Siege of Seringapatam (1639)

The siege of Seringapatam in 1639 was a conflict between the Bijapur Sultanate's forces, led by Randaula Khan and the Mysorean army commanded by Kanthirava Narasaraja I. The Bijapur army had laid siege to the Seringapatam Fort, but Kanthirava Narasaraja I mounted a daring night attack on their encampment. The surprise assault overwhelmed the Bijapur forces, resulting in their defeat. Following this victory, the Mysorean army triumphantly returned to the Srirangapatna fort.

Background

Kanthirava Narasaraja I incitement of Elenge Hanuma of Basavapatna and other Wodeyars of Ikkeri against their liege lord, Virabhadra Nayaka, led to a brief but intense disturbance in the region. However, the Ikkeri Nayaka swiftly quelled the rebellion, maintaining his control. Undeterred, Kenge Hanuma traveled to Bijapur, seeking the Sultan's aid. Meanwhile, Channama, a fugitive Wodeyar from Nagamangala, recently conquered by Chamaraja Wodeyar VI, also sought refuge with the Sultan. In response, the Sultan dispatched his most reputed general, Randaula Khan, leading an army of forty thousand men, with the mission to restore Kenge Hanuma to power and, if possible, seize Srirangapatna from the Wodeyars.

Planning

Randaula Khan after receiving the Sultan's orders, focused his efforts on the conquest of Srirangapatna, recognizing that capturing the city would be crucial for weakening the Wodeyars' hold over their territories. Aware that seizing the capital would not be an easy task, he carefully planned his approach, considering various strategies to bring the ruling forces under control.