Battle of Talwara (1770)

The Battle of Talwara was fought in 1770 by the Sikh forces led by Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and the Kangra forces led by Raja Ghamand Chand.

Background
The Sikhs and the Hill States were big enemies during the time of Guru Gobind Singh. They had fought over the disputed city of Anandpur Sahib until the Treaty of Anandpur which stated that if the Guru leaves Anandpur, he will never have to fight the hill states. The Guru agreed, and Anandpur was officially a Hill State city until Banda Singh Bahadur defeated Kahlur and annexed the land, including Anandpur. During the period of Dal Khalsa (Sikh Army), the Sikhs maintained close relations with the Hill States. Jassa Singh Ahluwalia once assisted the Hill States in order to defeat the Mughals. However, no Sikh Sardar attacked the Hill States until Jassa Singh Ramgarhia in 1770.

Battle
He attacked the Hill States first alone and then with Jai Singh Kanhaiya, in which they were repulsed. However, in the third time, a pitched battle was fought at Talwara in which he was successful. This battle made states like Kangra, Nurpur and Chamba. Kangra alone gave a tribute of 200,000 rupees to Jassa Singh Ramgarhia.

Aftermath
To have control over the hills, the Sardar build a fort at Talwara in which his brother Mali Singh along with 4,000 horsemen stayed in.