The Battle of Assaye has been called Arthur Wellesley’s first great victory, a clash that set the stage for his later fame as the Duke of Wellington. Outnumbered six to one by the mighty Maratha Confederacy, Wellesley’s 6,500 men faced a storm of cannon fire, disciplined infantry, and thousands of cavalry in a battle that could easily have ended in disaster. Instead, through bold gambles, ruthless determination, and sheer grit, Assaye became a defining moment in both the Second Anglo-Maratha War and in Wellesley’s own meteoric career.

In this episode of the Napoleonic Wars Podcast, we sit down with historian and author Josh Provan to break down this bloody, high stakes showdown. We explore the political intrigue that led to war in India, the geography around the village of Assaye, and the snap decision that saw Wellesley launch his outnumbered army into one of the fiercest fights of his life. From desperate bayonet charges to Wellesley himself rallying troops in the thick of battle, Assaye has it all: courage, chaos, and consequences that reshaped British power in India.

If you love epic battles, leadership under fire, and the origins of a legend, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

More of Josh Provan's work can be found here Joshua Provan - Biography | Helion & Company | Military History Books

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