Siege of Sira

The siege of Sira was an offensive conducted by Hyder Ali.

In December 1766, the Peshwa informed Raghunath Rao that Haidar's generals, Mir Faizulla and Mit Reza, were causing destruction in Maratha territory in the Carnatic and demanding tribute from various important posts. The local rulers were seeking assistance from the Peshwa, but he did not have any troops to spare. In January 1767, Peshwa Madhavrao occupied several places, including Jetgi, Kitroot, Kanchangarh, Godwal, Bellary, Shidnoot, Adoni, and Devdurg within a month. However, the Nawab of Savanur did not loyally support the Peshwa. Haidar fortified Bangalore, Sira, and Bidnur and shut himself up with his troops at Seirangapatam. As haider was unprepared to confront the Marathas in the open battlefield, Haider used scorched earth policy to prevent the Marathas from getting food and water. Wilks noted that while this strategy might be effective against a regular army, it would not stop the overwhelming mass of genuine Maratha invasion that coveted the entire region. Haidar probably recognized this and sent an envoy to negotiate for peace, but no definite terms were offered. The Marathas believed that Haidar would not surrender until they had conquered Sira.

Battle
In February 1767, the Peshwa marched to Sira, a fort that was well fortified and had a sufficient number of troops and ammunition. The governor of Sira, Mir Reza, who had a strained relationship with Haidar, was defeated by the Peshwa in an open battle in the plain. Mir Reza then sought refuge in the fort. The Peshwa immediately laid siege to the fort and personally supervised the operations. Both sides suffered heavy losses in men and horses during the engagements that continued for several days. Eventually, Mir Reza surrendered the fort and agreed to serve under the Peshwa. He was granted Gurumkonda on the condition that he would maintain a force of 2,000 men for the Peshwa's service. Hoskote and other places under Mir Reza's control were also surrendered. The capture of Sira was a significant political and personal victory for the Peshwa, as it demonstrated his unstoppable power to all local chiefs.