Five Underrated Wars That Shaped Indian History
India’s history is vast, diverse, and full of remarkable conflicts that shaped its political and cultural landscape. While battles involving the Mughals and British often dominate mainstream narratives, several critical yet overlooked wars played a crucial role in defining India’s trajectory.
In this blog, we will explore five such wars that deserve greater recognition, detailing their causes, key moments, outcomes, and long-term effects.
1. The Battle of Talikota (1565): The Fall of the Vijayanagara Empire
The Vijayanagara Empire, once a thriving hub of trade, culture, and architecture, had grown immensely powerful in South India. However, its aggressive expansion and interference in Deccan politics led to hostility with the five Deccan Sultanates—Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, and Berar.
The Battle
On January 26, 1565, the empire, led by King Aliya Rama Raya, faced the united Sultanates in a decisive battle. Vijayanagara fielded a strong army, but betrayal from within proved fatal. Two Muslim generals in Rama Raya’s army, along with their regiment, turned against him during the battle, launching a surprise attack on their own forces. This left Rama Raya vulnerable, leading to his capture and execution.
Outcome & Aftermath
- Hampi, the empire’s capital, was sacked and destroyed.
- The Vijayanagara Empire disintegrated, leading to fragmented regional rule.
- Hindu patronage in South India weakened significantly.
- The vacuum left by Vijayanagara allowed the Mughal Empire and Deccan Sultanates to increase their influence in southern India.
2. The Battle of Colachel (1741): An Indian Victory Over European Colonialism
The Dutch East India Company sought to control southern India’s spice trade, particularly black pepper. Travancore, a small but determined kingdom, stood as a barrier to their colonial ambitions.
The Battle
On August 10, 1741, Travancore’s King Marthanda Varma decisively defeated the Dutch forces at Colachel in present-day Tamil Nadu. The Dutch suffered heavy casualties, and their commander, Eustachius De Lannoy, was captured.
Outcome & Aftermath
- The Dutch lost their foothold in India and never regained their former dominance.
- Eustachius De Lannoy became an advisor to Travancore, helping modernise its army and fortifications.
- It marked one of the rare Indian victories against a European colonial power.
- Travancore emerged as a strong regional force, delaying British expansion in South India.
3. The Battles of Imphal and Kohima (1944): India’s Forgotten WWII Front
During World War II, Japan aimed to invade British India with support from Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA). The Northeast—particularly Imphal and Kohima—became the frontlines of this ambitious attack.
The Battles
Between March and July 1944, the Japanese and INA forces engaged the British-led army, which included thousands of Indian soldiers. Despite difficult terrain, harsh weather, and supply shortages, the Allied forces repelled the invasion.
Outcome & Aftermath
- The defeat halted Japan’s advance into India.
- The Burma Campaign shifted in favour of the Allies.
- INA soldiers’ role in fighting the British inspired nationalist movements, fueling the push for Indian independence in 1947.
- Despite its global significance, Indian history often neglects the Northeast’s role in WWII.
4. The Maratha–Portuguese War (1683–1684): A Blow to European Colonial Rule
The Portuguese controlled Goa, a vital coastal region that obstructed Maratha naval expansion. Chhatrapati Sambhaji launched an offensive to reclaim control over key trading ports and disrupt Portuguese influence.
The Conflict
Maratha forces temporarily occupied Goa, besieging Portuguese strongholds. Though the Portuguese later regained control through diplomacy, their power in the region weakened significantly.
Outcome & Aftermath
- The Portuguese lost credibility as a dominant European power in India.
- The Marathas demonstrated their naval strength and territorial ambitions.
- Portugal never expanded further in India after this conflict.
- Maritime trade routes increasingly came under Indian control, reinforcing indigenous influence.
5. The Battle of Saraighat (1671): Ahom Resistance Against Mughal Expansion
The Mughal Empire, eager to expand into the resource-rich Brahmaputra Valley, faced resistance from the Ahom Kingdom, a powerful Northeast Indian dynasty.
The Battle
The Mughal army, led by Ram Singh, launched a large-scale invasion via the Brahmaputra River. However, Ahom commander Lachit Borphukan expertly deployed guerrilla warfare and riverine strategies, crippling Mughal advances. His leadership ensured a resounding victory for the Ahoms.
Outcome & Aftermath
- The Mughal expansion into Assam halted permanently.
- The Ahom Kingdom maintained its sovereignty until the early 19th century.
- Lachit Borphukan became a legendary figure in Assamese history.
- This battle showcased Northeast India’s strategic and military brilliance, often overlooked in Indian history.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Historical Balance
The neglect of these wars stems from multiple biases:
- Colonial Historiography: British records glorified their conquests while ignoring indigenous successes.
- Mughal-Centric Narratives: Delhi-based empires dominate textbooks, sidelining regional histories.
- Curriculum Biases: Modern education often overlooks Hindu kingdoms and indigenous resistance.
By bringing these forgotten wars into mainstream discussions, we celebrate India’s diverse, resilient, and complex past. Moving beyond glorified colonial narratives allows us to truly appreciate India’s strategic genius and cultural legacy.
It’s time to recognise these battles and awaken to our true history—proud, resilient, and deeply rooted in indigenous strength.
Note: Information was collected from various websites and YouTube channels on the Internet.