Battle of Dhramatpur

The Battle of Dharmatpur, also known as the Battle of Dharmat, was a decisive engagement fought on 15 April 1658 during the Mughal War of Succession. The conflict took place near Ujjain, close to the banks of the Narmada River, between the forces of Prince Aurangzeb and those of Prince Dara Shikoh, led in the field by Raja Jaswant Singh of Marwar. The victory of Aurangzeb in this battle marked a crucial step towards his eventual accession to the Mughal throne.

Historical Background

The illness of Emperor Shah Jahan in 1657 triggered a violent struggle for succession among his four sons — Dara Shikoh, Shah Shuja, Murad Baksh, and Aurangzeb. In the absence of a fixed law of primogeniture, each prince laid claim to the imperial throne. Shah Jahan’s preference for his eldest son, Dara Shikoh, and Dara’s influential position in the Mughal court led the other princes to unite temporarily against him.
Aurangzeb, ambitious and tactically astute, allied himself with his younger brother Murad Baksh, while Dara Shikoh relied on imperial resources and the support of loyal Rajput chiefs, especially Jaswant Singh of Marwar, who commanded the Mughal army in the region of Malwa.

Strategic Context

The location of Dharmatpur near Ujjain was of great strategic importance. Control of this region meant command over the routes connecting the Deccan and northern India, vital for military supplies and troop movements. The plain near the Narmada River offered open ground suitable for cavalry charges and artillery manoeuvres, setting the stage for one of the earliest decisive encounters of the succession war.

Forces and Commanders

• Aurangzeb and Murad Baksh’s Forces: Comprising disciplined Mughal infantry, artillery units, and cavalry contingents trained in advanced firearms and tactical formations. Aurangzeb’s leadership was supported by his experienced generals and strong logistical organisation.
• Forces of Dara Shikoh (led by Jaswant Singh): Predominantly composed of Rajput cavalry, renowned for bravery and close combat skills, alongside Mughal contingents loyal to Dara. Jaswant Singh commanded a large force but lacked the superior artillery and strategic coordination possessed by Aurangzeb.

Course of the Battle

The two armies confronted each other on the morning of 15 April 1658. The battle began with heavy artillery exchanges, as Aurangzeb’s forces unleashed well-coordinated fire that disrupted the enemy’s formation. Raja Jaswant Singh, following traditional Rajput principles of honour, refused to conduct a night attack on Aurangzeb’s camp, missing an opportunity for surprise.
As the combat intensified, the Rajput cavalry launched a fierce frontal assault but suffered heavy casualties due to the superior discipline and firepower of Aurangzeb’s troops. The Mughal artillery, supported by flanking manoeuvres, gradually overwhelmed Jaswant Singh’s formations. Despite moments of valour, the Rajput forces were scattered, and the battlefield was soon dominated by Aurangzeb’s advancing regiments.
By midday, Jaswant Singh’s army was decisively defeated. Thousands were killed, and the survivors retreated towards Rajasthan. Jaswant Singh himself was wounded but managed to escape. The victory gave Aurangzeb control over the province of Malwa, opening the path for his march northwards towards Agra and Delhi.

Causes of Defeat

The defeat of Jaswant Singh and Dara Shikoh’s forces can be attributed to several factors:

• Strategic misjudgment in rejecting an early or surprise attack.
• Inferior artillery and lack of coordinated command structure.
• Overconfidence in cavalry charges against a more disciplined army.
• Better planning and logistics on Aurangzeb’s side, including effective use of terrain and artillery.

Consequences and Significance

The Battle of Dharmatpur was a turning point in the Mughal War of Succession. It significantly weakened Dara Shikoh’s position and demonstrated Aurangzeb’s military acumen and capacity for strategic planning. The victory also allowed Aurangzeb to consolidate his alliance with Murad Baksh, strengthening their campaign against Dara’s forces in subsequent battles.
In political terms, the battle established Aurangzeb as a formidable contender for the throne. It also exposed the vulnerabilities of Dara Shikoh’s command and his reliance on loyalists rather than professional military leaders. The defeat of Rajput forces under Jaswant Singh had lasting implications for the relationship between the Rajputs and the Mughal Empire, as the Rajput nobility began to reassess their alliances amid shifting imperial loyalties.