support the claim of Kanthirava's victory.
Historians of South India, such as Wilks and S. Krishnaswamy Iyangar, relying on various sources, have generally accepted that the Bijapur army was repelled with heavy losses and that Kanthirava achieved an important victory. However, we now turn to additional sources that provide more insight into this event.
The Muhammad Namah, a contemporary Persian source, offers the following account: "Rustam-e-Zaman (Ranadulla Khan) himself led an attack against the Rajah of Srirangapatna, named Kanti Rai (Kanthirava)."
He besieged the fort for a month, after which the Raja sent an ambassador with an offer: "Withdraw from the fort, and I will pay you 5 lakh huns as indemnity." Rustam-e-Zaman accepted the offer.
Shiva Bharata, published from the manuscripts in the Tanjore Palace Library says:
   "Kanthriva, the Raja of Shrirangapatna was very cruel and was subdued by Shahaji, which act of valour was much appreciated by Ranadaulah"
The Marathi sources indicate that Shahaji collected tribute from Kanthirava of Mysore. The last three sources provide clear information that Kanthirava Narasaraja was thoroughly defeated by the invader.

## Aftermath
### Treaty of Srirangapatna (1639)

Randaula Khan, after securing the submission of the King of Mysore, reassured him by promising the support of Adil Shah. Simultaneously, Randaula Khan received an urgent message from the Sultan of Bijapur, instructing him to return immediately. As a result, a truce was negotiated, largely influenced by Shahaji.
The treaty between Randaula Khan and Kanthirava of Mysore stipulated the following terms:
1. The territory south of the Cauvery River was to be transferred to the possession of Kanthirava.
2. The right to the revenues from the territory north of the river was exclusively granted to the Sultan of Bijapur.
3. The revenues were to be paid regularly after deducting necessary expenses related to its administration.

### Randaula Khan's Departure

Randaula Khan had to leave the area in haste, so he delegated the responsibility of receiving the tribute from the King of Mysore to Qazi Said and the Hindu chieftain Hanumappa Nayaka. He then returned to Bijapur with the remainder of his forces. In addition, Hanumappa Nayaka was assigned the task of ensuring the proper implementation of the terms of the treaty. To ensure the safety of the Hindu chieftain, guards were stationed as well. Once the tribute was delivered to Qazi Said, he departed for Bijapur.

### Mysore treaty summary

On January 21, 1639, a treaty was signed in which Mysore lost its recent conquests in the province of Jagadeva Raval. Although Kanthirava Narasaraja reluctantly agreed to the humiliating terms due to his difficult circumstances, his actions in the following years suggest he never intended to fully comply with the agreement.