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.