Battle of Assaye, 23 September 1803

Coloured aquatint by J C Stadler after William Heath, published by Thomas Tegg, 1 April 1818. Illustration for a narrative poem by Dr Syntax, 1818.

The battle, fought during the 2nd Maratha War (1803-1805), was the first of Major-General Arthur Wellesley's great victories. With about 4,500 troops, only 1,300 of whom were Europeans, he routed the opposing forces of over 30,000 after a desparate struggle. Wellington considered this the bloodiest action, for the numbers of men engaged, that he ever fought.