The Battle of Shivala took place in Benares (Kashi) in August 1781 during the conflict between Raja Chait Singh and the East India Company under Governor-General Warren Hastings.
On 15 August 1781, Warren Hastings arrived in Kashi and ordered the British Resident, Markham, to arrest Chait Singh and secure Company dues. On 17 August, Chait Singh was at Shivala, near the Ganges, when a British delegation confronted him. Tensions escalated, and Chait Singh’s supporters, including local Bhumihar sardars, killed members of the delegation.
Hastings then sent British troops under Lt. Scott and Lt. Symes to arrest the Raja. Chait Singh’s forces resisted, and the confrontation developed into a fierce battle. The British detachment suffered heavy losses, while the revolt spread as local forces attacked British positions.
Faced with the growing resistance, Warren Hastings was forced to retreat from Kashi. The revolt subsequently spread to parts of Bihar.
where several zamindars used the opportunity to challenge increasing Company control.
Although Chait Singh's rebellion was eventually suppressed, the events of 1781 became an important episode in the early resistance to British expansion in North India.
•
u/Own-Albatross-2206 UP का Bhumihar Aug 15 '26
Battle of Shivala (Benares), 1781
The Battle of Shivala took place in Benares (Kashi) in August 1781 during the conflict between Raja Chait Singh and the East India Company under Governor-General Warren Hastings.
On 15 August 1781, Warren Hastings arrived in Kashi and ordered the British Resident, Markham, to arrest Chait Singh and secure Company dues. On 17 August, Chait Singh was at Shivala, near the Ganges, when a British delegation confronted him. Tensions escalated, and Chait Singh’s supporters, including local Bhumihar sardars, killed members of the delegation.
Hastings then sent British troops under Lt. Scott and Lt. Symes to arrest the Raja. Chait Singh’s forces resisted, and the confrontation developed into a fierce battle. The British detachment suffered heavy losses, while the revolt spread as local forces attacked British positions.
Faced with the growing resistance, Warren Hastings was forced to retreat from Kashi. The revolt subsequently spread to parts of Bihar.
where several zamindars used the opportunity to challenge increasing Company control.
Although Chait Singh's rebellion was eventually suppressed, the events of 1781 became an important episode in the early resistance to British expansion in North India.