Lord Cornwallis vs Mahadji Scindia

Lord Cornwallis surrendered his British army of about 8,000 men to American and French forces at Yorktown, Virginia, on October 19, 1781. This decisive defeat effectively ended the American Revolutionary War and led to the recognition of American independence.

Cornwallis was appointed Governor-General of India in 1786, serving until 1793. He implemented significant administrative and judicial reforms, including the Cornwallis Code, which established a permanent settlement system and separated revenue collection from judicial functions.

Cornwallis led British forces in the Third Anglo-Mysore War against Tipu Sultan. The war ended with the Treaty of Seringapatam in 1792, which ceded half of Mysore's territory to the British and their allies, significantly weakening Tipu Sultan's power.

Cornwallis enacted the Permanent Settlement of Bengal in 1793, fixing land revenue rates in perpetuity. This reform aimed to create a stable revenue system and encourage agricultural investment, but it also entrenched the zamindar class and led to peasant exploitation.

Mahadji Scindia assumed the regency of Gwalior after the death of his predecessor. He consolidated power and expanded the Scindia domain through military campaigns and alliances.

Mahadji Scindia led Maratha forces to capture Delhi from the Rohilla Afghans. He restored the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II to the throne, becoming the de facto power behind the Mughal court.

Mahadji Scindia was appointed as the regent (Vakil-i-Mutlaq) of the Mughal Empire by Shah Alam II. This gave him control over Mughal administration and military, making him the most powerful figure in northern India.

Mahadji Scindia fought against the Rajput coalition of Jaipur and Jodhpur at Lalsot. The battle ended inconclusively, but it weakened Rajput resistance to Maratha expansion.

Mahadji Scindia defeated the Rajput forces of Jaipur at the Battle of Patan. The victory forced Jaipur to accept Maratha suzerainty and pay tribute.

Mahadji Scindia defeated the Rajput forces of Jodhpur at the Battle of Merta. This victory extended Maratha control over Marwar and established Scindia as the dominant power in Rajasthan.