Ambaji Inglia - An Historical Saga Unearthed

Historical Background – History abounds on impressive characters and leading figures.

Few only few characters in history never shade their dazzling brightness. Ambaji Inglia,
one of the prominent and trusted generals of Scindia falls fit to this description. The much
renowned historical family of Ingles is originally Solanki Thakurs and hailed from
Bundi-Kota (Rajasthan).Bhaujirao, the ancestor of Raja Ambaji served under the
Deshmukh of Shingnapur (near Phaltan Distt. Satara, Maharashtra) in the South.A sanad
of the time of the Emperor Shah Alam, which styles his ancestor Raja Ambaji Bahadur
Inglia, and shows that at a Darbar held by the Emperor Shah Alam a very high position
was conferred on this family, and the management of several talukas entrusted to
them.(The golden book of India; a genealogical and biographical dictionary of the ruling princes, chiefs,
nobles, and other personages, titled or decorated, of the Indian empire, with an appendix for Ceylon by
Roper Lethbridge).

Ambaji's father Trimbakji was also a veteran soldier and came to North along with H.H
Malharrao Holkar. Prior to it, Trimbakji had the privilege to be a faithful ally to the
Peshwas.As a reward to his outstanding services, he was awarded sanad of Mahadunga (a
village in Maharashtra).Trimbakji Inglia was probably only Maratha Sardar, to fight with
all his five sons, in the fierceful Third battle of Panipat against Ahmadsha Abdali.Though
defeated, Trimbakji and Ambuji displayed great valour in this battle. Ambuji, along with
Rane Khan (Bhishti or a water carrier in Maratha army), saved the life of Mahadji
Scindia and successfully registered himself in his good books for life.Trimbakji died at
Sitawardi (Rajasthan).His chattri (Cenatoph) is still remains there in Mouje
Sikrodabawdi.

After the death of Trimbakji, Raja Ambaji continued and enriched the legacy of
his father as the later events of Maratha History goes to show it. In spite of several
intrigues of Maratha Durbar and ardent opposition, Ambaji proved himself to the most
competent and capable general of his time. Ambaji Ingle was the most trusted chieftain of
Mahadji Scindia. Ambaji Inglia was born in 1730.Unfortunately enough, first fifty years
of Ambaji's life are not known to history. It is hoped by the author that sincere and
dedicated research will certainly throw light on the early hidden period of Raja Ambaji’s
Life which might be very useful for the students of History readers too.T.D.Broughton
in his "Letters Written in a Maratha Camp" depicts Ambaji Inglia's personality as
follows: (LETTER VII, p.48, Ibid)

"Ambajee is a tall, hale-looking man for his age, which is said

to be upwards of eighty: his complexion is dark; and there is
much humour and intelligence in his countenance. His dress was
remarkably plain, almost amounting to meanness; consisting of a
common chintz jacket, quilted with cotton, a coarse red shawl,
and a white turban."
Broughton also describes impressive trait of Ambaji's character : "At this visit Ambajee
displayed an instance of gratitude and attention which pleased us all : when as he
perceived Mr. M. sitting in the circle, who had cured him of a wound in his side, inflicted
by himself about two years ago (in consequence of his having been thrown into
confinement by Seendhiya), he got up, and went towards him, and 'cordially embraced
him ; at the same time explaining to Surjee Rao who Mr. M. was, and how greatly he
esteemed himself to be indebted to him"(Letter IX,CAMP AT DOONEE,March
15,1809.p.67,Ibid).
His military career starts when Mahadji appointed him Faujdar of the Twenty-eight
mahals of Sonepat situated North of Delhi with the main object of protecting the capital
from Sikhs who it was feared might swoop upon it in the absence of the Emperor then
encamped at Agra.Ambaji ,as per the orders of his master, took possession of Delhi from
its Governor Afrasib.Ambaji also played an important role in suppressing the revolts of
pretty chiefs which might have otherwise caused Mahadji great anxiety. These pretty
chiefs were those who were discontented with Maratha rule and joined hand with the
British. Among them were Balawantsingh and his son Jaysingh of Raghavgad (near
Guna, M.P.).These two pretty chiefs raised the hands of revolt against Mahadji and
Mahadji,again showing faith in his loyal and most able servant Ambaji, send him to
suppress the voice of rebellion.Ambaji successfully crushed the rebellion, arrested the
rebel leaders and confiscated their entire property.Ambaji kept Balawantsingh as a
prisoner at the fort of Gwalior.

In February 1787 , Ambaji was entrusted with one more challenging task of chastising
the Sikhs of Lahore and Panipat.Ambaji actively busied himself in the last week of
March 1785, to effect reconciliation with them and sought the mediation of Maharao
Pratap Singh of Macheri to bring it to a successful conclusion. Pratap Singh, as we know,
had already been in correspondence with the Sikhs and had invited them to join hands
with Mahadji Sindhia for 'the expulsion of the Turks' and 'the conquest of new countries'
from the Nawab Vizir of Oudh, the Mughul chiefs of Delhi and the rajas of Jaipur and
Marwar. Rao Partap Singh and Ambaji marched northwards and held consultations with
the Sikh Sardars at Bakhtawarpur, 13 miles north of Delhi, from 27 to the 31 March and
the following Treaty was concluded between Ambaji and the Sikh Sardars:
Copy of the Treaty concluded between Raja Ambaji Ingle and the Chiefs of the Sikhs, 31
March 1785:
Ambaji stopped the Sikhs from collecting 'Rakhi'.He further stipulated that the Sikhs
were to collect revenues jointly with Marathas and 2/3 of it was to be taken by the
Maraths.

Ambaji's success in Rajasthan - Ambaji earned considerable fortune in Rajasthan

and it was the states of Rajasthan where Raja Ambaji reached to the zenith of his military
and administrative success.The Ravraja Alwar paid compliments to Ambaji and honoured
him for his illustrious services to the state.Clothes of honour, one elephant, and Two
horses were presented to Ambaji.

Ambaji's illustrious military career and his rise to a subsidiary chief has much
to with planes of Rajasthan.Zala Zalim Singh of Kota wielded great influence in the
politics of Rajasthan. Raja Ambaji Inglia enjoyed cordial relations with Zala Zalim
Singh as Ambaji’s father Trimbakji had, on one occasion saved his life. In the battle of
Sipra, Zalimsingh lay wounded and fell into the hands of Trimbakji Inglia as a
prisoner.Trimbakji treated him with hospitality.It is to be noted that one of the wives of
Zalim Singh sent 'Rakhi' to Raja Ambaji through Lalaji Ballal in 1789 which shows that
he was his adopted brother. To secure the release of Zalim Singh Ambaji approached
Mahadji through his wife who was the adopted sister of Mahadji and used to send 'Rakhi'
to Mahadji.She was instructed by Ambaji to demand the release of Zalim Singh on some
auspicious occasion and the opportunity came the same year.Zala Zalim Singh always
had a sense of gratitude towards the house of Ingles.

Ambaji Ingle governed Mewar as Scindia's representative exactly like and as

agent to the Governer General in British India with full Civil and military
powers.Ambaji's administration in Mewar for eight years from 1701 forms an important
and integral part of his diplomatic and military life.There were two parties in Mewar.The
Shekhawats and the Chudawats,who were rebels in Mewar.Ambaji successfully
suppressed the rebels and recovered Rs. 13 lacs from the Chudawats and Rs. 8 Lacs from
Shaktawats.The Rana of Mewar realised that his throne was secured due to Ambaji's
military dominion.So the Rana 's minister entered into a separate treaty with Ambaji and
sanctioned Rs. 8 Lacs per annum to him to meet his military expenses.
Ambaji's wealth accumulated so immensely and his fortune heightened
considerably that he was comfortably afford to lend Rs.8 lacs to the Rana to purchase the
ornaments for the wedding of his sister.Ambaji captured Jahajpur from the rebels.Ambaji
became so powerful in October,1796 that "Ambaji was a subsidiary chief rather than a
servant."(Poona Residency Correspondence,VIII Resident to G.G October,1796)."He maintained
in his immediate pay a force equal to that of Scindia in Hindustan. He possessed immense
personal wealth and farms above crore of Scindia's revenue having Gwalior and other
places in his custody."(Anglo-Maratha Relations, 1785-96 By Sailendra Nath Sen,page300,).
 Holkar, with connivance of Scindia, placed Ambaji under surveillance and
demanded 65 lacs of rupees from him.(Waqai-i-Holkar,folio177b) According to Tod,Rs. 55
were extorted from Ambaji (vol. 1, p. 535).Ambaji, at his own request, was allowed to go
to Kota with Amir Khan and Bapuji Scindia to make arrangements for the
payments.Ambaji succeeded in paying nearly half of the demand made upon him.

Estimate of Ambaji's administration in Rajasthan - Historians have several

opinions on Ambaji's position in Mewad .Gaurishankar Ojha opines that Mahadji
appointed Ambaji as his deputy in Mewad and Ambaji began to consider himself as the
master and the maker of the states of Rajasthan.(James Todd, Annals and antiquities of
Rajasthan)Ambaji, without any doubt, during his 8 years' administration reaped its
revenues and amassed those hordes of wealth which subsequently gave him the lead in
Hindustan and enabled him to assert his independence.Ambaji's administration in Mewad
gave it what was fairly its long due-a sound administrative system, with Zala Zalim Singh
as his local adviser. Raja Ambaji gave to Mewad a degree of tranquility and happiness of
which she was long deprived of and earnestly longing for.Ambaji's work in Mewar forms
an important part of Maratha legacy to the other provinces. The result of Ambaji's able
administration can be derived from the fact that the state began yield an annual income of
Rs. 50 lacs.

Ambaji's relation with Daulatrao Scindia - Mahadji died at Pune in February 1774
leaving behind him vast dominions.Mahadji had no issue and he declared during his
lifetime Daulatrao Scindia as his heir, a young lad of 14 years.Daulatrao Scindia’s whole
attention was concentrated on Poona, for the death of Peshwa Madho Rao on October 7,
1795 accelerated a contest for superemacy.Daulatrao Scindia could not attend to the
Rajputana for seven long years. The entire responsibility for maintaining and protecting
Maratha interests was chiefly assigned to Ambaji Inglia.
Daulatrao also appointed Ambaji as his Viceroy in the Eastern part comprising
Jhansi. After the death of Mahadji started the famous war of widows (wives of Mahadji)
by May 1798 who were deadly against the accession of Daulatrao.Daulatrao had neither
the talent nor the maturity of Mahadji.Therefore, in later years he failed to maintain the
same cordial relations with his chieftains as did Mahadji. Daulatrao who had neither
administrative nor military experience became a puppet in the hands of Sarjirao Ghatge
through his beautiful wife Baijabai.
In the war of widows, Ambaji, Baloji and Khanduji Ingle brothers all sided
Daulatrao.Ambaji, on the instruction of Daulatrao,kept the Bais engaged in the
North.Thus,Ambaji by this time remained a trusted chief of Daulatrao.In the War of
widows, the Raja of Narwar came in conflict with Daulatrao Scindia when he helped the
Widows of Mahadji Sindia and gave refuge to Lakhwa Dada.

Lakhwa Dada, the Viceroy of the Northern territory of Daulatrao Scindia, made a
surprise attack on Narwar and succeeded in capturing the city in October,1795, and next
invested the fort which protected the city, but it held out upto March 1796.But the wheels
of fortune took a strange turn and Lakhwa Dada had to seek refuge under the Raja of
Narwar,after he revolted against his master.Ambaji Inglia was sent to crush the Raja and
Lakhwa Dada.Ambaji succeeded in subduing the place and appointed his brother Khande
Rao Ingle Subedar of Narwar.

His master entrusted all the Northern States to Ambaji Inglia. Daulatrao also appointed
Raja Ambaji Inglia as the Subedar of Hindustan. (page31, Calcutta Review,
vol.71).Ambaji, along with,Sarjirao Ghatge tried to reconcile Sindhia and Holkar against
the East India Company but could not succeed. As Daulatrao was devoid of
political insight and diplomatic sagacity, he gradually grew suspicious of the rising
influence of Ambaji Inglia.
As a matter of fact; Daulatrao could not utilize Ambaji’s talent fully well. When
badly in need of money Daulatrao at the instigation of Holkar, allowed him (Holkar) to
plunder Ambaji on the condition that Scindia received half the proceeds. “Seizing and
torturing Ambaji to surrender hordes of money,Daulatrao felt pleased to have killed two
birds with a single stone. But the party profited most was the Company, for Ambaji
became an inveterate enemy of Holkar and Amir Khan, and the new Maratha
Confederacy, which was all but formed and might have been more dangerous than the old
one of which Peshwa was the head, passed into the region of might-have-been.”(Henry
Beveridge,History of India,II,p.800).
In spite of some failures on his part, Daulatrao still kept him under the sunshine of
his favour and appointed him to several posts of trust and responsibility. He was
entrusted with task of realising tribute in Rajasthan,in which he failed but he tried for the
division of Mewar between Holkar and Scindia.(Raghuveer Singh, p. 239,ed.
1952).Daulatrao said of him : "It was to him he had chiefly trusted for the well-ordered
administration of his affairs."(Poona Residency Correspondence,IV,No.318).

Treaty with the Britishers - Ambaji Inglia exerted considerable influence in

Rajasthan as Deputy of Mahadji and amassed great wealth and fortune. When Daulatrao
asked him to repay the revenues of 147 lakhs that he had exorted and withheld, he
conspired with the British, sent a secret agent to Lord Wellesley when he visited
Fatehgarh in1801(Poona Residency Correspondence, IX 31,Ibid ),requested Colonel Collins to
allow him an asylum in the Company's territory.(Poona Residency Correspondence, VIII
163,IX 64,Footnote M.M. III 192 ).In 1803,he opened negotiations with Lord Wellesley,
"revolted against his master and joined hands with the British"(P.E.Roberts, India under
Wellesley,p.230) Ambaji was at Gwalior. Seeing the speedy success of the Britishers and
having instigated by private ambitions, he concluded a separate treaty with the British
before the battle of Laswari and was promised
Marwar,Shivpuri,Koonch,Sabalgarh,Bijaypur,Kolaras(near Shivpuri),and Pauri (near
Shivpuri).The treaty is famous in history as The Treaty of Amity and Alliance between
the Honourable East India Company and Rajah Umbajee Rao Englah (as stated in A
COLLECTION OF TREATIES, ENGAGEMENTS AND SANADS RELATING TO INDIA
AND NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES VOL.III by C.U. AITCHISON).
As per the stipulations of the said treaty, Raja Ambaji relinquished the forts of
Gwalior and the districts hitherto held by Ambaji.Whereas the company guaranteed to
Raja Ambaji Inglia the fort of Narwar and certain districts raising the revenue to the tune
of 13,79,900 Rs.These districts were held by Raja Ambaji without any rent or tribute.The
treaty was duly concluded and confirmed under the seal and signature of His Excellency
General Genard Lake at Surhindee, in the subah of Ukburrabad, on the 16th day of
December 1803 and under the seal and signature of Raja Ambaji on the 16th day of
December 1803.
This treaty, though repudiated in future by the British, stands a testimony to
Ambaji's unrestrained influence in the politics of British India. These agreements were
strategically important as they formed part of barrier to confine Scindia to the South and
keep him out of Hindustan. They were politically important as they removed Scindia's
influence from the Hindustan and the area around the passes leading into it. (Strategy and
Diplomacy in British India under Marquis Wellesley: The second Maratha war, 1802-1806 by
Enid M. Fuhr p.203).

Raja Ambaji's Last Days - As per the article second of the said agreement, Raja
Ambaji was to hand over the fort of Gwalior which he failed to deliver. So Raja Ambaji
lost the both-the favour of the English and the loyalty of his master. In 1809 Daulatrao
again became displeased with Ambaji and dispatched General Yakub to oust Raja Ambaji
from Pohri (near Shivpuri).
Now commenced the downfall of a glorious maratha warrior.Broghton tells us
about the last days of Raja Ambaji Inglia.It is probably the only authentic source which
informs us of Raja Ambaji's glorious military and diplomatic career which took a gloomy
turn at last."Poor old Raja Ambajee is said to be dying: he was taken ill some days ago,
and sent too request Mr. M. to come and see him once more. He found him in a wretched
little tent, in the rear of the batteries, with very few attendants, and no kind of comfort,
about him. Mr. M. returned two days after by appointment ; and was informed that the
Raja had quitted camp that morning, and was gone to a spot about eight miles off, on the
banks of the Bunas ; partly for change of air, and partly to meet his wife and family. At
his advanced age the annoyance of public business, and the state of continual
apprehension in which he is kept by his formidable colleague, will probably soon tend to
bring his days to a close. He is said still to be possessed of immense wealth; though
Seendhiya contrived, during Surjee Rao's former administration, to extort from him
several lakhs of rupees, by setting fire to oiled cotton tied upon his fingers, and various
other ingenious and similar contrivances.
To a European mind it will appear inexplicable that a man so completely
independent, who had experienced in his own person such indignities, and who is fully
aware what reliance can be placed on Mahratta faith, could, by any offers of influence or
wealth, be induced a second time to put himself in their power.(LETTER X,p.78,Ibid)
Ambajee is at length dead. He died at the town of Bugera, not far from camp, on
the morning of the 5th, May 1809(LETTER XIII,p.99.Ibid) while Poona Residency
Correspondence, XI, No. 286,p.431 states night of 4th May, 1809. And is said to have left
immense wealth behind him: report states it at three crores of rupees; or as many millions
of pounds sterling.
Report doubtless exaggerates in this as in all such cases; but from his regular and
long established habits of economy, and the many opportunities he had, during his
protracted life, of amassing, there can be little doubt but that his wealth was very great.
One of his sons, named Dajee was with him at his death; and his brother, Bala Rao, set
off from camp, attended only by five horsemen, upon learning his danger. He returned
the next day, and on the following afternoon we went to pay him the customary visit of
condolence. He was seated upon the ground, in a miserable tent, with no clothing, but a
pair of common gootinnas, and a coarse cloth thrown over his head. On these occasions it
is not usual for the visitors to take any notice of the mourner either upon entering or
departing, nor during the visit : a third person does the honours, communicating the
speeches of condolence, and returning the answers which are made ; and which always
run in one common strain, upon the certainty of death, the virtue of resignation, and the
futility of useless sorrow. Bala Rao, however, talked a little himself ; and expressed
himself with propriety and feeling on the loss he had sustained in his brother's death ;
who appears to have been very generally looked up to, and esteemed by his
friends(LETTER XIII,p.99,Ibid).
Ambajee's widow and son, with a large suite of followers, arrived in camp on the
24th, and were visited the same evening by Seendhiya, attended by the Mamma, Surjee
Rao, and most of the principal Surdars in camp.He expects to receive a present of four or
five lakhs of rupees, as a douceur to ensure his protection towards the
family(Broughton,p.115, Ibid).On the opposite bank of the river commences the province
of Ajmeer,or Chuoaleesa, so-called from its containing forty-six Purgunus, or small
districts. It was rented by Ambajee, and since his death, has been continued to his brother
Bala Rao. This province is reckoned one of the finest in this part of India, and is certainly
one of the most important, from its situation in the centre of the Rajpoot states of Jypoor,
Juodpoor, and Oodipoor. (Broughton, p.132, LETTER XVII Ibid).
Dajee, the son of Raja Ambajee, was nominated Soobudar of Gwalior and
he has even been presented with the customary 'Khilut' upon the occasion. He agreed to
pay a peshgee, or advance, of eleven lakhs for the appointment. (Broughton, p.147, LETTER
XIX).After the death of Ambajee Inglia, Daulatrao Scindia requested that Ambaji’s
pension be continued to his heirs. But The East India Company declined and did not grant
Daulat Rao’s request. (IOR/F/4/311/7100 May1806-Dec.1809 in British Library, Asia, Pacific
and Africa Collections).

Estimate of Raja Ambajee Inglia - Raja Ambaji Inglia was a soldier of fortune and
remained a trusted soldier of Mahadji Scindia and then Daulatrao’s.His heart was filled
with indomitable spirit of and his mind had always been a storehouse of some kind of
treachery. Ambaji’s name had been prominent in the first decade of the nineteenth
century in connection with intrigues of more or less turpitude. He acquired bravery and
diplomacy in heritage as he was the son of celebrated Trimbakji Ingle who, along with
his three sons, fought with Mahadji in third battle of Panipat against the foreign invaders
(Ahmadshah Abdali).Starting his career as a Subedar, Ambaji established himself as a
sovereign chief .During his eight years tenure in Mewar, Ambaji accumulated immense
wealth and prosperity which was unparalleled to any other Maratha chief of the same
rank. Zalim Singh, shrewd and crooked chief of Zhalawad, was a bosom fried of Ambaji
optimised his friendship to restore peace in Mewar. Ambaji Ingle also recruited Captain
Joseph Harvey Bellasis, a young Englishman with an excellent knowledge of military
science, who raised Ambaji’s four battalions of regular infantry.Ambaji Inglia also
availed the services of Colonel James Shepherd who took service under Ambaji about
1790 and raised a brigade of regular infantry, which numbered five battalions, 500
cavalry and 25 guns. Celebrated Raja Ambaji Ingle undoubtedly ranks amongst the brave
soldiers and diplomats of the the eighteenth and the early nineteenth century. Without
education, or protection Ambaji rose from obscurity to be a man of consequence by his
bravery, perseverance and assiduity; his diligent toil and bold enterprise deserved all the
success he secured for him.